The national netball team will be using the Kota Kinabalu Exposure Games to step up preparations as part of their pre-competitive phase training for the Asian Netball Championships which will be held from July 30 to August 7 in Thailand.

Talks of arranging a series of matches against a top Sri Lanka team have also been mooted ahead of the continental competition with the proposed dates in July.

The team comprising 12 first-team players and three standby players has been assembled and is set to feature in their first test outside Brunei.

"We try to see their strengths and weaknesses and how they can adapt to the situations. This is a pre-competitive period game," national netball coach Thilaka Jinadasa told the Bulletin shortly before they left for Kota Kinabalu, Sabah yesterday.

"We're in the pre-competitive phase at the moment. I'm going to check the players," she continued.

Thilaka said that it is crucial to have good planning once they are able to commit to full training after the fasting period expectedly by July 6, three weeks before the start of the Asian Netball Championships.

The national coach, who guided Brunei to bronze in last year's SEA Games, said they will take part in competitive games where her team can recognise the increased strength of the opponents.

"This is a pre-competitive game because we think we can play neck and neck with Sabah. I want to play some better teams at a higher level," she said.

The national team captain and vice-captain have been installed and they will begin their duties for the Exposure Games.

Thilaka also shared that they have played friendly games in Brunei but lacked competitiveness that normally associated with the team in overseas surroundings.

"When you travel and play in different venues then you start playing seriously. I want the players to get international experience," she concluded.

Yesterday also witnessed a flag-handing ceremony to a representative of the national team which was presented by Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd) Wan Hajah Shahlimar binti Haji Suhaili, Vice-President of Brunei Netball Association.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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