Go to our netball destiny with pride young women

 The future of netball leaves the country on Sunday for Scotland and our hopes go with them.

The Junior Pepes will fly the distinctive red, black, yellow national colours with the Bird of Parade and the Southern Cross with pride.

The 12 players, lead by captain Margaret Eka and her deputy Shannah Dringo, will gain valuable experience of playing at the highest level.

The national Under-21 netballers are off to the World Youth Netball Championships in Glasgow.

There they are in Pool D with Barbados, Ireland, Singapore and pool top seeds, England.

How these young women do will be a significant pointer to what the Pepes can reach for in the 2015 Pacific Games to be hosted by Port Moresby.

That Games is a little under two years away and today what is more important is for Eka’s brigade too put in honourable performances in each game.

Realistically, these young women have to the opportunity to finish with respect.

To do that they must set a target of winning three out of four pool matches.

It will not be easy for the Margaret Opina-coached side but in training this past week the young women have shown grit. It is that determination that will help them put the past tumultuous week behind them.

The team was rocked by the dropping of former first choice goal shooter, Rayleen Andrew.

Andrew’s demotion to the non-travelling reserves sent shock-waves through the netball and sporting communities.

But like a true sportswoman, Andrew has taken that in her stride, training with a gusto with the squad despite her undoubted disappointment. She will, no doubt, emerge a better player and a person.

It is that attitude of taking everything that is thrown at her that the Junior Pepes will need most. All the training is done. They now know they have to live up to the faith we all have put in them.