From fijilive.com
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National netball captain and now Fiji basketball key player Matila Waqanidrola is all geared up to help the Fiji women’s team secure a spot at the 2008 Beijing Olympics when they travel to Spain for the qualifiers.
Making her international debut at the FIBA Olympic qualifier in Madrid, Spain, Waqanidrola has vowed to be at her best after she was recently selected to be part of the 12-member contingent.
“It’s an honour to be selected for the qualifiers because it was difficult fighting against the experienced players for a spot in the side. I just started playing Basketball in February and I still feel there is room for improvement in terms of skills. It’s practically the same ball game as netball but basketball requires a lot of powerful workout and skills,” Waqanidrola said.
Representing Fiji at the 2007 World Netball Championship was her biggest sporting achievement but Waqanidrola knows what to expect during the tour.
“This is another once in a lifetime opportunity for me, I have toured with the netball side and I know the expectations of the coaches during international events. I have two sports in hand so my chance of retaining my spot in this team relies on my performance.”
Meanwhile, the Fiji women’s basketball team flew out of the country on Monday night enroute to Spain. The team has received substantial funding for over $100,000 from the International Olympic Committee Solidarity program specifically provided to assist a team sport to qualify for the Olympic Games.
Additional financial support has been received by FIBA as well as the Fiji Government via the Ministry of Sports. The Team is due to play their first round in Spain against the home team Spain this Friday.
Team Manager is Deborah Hazelman with Coach Michael Whippy, assisted by Stuart Manwaring. Accompanying the team is Basketball Fiji’s newly appointed President Iowane Naivalurua and local team physiotherapist Sharlene Nand.
