Netball Samoa’s chief executive says the decision to appoint a new head coach reflects ambitions for the team’s next stage after its recent success.
Tia Winikerei has taken over from Natalie Matthews, who guided Samoa to its first PacificAusSports championship and secured qualification for the next World Cup.
Speaking to ABC Pacific, chief executive Justine Wilson-Ata recognised Matthews’ contribution while explaining the organisation’s desire to take the team further.
Winikerei, a former Northern Mystics coach, will work with assistants Anita Keelan and former Samoa international Pelesa Semu. Keelan is Netball Australia’s pathway head coach.
The change creates a clear question for supporters: what will the new coaching group build on from the qualification campaign?
World Cup preparation gives the incoming staff an opportunity to develop that answer on court.
The coaching announcement follows achievement under Matthews. It should be understood as a change in direction, rather than evidence that the outgoing coach failed.
