THE China under-18 women's basketball team is eager to showcase their class against the Fiji Women's Select team in their two friendly games in Suva.

The side arrived in the country yesterday and looks forward to test the Fijians.

The first game starts at 5.30pm today at the Vodafone Arena. The next match will be tomorrow at 10am.

The team won four of their six games in Australia and New Zealand before coming to Fiji.

Head coach Cong Xue Di said they would use the two games as buildups for the Asian Championship in November.

"We are looking forward to the game against Fiji," she said.

"The objective of the tour is to expose our players and build up for the upcoming Asian Championship. We have learned a lot during our friendly games in Australia and New Zealand and we are using the Fiji games as a development tour for our girls."

BLK Fiji Women's Select liaison officer Sani Maiwiriwiri said the two games would be a learning curve for the national team.

"China is ranked as one of the top 10 teams in the world while Fiji is trying to stamp its mark in world basketball," he said.

Maiwiriwiri said the inclusion of the three overseas-based players in skipper Valerie Nainima, Miliakere Koyamainavure and Vilisi Tavui would add depth to the national team.

"We are expecting tough games and the girls are ready to showcase their talents against their oppositions," Maiwiriwiri said. The visitors return on the weekend. They will also conduct some coaching clinics in Suva.

Source: The Fiji Times Newspaper

Wednesday 21st September 2016