MGM girls gain valuable exposure ahead of Nationals

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School (MGM) netball coach Temalesi Tukana believes the MPaisa Central Rally is crucial for her young players' development, offering vital exposure against stronger competition just a week before the Fiji Secondary Schools Netball Nationals.

Tukana's Under-17 squad is participating in its age group, while the Under-19 players are stepping up to compete in the Open grade. She views this as a significant advantage, stating, "For the 19s, they're being exposed to playing Open grade level. They're not playing Under-21, but they are playing Open grade, so that is a good boost for them for the coming games next week."

The team has dedicated the past four months to intensive preparation. This included participating in Suva rallies and now the Central Rally as part of their final build-up. Their training regimen is comprehensive, incorporating both morning and afternoon sessions, alongside boxing and gym work to build the players' fitness and physicality.

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For the 19s, they're being exposed to playing Open grade level. They're not playing Under-21, but they are playing Open grade, so that is a good boost for them for the coming games next week.

Tukana emphasized the importance of such competitions for players aspiring to reach the national level. She noted that MGM already has an Under-17 player involved with the Fiji Nationals, illustrating the pathway that events like the Central Rally can create. "This competition is actually good for grassroots level. So when they go for exposure, they've already been exposed here, so when they go for Nationals, they're at another level, a better level than national secondary school," she explained.

With the Secondary Schools Nationals looming, MGM's focus is on maximizing their final week of preparation. The experience gained at the Central Rally is expected to serve as a valuable test for the young squad, equipping them for the challenges ahead.

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This competition is actually good for grassroots level. So when they go for exposure, they've already been exposed here, so when they go for Nationals, they're at another level, a better level than national secondary school.