THE Fiji Pearls netball team is demanding a major overhaul of Netball Fiji’s leadership and management following a disastrous showing at the recent Pacific AUS Sports Netball Series in Brisbane, Australia.
In a scathing letter to Netball Fiji president RubyAnn Sorovaki, the Pearls detailed a litany of logistical and organisational failures that plagued their participation in the tournament.
The letter stated that problems began even before the team’s departure, with a meager $20 airport allowance setting the tone for the mismanagement to come.
Upon arrival in Brisbane, the team was met with a lack of transportation and meal arrangements, accommodation was also subpar, with inadequate meeting room facilities.
On court, the Pearls faced significant challenges with the scheduling of games presenting logistical challenges.
The letter stated that the team suffered from inadequate warm-up time due to transport issues.
It went on to say that the team lacked qualified medical staff or insurance, forcing players to rely on basic first aid. Post-game conditions were equally appalling, with players often left without proper dinner arrangements.
The players also raised concerns about financial mismanagement, stating that they were promised $250 in allowance but only received $150, with the remaining $100 contingent on returning their playing kits.
“The overall experience was one of exhaustion and frustration,” the players wrote.
The letter asserted that the current leadership has hindered the team’s progress and undermined their potential, questioning the allocation of DFAT funding.
In a show of solidarity, the Pearls have aligned themselves with the 15 District Netball Presidents in their motion of no confidence in the current Netball Fiji president and executive.
Questions were sent to Netball Fiji president Sorovaki but there was no response when this edition went to press last night.
