Netball Samoa, also known as Tifa Moana, recently made history by winning the PacificAus Sports Netball Series for the first time. The team not only secured the trophy but did so with an undefeated record, marking a significant milestone in Samoan netball. Team Manager Justine Samu shared insights on the team's journey, challenges, and the future of Netball Samoa in an exclusive interview.
A Landmark Victory for Samoa
Samu reflected on the magnitude of the achievement, stating that the win was still surreal. “The amount of work that has gone in behind the scenes just to get our team there has been immense,” she said. The victory has now placed Samoa in a strong position to qualify for the Commonwealth Games, with an expected improvement in world rankings, having defeated higher-ranked teams such as Fiji (14th), Scotland (10th), and Tonga (8th).
“Our ranking will be released on March 1st, and we hope to break into the top 12 to secure our Commonwealth Games spot,” she added.
Team Dynamics and Challenges
Samoa entered the competition with confidence in their squad but had only three days to bring the team together before the tournament. “We had a strong team on paper, but it’s another thing to get them to work well together,” Samu admitted.
Despite injuries, the team’s versatility proved to be a key asset. “We took a squad of 14 where all players could take the court. Even when we had injuries, our depth allowed us to shift players and maintain our level of performance,” she explained.
Keys to Success
Samu credited the team’s success to their strengthened culture and support system. “We focused on creating connections and making sure our athletes felt supported, both on and off the court.” This year, the team introduced a wellness manager to provide mental health support, which she believes played a crucial role in the team’s ability to handle pressure.
The final match against Scotland was particularly challenging. “We told our players to focus on their own strengths and not be intimidated by the opponent. It was about positive reinforcement and executing our game plan,” she said.
Head coach Natalie Matthews emphasised squad depth, rotating all 14 players effectively throughout the tournament. “We had different combinations that forced the opposition to readapt constantly. This strategy kept them on the back foot while our team remained prepared for any situation.”
Overcoming Barriers for the Future
Looking ahead, Samoa faces challenges in securing funding and more international matches to further improve their ranking. “Samoa is a small country, and all sports teams are reaching out to the same sponsors. We need to expand our partnerships globally,” Samu emphasised.
She also highlighted the need to engage with top Samoan players abroad. “We’ve reached out, but there are contractual restrictions, especially with players in New Zealand and Australia. We need to work around these barriers and encourage more international Samoan athletes to represent their heritage.”
A Message to Supporters
Samu concluded with gratitude to all those who contributed to the team’s success. “We want to thank Netball Australia, the Australian government, our President Peseta Nomea Simi, and all the supporters back home and abroad. This victory is for all of Samoa.”
With their historic win, Netball Samoa has signalled their readiness to compete at the highest levels, and the journey to the Commonwealth Games is just beginning. The team now hopes to build on this momentum and continue making strides in international netball.
(Watch the full interview on Wednesday on Sports Talanoa.)
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