THE Crest Fiji Pearls are turning to their young debutants as they begin rebuilding towards the next World Cup in 2029 and a potential Olympic campaign in 2032.
Fiji missed out on qualification for the 2027 Netball World Cup after losses to Samoa and Tonga in the Oceania qualifier in Tonga this week.
But head coach Michelle Parsons told this newspaper the introduction of 18-year-old Elizabeth Ilisapeci Adrole and 20-year-old Frances Vula was part of a longer-term plan to develop the next generation of Pearls.
“Well, it’s a three-year cycle for us. And obviously this has been a short runway for us to get to here,” Parsons said.
She said Fiji was now looking beyond the disappointment of missing the 2027 World Cup, with the next qualification opportunity coming in 2028 for the 2029 World Cup.
“For us we’re looking at four different international campaigns to keep our girls pushing hard. Because 2028 we go for qualification again for the 2029 World Cup.”
Parsons said giving younger players international exposure would be important as Fiji develops its squad over the coming years.
She said overseas-based Fijian players, including those recovering from injury, were also interested in returning to the national programme for future campaigns.
“So, for us the first goal was making World Cup qualifiers. But we’re aiming for 2029 World Cup as well. And we’re looking for the 2032 Olympics to help build.”
World Netball and Netball Australia are currently pursuing the potential inclusion of netball at Brisbane 2032.
Parsons said Fiji’s development would also be aimed at showcasing the sport in the Pacific and strengthening its case for Olympic inclusion.
