Netball Super League | Temalisi Fakahokotau signs for Saracens Mavericks

Silver Ferns International, Temalisi Fakahokotau, has been named as Saracens Mavericks replacement defensive player for the VNSL 2022 season.

Fakahokotau joins the two-time VNSL Champions after taking some time out of ANZ, but the opportunity to come over to the UK to play the game was one she didn’t want to miss out on.

Speaking on the announcement, Saracens Head Coach Kat Ratnapala said:

“Following the change-up in our defensive end, we needed to find a suitable replacement and cover.

“Having previously spoken to Temalisi, the timing had never been quite right to come over to play in England. This time, the timings suited and both parties are looking forward to getting her back onto court again.”

Fakahokotau’s dominant presence in the defensive circle and athletic ability, standing at 1.82m, has seen her become a strong defensive player on a national and international level, covering all three defensive positions.

In fact, Fakahokotau has dominated the New Zealand netball scene since 2014, beginning her career at Northern Mystics and making her international debut for the Silver Ferns in the same year against Australia in the Constellation Cup.

In 2017, Fakahokotau made the move from Northern Mystics to Christchurch side Mainland Tactix where she refined her playstyle, and in 2018 she was awarded Team Player of the Year after leading in all defensive statistics in the ANZ Premiership.

However, later that year, Fakahokotau suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury, ruling her out of the Silver Ferns’ squad for the 2019 Netball World Cup.

After her recovery, Fakahokotau joined Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and then at the end of 2021 moved to Wellington-based side, Central Pulse.

It’s from here her journey now continues with the VNSL’s Saracens Mavericks – a new chapter she is excited to begin:

“I’m very blessed and grateful to be given this opportunity. I look forward to joining the Mavs family, putting on some new colours and playing alongside a great bunch of girls.”

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