The Pearls Selection Team claimed an impressive 48–36 victory over the British Army Netball in a friendly clash at the Vodafone Arena in Suva on Saturday.
The match was organised by the Petero Civoniceva Foundation and Petero Sports Tours featured a mix of under-21 and senior players, the Pearls Selection displayed outstanding teamwork and speed throughout the game.
Pearls Selection team manager Jofiliti Veikoso praised the players for their performance, especially given their limited preparation time.
“This was our first time bringing together our U21 players and senior Pearls,” Veikoso said. “Despite the short preparation, the girls came together and played beyond expectations.”
He said the younger players were especially inspired to share the court with former Fiji Pearls stars Bolakoro, Nawele, and Maria Matau, who played for the opposing British Army team.
“Seeing these former Pearls on the other side reminded our young players what it truly means to represent Fiji,” he added. “It gave them confidence and belief that one day, they too can wear that blue dress with pride.”
Veikoso thanked the Petero Civoniceva Foundation for hosting the event and creating these opportunities for local players.
“They’re doing great work, building from the grassroots and connecting Fijian talent to the world. Partnering with Netball Fiji and bringing in international teams like the British Army helps our girls grow,” he said.
He also shared that this tournament marks an important step forward for the team.
“This is the beginning of our journey toward future tournaments, even the World Cup. The girls know they’re part of something special, and they play with heart.”
Lauren Jagger, Managing Director of Petero Sports Tours, said today’s game was more than compeition but more about connection, learning, and community.
Since 2014, the Petero Civoniceva Foundation has worked across Fiji’s schools and villages, helping children and young athletes through sports and education. Through Petero Sports Tours, the organisation has also brought teams from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to Fiji for friendly matches.
“We believe in three things, culture, competition, and community,” Jagger said. “When we go into schools and communities, we don’t just play. We share, we learn, and we grow together.”
Dee Bolakoro: Coming Home Through Netball
Former Fiji Pearls defender Dee Bolakoro returned home with the British Army Netball Team to face the Fiji Pearls selection in the Petero Civoniceva Foundation Tournament.
For Bolakoro, the Petero Civoniceva Foundation Netball Tournament was more than a match, it was a homecoming.
Bolakoro, who is a sergeant in the British Army returned to Fiji to play against the Pearls selection side, bringing with her years of experience and deep pride in the game that shaped her.
“It felt special to be back home and seeing my family on the sidelines, hearing the cheers. It reminded me how far netball has taken me.
Despite the heavy heat and tough competition, Bolakoro said the British Army girls gave everything they had.
“We knew the Fiji Pearls would come out strong, and they did,” she said. “The intensity was high, but we held our own. Some of our players struggled a bit with the weather, but that’s part of the experience. We were just proud to be out there.”
Bolakoro also had to adapt on court, taking up the shooter role after a teammate’s injury. “It’s not my usual position, but I wanted to help where I could, It was nerve-wracking, but it reminded me that growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.”
Reflecting on the Fiji Pearls selection team, Bolakoro was full of admiration.
“I’ve seen a big improvement in the team,” she said. “Their fitness, their structure, the way they communicate. You can see the discipline and hard work paying off.”
Bolakoro believes tournaments like this carry deeper meaning.
“Playing a national team is a great opportunity, and this tournament gave both teams a chance to experience different styles of play, to build confidence, and to believe in their own potential. “
