New Oceania Netball president is optimistic despite challenges

RNZ News

2 days ago

New Oceania Netball president Salote Sisifa.
Photo:
OCN
The new Oceania Netball Federation president says there is a lot of work to be done to ensure that the sport's growth and development continue to align with and be in step with international growth.
Tonga's Salote Adi Lopaukamea Sisifa was confirmed as president at the 10th Oceania Netball annual general meeting in Nuku'alofa on Thursday.
Her appointment comes amid changes announced by World Netball last week, which include holding the Netball World Cup (NWC) every two years and introducing a Men's World Cup.
"I think it is both welcoming and a surprise at the same time for all of us in Oceania," Sisifa told RNZ Pacific from Nuku'alofa.
"We are currently struggling with the four-year cycle of getting teams to competitions. I think World Netball is still taking feedback in terms of how to actually roll this out, and from Oceania we have feedback on that to be given."
The world governing body for the sport has announced that from NWC 2027 onwards, the format and schedule of the NWC will change, including the introduction of cup and plate competitions.
It is part of World Netball's wider mission to develop and deliver a pipeline of international events that showcase the very best of its sport to more people more often, taking netball into a new chapter.
After NWC 2027 in Sydney, all future World Cups will take place in November.
With the new two-year world cup cycle, the next NWC will be held in November 2029, while in between the two years there will be a new biennial event from November 2028, that will take place in non-NWC years.
"It's challenging times for the world, in all areas, but more so in sports," she said.
"Trying to get teams out there to competitions, trying to get world rankings, and trying to move up in world rankings for the teams in Oceania
"Those are some of the challenges and the common challenges of the Pacific that we face."
Sisifa, who was interim president for a few months, was confirmed as the new president and replaces the late Wainikiti Waqa of Fiji, who died in January this year.
She said she was humbled and honoured to be appointed to the role.
"I'm well aware that this trust comes with responsibilities, expectations, and of course challenges," she said.
"I'm excited to take on this role for the best interests of Oceania Netball, and I look forward to working with the executives of Oceania Netball, and the member countries to implement and sustain our shared visions and goals."
Sisifa said she is still trying to take in the responsibility and what it means, but believes the support of the regional federations, and that of her own local team in Nuku'alofa, will be a major boost for her.
"Work is just ongoing. This is something we have done and keep doing in this line of work, having served as the interim president," she said from Nuku'alofa.
"I am very humbled for the trust to give me and Tonga the opportunity to lead as president."
She said Tonga Netball was able to share with the Oceania representatives at the annual general meeting how they have managed to partner with stakeholders, including the Tongan government and Australia, to develop the sport.
Sisifa said the importance of partnership is something that she wants to continue to emphasise to Oceania members.
"One of the strengths of Tonga Netball is being there for other organisations and those other organisations will be there for your organisation, which I hope we can take out into a Oceania perspective," she said.
"Or tailor it as something that can happen for Oceania, for the governments to come through and support netball because it is the leading women's sport in the Pacific and now netball has opened up to men and a world cup is coming up."
Oceania Netball said Sisifa brings a wealth of experience, and a strong passion and commitment to lead netball in Oceania.
"Sisifa has had an extensive career as a leadership executive in netball and journalism," Oceania netball said in their statement.
"She is currently the CEO of Tonga Netball Association, and has a successful track record of achievements such as taking the Kingdom of Tonga to new heights in the regional and international Netball Stage.
"Importantly, Sisifa has demonstrated clear vision, commitment, and leadership qualities befitting to lead, enhance and sustain the development of netball in Oceania."
Sisifa is now the third president of Oceania Netball, following the late Bogidrau, who served as the second president from 2019 to 2024, and Nina Brown of the Cook Islands, who served as the first president from 2014 to 2019.