THE Fiji Men’s Netball side is leaving no stone unturned ahead of next week’s highly anticipated clash against Tonga Men’s team in the Men’s Invitational Series 2026.
Team manager Kelera Tuqovu is confident that the squad is ready for the challenge.
“I can say that the team is well prepared mentally, physically and spiritually,” she said.
The management team and coaching staff have spent the past three weeks fine-tuning player combinations as they look to build consistency before stepping onto the court against their Pacific rivals.
“The coach has been working entirely on the combinations of all the players. I think that’s the important thing we were doing in the last three weeks,” Tuqovu said.
She believes the continuity within the squad has been a major advantage, with many players having competed together since 2024.
The Fiji side first made its mark internationally during the Nations Cup Series in Singapore, where they defeated Australia’s under-18 side.
They later featured in the Australian men’s and women’s mixed netball championship in Melbourne before claiming the title in the same tournament they are preparing for now last year.
“I think I can say that the boys are well prepared and they are ready to take on the court next week,” she said.
Selecting the final 15-member squad, however, was not easy.
Tuqovu said the management and selectors closely monitored attendance, attitude, skill level and overall performance before finalising the team.
“The management, the coach and the national selectors have done their best to pick the final 15,” she said.
She added that the squad had grown stronger since its previous international outings, particularly in teamwork and understanding each other’s playing styles.
“As Pacific Islanders, we have the flair and running style of game, so it will be interesting to watch,” Tuqovu said.
A strong performance against Tonga would also provide momentum for Fiji’s long-term ambitions ahead of the Fiji Men’s Netball World Cup in 2028.
Tuqovu has called on supporters from around the country to rally behind the national side next week.
The three-days tournament will kick start from May 18th until 20th at 7pm daily at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.
