Silver Ferns recruit young Tongan talent [1]
Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - 17:49. Updated on Friday, November 14, 2014 - 17:10.
By Finau Fonua
Auckland-born netballer, 20 year-old Temalisi Fakahokotau is the latest recruit to New Zealand’s national netball team, the Silver Ferns.
The six foot youngster debuted for the Silver Ferns last weekend against Australia on 15 October at The Trusts Arena in Auckland. The Silver Ferns lost by a narrow margin 47 -51, however it was the team’s best performance in four test matches against Australia.
Temalisi has already become popular with fans and is currently the only Tongan player on the Silver Ferns roster. She will play again for the Silver Ferns next Tuesday, October 28 when they take on a touring England.
Netball New Zealand recognised Temalisi as an “exciting young defender” who plays in the positions of GD, WD and GK, stating, “Temalisi Fakahokotau enjoyed an impressive 2014 ANZ Championship season with the Northern Mystics, featuring in 12 matches against world class opposition while still a teenager.
“Of Tongan descent, Temalisi is one of nine siblings and has taken giant strides forward over the past few years since being spotted by Emerging Talent Selectors in 2012. She was named in both Trans-Tasman, and New Zealand Secondary Schools squads, followed by the Emerging Talent Accelerant Group selection and Netball Northern Zone U23’s.”