THE Nasinu Netball Association officially launched its new season with a knockout tournament at the National Netball Centre in Suva on Saturday.
Association secretary Marica Leweniqila said the tournament played an important role in determining which clubs would compete in the super, premier and senior divisions.
“The knockout tournament is held because we want to categorise and give the teams their gradings.
“When the season starts next week, all the team managers and coaches will know where their teams belong,” Leweniqila said.
A total of 16 women’s teams, six men’s teams, four mixed teams and four princess grade teams participated in the knockout.
Among the major contenders in the super grade are defending champions Police, and last year’s runners up Covenant Sisters.
Leweniqila described hese two teams as the “big names” in Nasinu netball.
Leweniqila also highlighted the rise in participation this year, with new clubs such as Blizzards and Kabuleka women’s teams joining the association, while more clubs are expected to confirm registration in the coming weeks.
Leweniqila said the competition had become more than just a sporting event, describing it as a community gathering where families turn up to support players.
“It’s always like a family day out, so everyone comes out to support Nasinu Netball,” she said.
The 10-week season will run every weekend from next week until early July, with matches scheduled for Saturdays at the National Netball Centre.
Covenant Sister Elena Dirikibau in action during the Nasinu Netball Association knockout competition at the National Netball Center yesterday. Picture: JONA KONATACI
Covenant Sisters goal shooter Elena Dirikibau in action during the Nasinu Netball Association knockout competition at the National Netball Centre on Saturday. Picture: JONA KONATACI n INSET: Nasinu Netball Association secretary Marica Leweniqila. Picture: KATA KOLI
