Brunei Darussalam‘s national netball coach Jane Searle. – FADHIL YUNUS
BRUNEI Darussalam national netball team’s newly-appointed netball coach Jane Searle hopes for marked improvements from her charges as the three-game series against the Terengganu State Team from tomorrow at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex.
The national team, which is also known as the Royal Bees, ushers in a new era since the departure of their long-term coach Thilaka Jinadasa.
The athletes have been busy taking part in the training sessions conducted by the experienced Australian as they heighten their preparations ahead of the much-anticipated Asian Netball Championships in Singapore next month.
“After being in full intensive training for three weeks now, I can see that the team members are very eager to learn, and implement some of the strategies used in Australian netball,” said Searle.
“Their skill level has improved and I see that many combinations are starting to gel as they become used to playing and training at a higher intensity.”
“Our plan against the Terengganu team in the coming weekend is to implement the tactics we have been working on and to recognise patterns of play in attack. Our skill in executing will be very important in creating the desired outcome.”
The Terengganu series will serve as an opportunity for the players to book a spot in the national side which will represent the country in the regional competition in Singapore.
“All players will get a chance to show their skills in the games as this series will be a final selection for the team to participate in the Asian Netball Championships in September.”
“I hope that we can improve over each game against Terengganu, as it will be a good indication of where we are currently at and what we need to achieve,” the former Adelaide Thunderbirds assistant coach further added.
Searle, who was part of the Australian team that won the world title in 1983, expected all athletes to play a part against the Malaysians in this coming exposure series.
The national team will also play Terengganu on August 18 at the same venue and on August 20 at the Bolkiah Garrison while the under-21 national teamplay against the visiting guest on August 17.
