THE Crest Fiji Pearls disappointing Oceania Netball Championship campaign may have ended its hopes of reaching the 2027 Netball World Cup, but rivals Samoa and Tonga believe the Pearls’ setback will only fuel their resurgence.
The Fijians finished third in Nuku’alofa this month after suffering defeats to both Tonga and Samoa, ending its proud record of 10 Netball World Cup appearances.
Their absence from the 2027 tournament will be only the second time Fiji has missed the global showpiece, following the 1995 World Championship in Birmingham, England.
Despite the disappointment, Tonga Tala netball coach Jaqua Pori Makea-Simpson and Samoa Tifaimoana netball coach Natalie Mathews were impressed by the young Pearls, describing them as talented, competitive and capable of pushing their teams throughout the championship.
“There is so much depth in Fiji netball that we never ever take them lightly as an opponent. It was a really, tough match,” Jaqua said.
Netball Fiji Transition Oversight Committee chairperson Vasiti Vugakoto says the setback must become the foundation for a long-term rebuilding programme.
With the next World Cup qualifier scheduled for 2028, Vugakoto says Fiji has the whole of 2027 to rebuild, develop its players and provide greater international exposure as the Pearls target a return to the world stage in 2029.
