The netball world is mourning the loss of Wainikiti “Kiti” Bogidrau, former Netball Fiji President and Oceania Regional Netball Director.
She passed away on Tuesday after a short illness.
Known for her dedication and leadership, Kiti made a lasting impact on netball in Fiji and the region, inspiring players and administrators alike.
Tributes from Oceania Netball, World Netball, and Tonga Netball highlight her legacy as a mentor, a pioneer for women in sports, and a champion of growth and unity in the game.
Oceania Netball Secretariat Nicola Jones paid a heartfelt tribute, describing Kiti as an inspirational leader.
“Her unwavering commitment and passion for netball have left an indelible mark on our community, inspiring us all to strive for growth, excellence and collaboration. This all feels surreal,” she said.
Tonga Netball CEO Salote Sisifa also expressed her deep sorrow, sharing personal memories of Kiti’s generosity and mentorship.
“She was my mentor and my first friend when I became Netball CEO for Tonga,” she said.
“Entering this new space was daunting, but Kiti was always there, guiding me with advice, sharing her experiences and encouraging me to adapt strategies for Tonga.”
Sisifa fondly recalled their professional rivalry on the court and friendship off it.
“We were competitors on court and great friends off court. She gave me the first rope to hold on to while I found myself in the world of netball.”
Global tributes
World Netball also issued a statement, mourning the loss of an integral leader.
“Kiti’s contributions over her 20-year journey in netball administration have been profound,” the statement said.
“She was a pivotal presence in Fiji and Oceania, serving as president of Netball Fiji from 2010 to 2020, then as president of Oceania Netball, and finally as director of the Oceania region on the World Netball Board.”
World Netball highlighted her dedication to the game, both as a player and an administrator, noting her gentle personality and thoughtful reflections that shaped many critical decisions.
A family pillar
For Kiti’s family, her loss is deeply personal. Her brother, Sevuloni Waqa, shared insights into her roots and role within the family.
“The Lomati, Nabukelevu, Kadavu native was a devoted woman of God and a loving presence in our family,” Waqa said.
“She always rallied us together for church and community obligations.
“She was looking forward to her first grandson at the end of this month. I will truly miss her. She was present for every family milestone, every birthday, every success.”
Journalism field
Before her rise in netball administration, Kiti made a name for herself in journalism. Iliesa Tora, who worked with her at The Fiji Times in the early 1990s, recalled her hard work and determination.
“She was a team player and a go-getter,” Tora said.
“Her ability to break stories strengthened our newsroom. I followed her rise in netball and later in her career with pride. Fiji has lost a young woman destined for greater things.”
Kiti’s journey from a journalist to a transformative leader in netball has inspired many. Her impact on the sport and her contributions to empowering women and communities in Oceania will be remembered for generations.
On behalf of the global netball family, World Netball offered its condolences: “May Kiti rest in peace, proud of the positive impact she has had in our world.”
Her funeral will be held next Friday.
She will be laid to rest at Nasinu cemetery.
