Nauqe Sisters Proud To Make Team Fiji

21-year-old Beranadeta Nauqe and 23-year-old Anaseini Nauqe are both relishing the opportunity they have to represent Team Fiji at the Pacific Games this month in the sports of Basketball and Netball, respectively.

The two have been playing sports ever since they started school in Australia, but both started in the sport of netball.

The two developed their love for sports in the 10 years they resided in Australia; upon moving back to Fiji, Anaseini and Beranadeta knew they wanted to represent their country.

Anaseini also managed to make the team to the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa, where they were placed 11th.

Beranadeta said her love for sports started with basketball while she was in High school in Australia.

Both sisters said growing up, sports was a way to navigate the difficulties of life, especially in Australia.

"Growing up in Australia, we didn’t have a lot financially; we’d buy worn-outsecond-hand shoes to wear for our netball games, and sometimes we’d catch a ride with other teammates' families to go to tournaments or just to training," Anaseini said.

Both said returning to Fiji was definitely a challenge to adapt to the way of life here and the style of playing sports, especially netball for Anaseini.

Beranadeta said participating in sports in Australia was very high tempo and serious, while in Fiji, participating in sports was different and had more to do with passion and representing not just themselves but their families as well.

"It's just a different environment because in Australia they have everything, even in schools, whilst here everyone makes do with what they have and yet can also enjoy the sport and company of other teammates," she added.

The two both took part in the open trials to make the Fiji Pearls extended squad; Anaseini made the team, while Beranadeta did not, but her natural love for sports helped her pivot and try her hand at basketball, something she says she was surprised to be good.

"When we moved back to Fiji, I started playing Rugby for Fiji National University and Suva, but it was during a basketball business house event that I got called in to try out," Beranadeta said.

23-year-old Anaseini has acknowledged their family for the incredible support they receive pursuing their dreams of playing and representing Fiji.

“The support has been our greatest blessing, I have a son who is about to turn one and to have that support system from home is the reason we can train and work hard, and now we are on our way to the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands,” she added.

Berenadeta says the support from home has helped her juggle training, school and work.

“Financially, we struggle to find bus fare to make it to training; I work and study to support the family as well. It has been a journey for us both, and we keep working hard for the opportunities we have,” she shared.

The Bemana Nadroga sisters have maternal links to Naselesele Taveuni and will be participating in their first-ever Pacific Games.

Both sisters have dreams of competing in a professional environment, with Anaseini hoping one day to play in the top netball leagues in the world and Beranadeta hoping to either be a professional athlete or be involved in a professional sporting environment like the Drua Super Rugby franchise.

The Netball competition will be played at the Friendship Hall on the second week of the Pacific Games schedule, while the basketball competition will take two weeks.

Team Fiji will be leaving our shoes next Tuesday for the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands,which will be held from Nov 18- December 2.