BASKETBALL Fiji, has announced its 30-member squad to the inaugural FIBA U15 Oceania Championships in Papua New Guinea from December 3- 8.
The boys and girls teams are made up of 15 boys and 15 girls plus four officials.
Girls’ team head coach Seini Samson said her side had some top players.
“Having named the team early gives us enough time to prepare for the tournament in December,” Samson said.
“Two of our youngest players are in primary school, but on the court they have proven themselves worthy to represent Fiji.”
William Peters, the head coach for the boys’ team said it was difficult decision to select his final team.
“The boys had continuously improved every week. At the end we had to select the strongest 12 players,” he said.
“Our aim is to finish in the top four in the tournament. Participating countries will bring their best teams, so competition will be tough.”
BF chief operations officer Laisiasa Puamau said a lot of work had been done to select the teams.
“We thank the team managers and coaches, parents and Basketball Fiji executives for the decision to introduce a national U15 program and Fiji National Sports Commission for its commitment to the teams’ airfares to Papua New Guinea.”
He said the U15 tournament would allow young players to expose their talents.
Teams: Fiji U15 Girls – Estelle Kainamoli, Moana Liebregts, Sofaia Kacisolomone, Atelaite Vesikula, Sara Fina Manulevu, Ranadi Koroi, Elenoa Kuboutawa, Ilisapeci Doladei, Eseta Clair Navunisaravi, Erica Bulmel, Joadhan Taukave, Lily Waqa Alternate : Jayne Cerelala, Ro Kelera Waqarawai, Maria Naloli Fiji U15 Boys – Hayden Carr, Simon Colala, Shravan Dayal, Hendrix Harm, Keenan Hughes, Ros Koroi, Tui Lesuma, Nalani May, Tomasi Ravai, Tevita Vuiyanuca, Joeli Ravai Lorima Mucunabitu Alternate: Eashan Singh, George Peters, Mareko Kunau.
Players can contact BF officials Apenisa Naitini on 7778 606 or William Qounadovu on 739 6644 for enquiries.
*SOURCE: BASKETBALL FIJI
