BASKETBALL Fiji interim chief operating officer William Peters says securing venues remains one of the biggest challenges facing the sport despite continued growth in local competitions.
Peters revealed that venue availability has been an ongoing issue over the years, forcing the organisation into repeated negotiations to confirm courts for major tournaments.
“We’re working with Fiji Sports Council to be able to book down our events well in advance so we’re not running around or having to have negotiations with them every so often,” Peters said.
Despite the challenge, Basketball Fiji has managed to secure venues for two of its biggest tournaments this year — the secondary schools’ championship and the Vodafone Fiji Cup competition.
Peters said resolving venue uncertainty is a major priority because it directly impacts planning, logistics and the overall quality of competitions.
The Vodafone Fiji Cup competition will feature 16 teams, with eight men’s and eight women’s sides representing the four major associations around the country — Raiwaqa, Central, Nadi and Lautoka.
Peters added that western teams are preparing strongly for the tournament and are expected to bring fierce competition for the title.
He said Basketball Fiji hopes to continue building the event in the coming years as the sport gains momentum around the country.
