MEMBERS of the Baby Pearls netball team believe more international exposure will help the side lift its standing.
Fiji under-21 skipper Episake Kahatoka and ace shooter Maliana Rusivakula said getting international exposure would further improve Fiji’s standing in world netball.
The duo played an integral part for the Baby Pearls in their recent fourth spot finish at the 2017 Netball World Youth World Cup held in Bostwana.
The team’s achievement is the first for any Fijian netball team to achieve at any world cup.
Kahatoka said more international exposure would help Fiji’s campaign in the next world youth meet scheduled in Fiji.
She said three of her teammates were 16 years old and they would be eligible for the next youth world cup.
“I believe we need to expose these girls to be exposed to more competitive games as we have many talented young players in the team,” said Kahatoka.
“Three of the players in this team are 16 years old while others are 19 and 20 years old —— so they will be still around for the next world youth cup.”
Rusivakula echoed the same sentiments for the need to give our netters international exposure.
“Yes we need more exposure to keep on playing better.”
Meanwhile, the duo was excited with their achievement in Botswana.
They attributed their success to the sheer hard work being made during their preparation.
Kahatoka said the girls had reaped the fruit of their hard work and thanked their loved ones and sponsors for their support.
“We also thank the Government and the people of Fiji for their prayers,” she said.
