Tonga Netball chief executive Salote Sisifa has been appointed interim president of the Oceania Netball Federation, marking a significant milestone for Tongan netball.
Sisifa replaces the late Wainikiti Waqa Bogidrau of Fiji and will lead Oceania Netball, which includes seven full members and three associate members.
Speaking to RNZ Pacific, Sisifa said she is honoured to take on the role.
“Kiti (Wainikiti) has left big shoes to fill,” Sisifa said.
“I have learned a lot working with her and colleagues of Oceania over the years.
“I am grateful for the trust Oceania have bestowed on me but definitely a reflection of the respect Tonga is given from our member countries of Oceania.”
Sisifa has led Tonga Netball since 2013, driving major successes, including Tonga’s 2023 Pacific Games gold medal and four consecutive PacificAus Netball Series titles. She also took Tonga’s national team, the Tala, to the 2023 World Cup, achieving a top-10 world ranking.
Her leadership has strengthened Tonga Netball by integrating overseas-based players and securing funding from the Australian government through the PacificAus sports program.
Sisifa is now spearheading Tonga’s campaign for the Under-21 World Youth Netball Championship later this year.
