| Fadhil Yunus |
THE national under-21 netball team have been confirmed to compete in the Korea Invitational Netball Tournament amid growing pressure that withdrawal could raise doubts in the running of the tournament in Jeonju City at the end of the month.
Brunei’s participation in the Korean meet has been considered essential as the minor tournament is being staged as a dry run for the country’s potential hosting of the next Asia Youth Netball Championship in 2017.
“We have been informed that we have to go to the tournament,” said national coach Thilaka Jinadasa in an interview after a training session at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex recently.
The country’s netball association, Brunei Netball Association (BNA) has therefore avoided being put in a delicate position with the announcement that they have given the nod for the youth team to travel, quickly denouncing any concerns that the tournament will be cancelled.
Regardless whether the team misses out on much-needed competition in Korea or not, Jinadasa still carries out training on a regular basis.
“We never stopped training no matter what. It did not affect the training whether we were going or not.”
The national under-21 netball team in a group photo. – MOHAMMAD ASYRAMISYANIE
Jinadasa felt that her players from the recently concluded Asian Netball Championships can serve as an advantage who can also lead the team especially with the shooters still qualified to play at the youth level.
“It will be an advantage for Brunei in this under-21 tournament,” the national coach asserted.
The six fresh faces have been considered new to international netball with one of the players boasting experience in the Asean School Games.
“The five players will have their first encounter in the international arena,” added Jinadasa.
Dayangku Khalisha binti Pengiran Abdul Rahman has been tasked to operate as centre with the defensive and attacking positions set to be occupied by the senior team-mates.
Jinadasa felt that she has the right balance despite the inexperience of six players in the squad.
“I don’t see it as an advantage in this situation because we have a good mix of experience and new players,” she added.
“I’m pretty sure we can end the tournament in the best way for Brunei,” she added.
Jinadasa has set a target for her team to finish either first or second with the national team grouped with Japan, Korea, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong.
“If the shooters are able to keep their focus and maintain their accuracy, I’m sure this will be our tournament,” she concluded.
The post Brunei under-21 team to take part in Korea meet appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.