Reality hits PH netball athletes hard in Malaysia

Netball match between Philippines vs Thailand at Juara Stadium Bukit Kiara during 29th SEA Games Kuala Lumpur 2017 on 15 August 2017. Photo by Azli Wahab | MASOC.

KUALA LUMPUR—It has been a long learning curve for Philippine netball team.

Embraced by local team officials as a sport where Filipinos could excel—given its resemblance to basketball—the Nationals have yet to come up with a decent showing, let alone a win here in the 29th Southeast Asian Games.

“The skills set if very similar, that’s why we get players from basketball,” said Philippine netball chief Dr. Charlie Ho.

But unlike in the sport where the country is considered a royalty, Philippine netball has been the runt of the litter, losing on Wednesday to Brunei (69-32).

National team coach Angelina Fedillaga acknowledged the tough field which the Philippines had to contend with in the meet.

“It was been a worthy experience for the players and a learning curve before we play Singapore,” said Fedillaga.

The Philippines was to take on regional superpower Singapore Thursday night, and host Malaysia Friday.