A wave of grief has shrouded the netball fraternity in Fiji and around the world following the passing of former Fiji Pearls player and coach Unaisi Rokoura.
Rokoura, who was 47 years old at the time of her passing, was swept away by strong currents while searching for freshwater mussels in Navuso near Nausori last Saturday.
She was with three other women at the time, one of them a 34-year-old who was also swept away, resulting in her demise.
Search efforts to find Rokoura’s body were conducted by divers from the Fiji Police Force and Republic of Fiji Navy and lasted three days.
Her body was found near a Waila dredging plant, nearly four kilometres from where she was last seen and was recovered on Monday.
Playing and coaching career
When Rokoura was only 17 years old in 1995, she made her debut for Fiji and it was the genesis of an 11-year stint in the sport.
She represented Fiji in six Pacific Games, two Commonwealth Games and two Netball World Championships, and captained the Fiji Pearls from 1997 to 2006.
Besides playing four quarters of netball, she was involved in other sports such as hockey, rugby 15s, basketball and beach volleyball.
Netball Fiji mentioned her foray into these sports as “her extraordinary versatility and commitment to sport”.
Switching roles, Rokoura was head coach of the Fiji Pearls from 2009 to 2013, the country co-ordinator of NetGO Fiji from 2017 to 2022, and head coach of the Pearls once more from 2022 to 2024.
She knew the intricacies of the sport like the back of her hand and that acumen was spotted by Netball Papua New Guinea, where she ventured to be head coach of the Pepes from 2015 to 2017 and a consultant coach for its under-21 team.
Besides her speciality in netball, she was also a fitness instructor at the Laucala Campus gym of the University of the South Pacific from 2007 to 2014.
At a club level, she was part of the Suva Netball Association, where she was coach and player under the CBM Netball Club.
Tributes flow in for Rokoura
RubyAnn Sorovaki, president of Netball Fiji, paid tribute to the late player and coach, describing her as a remarkable athlete, coach, mentor and friend.
“We are heartbroken by this tragic loss,” Sorovaki said.
“Many of us will now be reminiscing and sharing the different journeys and experiences we shared with this great friend and sportsperson.”
Netball Papua New Guinea
It said the organisation and the Pepes squad of 2014 and 2015 were shocked and saddened by Rokoura’s sudden passing, while noting how impactful her tenure had been as their head coach at the time.
“Her influence extended far beyond the court – she inspired many of our athletes to believe in themselves and play with pride for our country.”
“Rest in peace, Coach Unaisi, your Netball PNG family will never forget you.”
Netball Australia
In a statement, Netball Australia lamented her loss, stating she was an all-round remarkable individual who made an enduring contribution to netball and inspired many through the values she embodied, such as leadership, commitment and passion for the game.
“She was an integral member of our netball family, devoted to advancing the sport and nurturing its growth for the benefit of all,” the Australian body said.
Tonga Netball
The netball organisation joined Netball Fiji and the international netball community in mourning “our colleague and friend” and said their prayers and thoughts were with her family during this time.
Suva Netball
The association stated on social media platform Meta (Facebook) how her passing had greatly afflicted them, stating it “caused a profoundly painful experience.”
“The tragic loss brought shock and disbelief because we never expected and were not ready for it,” the association lamented.
“Unaisi (Rokoura) truly had the passion – she loved and lived netball, such an all-rounder and impacted the wider netball community.”
It added she made her last appearance under the association with the second season of the Business Houses Competition recently.
Savusavu Netball
The Vanua Levu association reflected on her connection to the North, saying it was a deep one that was heartfelt and genuine and said she always remained grounded despite her achievements.
“Her legacy reaches far beyond the courts, leaving behind not just accolades, but lives she touched and inspired through her commitment to the game.”
It added her travel within the association had benefited its coaches, trainers and players.
“Her numerous visits to Savusavu has been instrumental in elevating the standard of netball in our region.”
Fiji Men’s & Mixed Netball
It said the netball community had lost one of its champions in a tragic way.
“While she was a heavily decorated sports figure in Fiji, for many in our space, she was just kind,” the association said on its official page on Facebook.
“She made everyone feel seen. She welcomed all onto the netball court and gave everyone respect.”
Santa Rosa Netball Club
The club, based in the city of Santa Rosa in California, is a member of USA Netball and made up of Fijian players.
It also expressed its sadness at Rokoura’s passing, stating she was a true ambassador of the sport for Fiji on the world stage.
“Her passion, discipline and commitment to the game have left an enduring mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.”
Family members
Rokoura is survived by her father Tomu Rokoura, brother Aseri, sister-in-law Lusi and her nieces and nephews.
The late Unaisi Rokoura stresses a point during a training session on Thursday, June 15, 2023 at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva. Picture: FILE
The late Unaisi Rokoura in action during her playing days with the Fiji Pearls. Picture: M2006 NETBALL
