The Fiji women’s under-19 cricket side will be undergoing a training camp next month as they prepare for the upcoming East Asia World Cup Qualifiers in May.
This was confirmed by Fiji Cricket chief executive officer Sitiveni Rokoro yesterday.
“A team assembly and briefing is scheduled for Saturday, March 30 (Easter Saturday), that is when all players including those in boarding schools will be available,” he said.
“A training session will follow this briefing. A camp is earmarked to be held in the first week of the first term school holiday, commencing from April 6 until the team flies out on April 12.”
The side was selected early this week, with members being scouted from domestic and secondary school competitions from 2022.
“The players were primarily selected from the 2022/2023-2023/2024 senior women’s league and the 2023-2024 U19 secondary schools competition.
Notably, five players are from Tailevu North College.
“These players are also integral members of the Northland Blaze Cricket Club that participates in the Suva senior women’s competition.
“Their selection highlights the success of the development work undertaken by our development officers in Tailevu. These girls represent a consistent development pathway from primary to secondary school and onto senior women’s club competition.” With this being a historic outing for the side, Rokoro said being part of the qualifiers was an achievement in itself.
“This is the first national women’s U19 team to be selected to participate in a regional qualifier and we do not expect much.
“Nonetheless, we have full confidence in the development process these girls have undergone over the past five years, honing their skills through established pathways.
“Some players have forced their way into the team especially those from the Lau Province which is synonymous with the sport of cricket. Having been exposed to cricket since childhood within their communities, their natural talent have been further polished through our competitions.
“This upcoming world cup qualifying tournament in Indonesia will surely serve as a testing ground for these young talents.”
