The final phase of training and preparation is now underway for the Fiji Under-19 teams leading up to the 2014 FIBA Oceania Under-19 Basketball Championship next month.

Women's coach Dale Sauqaqa made these sentiments during the official uniform presentation by major sponsor BLK at Olympic House in Suva yesterday. Sauqaqa was confident with the pace of preparations the young side had undertaken.

"We're now in the last phase of preparations and we're down to the final 12 girls," Sauqaqa said.

"We started off with a field of 40 students and now we're just finalising the combinations, set plays and polishing up over these last weeks.

"This team has been selected based on their level of commitment and it's a very encouraging sign for Basketball Fiji and the future of the sport because there are so many young girls. This is a very young squad with an average age of 15.

"The level of training has been very demanding for the team and the 12 girls showed they had the ability to persevere. We definitely have to thank the parents for their support."

Sauqaqa confirmed national rep Tianna Kainamoli has been selected to be captain because of her experience.

"Tianna will captain the team. She is the most expereinced as the oldest and having toured with the national senior team before and she brings much knowledge and skills. We will confirm our team soon."

The 2014 FIBA Oceania Under 19 Basketball Championships will be hosted in Suva on December 1-6,

 

Source: <http://fijisun.com.fj/2014/11/02/final-lap-to-oceania-meet/>

November 2nd 2014

Eroni Tuinaceva