SUVA (Fiji) –After a year of breakthrough performances at regional events, these young women are focused on building momentum and elevating Fiji’s status on the Oceania stage.
At the heart of this campaign is one of the team’s emerging stars - a player who first tried basketball 'for fun,' but has now become one of the country’s brightest young talents. Makaefa Savu’s rapid rise through international competitions has made her a key figure in Fiji’s U17 squad.
Savu’s year has been nothing short of remarkable. She stood out as part of the Gold Medal- Women’s Team at the FIBA Melanesian Cup 2025, and participated in the She Hoops Leadership and Confidence Program in Australia, where she earned valuable experience. These achievements have shaped her into a leader whose poise and maturity are essential for this young team.
“It was scary playing in the Melanesian Cup, going up against senior players, but it was also thrilling," Savu said. "I’m grateful for that experience. Now, I feel privileged to lead the girls who are representing Fiji for the first time.”
Her mindset heading into this tournament is centred on composure, growth, and mental preparation.
“We’ve built a sisterhood. In training, we uplift each other, and that’s the best part,” Savu said. Fiji’s journey hasn’t been without hardship, but the obstacles they’ve overcome have only made them stronger. Savu talks about this in reference to the loss of her grandfather, who was her biggest supporter. "There are days of doubt, but you have to keep trying, keep pushing, earn it, and keep moving forward."
The FIBA U17 Oceania Cup and FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Cup is being hosted by the Samoa National Basketball Association in Apia from December 8 to 13. The event is supported by the Government of Samoa under the Ministry of Sport and Recreation, with the two teams qualifying for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup and FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup 2026.
All games are livestreamed via the FIBA YouTube Channel in collaboration with BluWave Media.