SUVA’S volleyball clubs are stepping up their preparations for the new national season, using their weekly competitions to build match fitness and maintain momentum ahead of next week’s Fiji Volleyball Club Championship.
Speaking during the weekly club games at the National Netball Centre yesterday, Suva Volleyball Association games commissioner Jone Baleilomaloma said the competition provided valuable playing time for clubs preparing to represent the association.
“Right now we are working towards the club championship which is happening next week. Our top four clubs from our competition will be participating in that tournament,” Baleilomaloma said.
Suva’s club competition is divided into Premier and A divisions, while weekly challenge matches also provide opportunities for leading teams to test themselves against one another.
“That’s why we have our club games. We give much-needed game time, competitive game time to our teams that are going to represent Suva in that competition,” he said.
Volleyball associations around the country conduct weekly club games to keep players active and ensure their teams are ready for the opening competition of the national volleyball calendar.
Baleilomaloma said Suva had already identified its top four men’s and women’s teams through its knockout championship.
Beyond preparing its representatives, Suva will also have a title to defend, with Avengers Blue returning as the reigning men’s champions.
Their presence adds another incentive for the association’s clubs as they look to carry their domestic form into the national competition.
Baleilomaloma said Suva was hopeful its representatives could deliver another strong performance and retain the shield.
“Hopefully our club gets to retain that shield again,” he said.
The competition will see teams from across Suva, West and the North to compete for national honours.
The Fiji Volleyball Club Championship will be held at the National Netball Centre from Thursday to Saturday next week.
