Romelda takes time off
Published:Friday | October 14, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer
Romelda Aiken's future as a Sunshine Girl has been cast in uncertainty after the ace goal shooter indicated yesterday to the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA), that she won't be available for the selection for their upcoming tournaments.
Marva Bernard, president of the JNA, told The Gleaner in an interview yesterday that Aiken, who now lives in Australia, contacted the association to advise them of her unavailability.
"We heard from Romelda Aiken (yesterday) this morning ... she said that she is not available for selection," said Bernard. "She didn't say if it is for future tours or long or short term," she said.
"We don't expect it to hurt our team because we are in a rebuilding mode and we have some youngsters who are ready to assume the responsibilities, but it will take time for them to be ready," Bernard said.
Respected goal shooter
The 6'5" Aiken, who represents the Queensland Fire in the ANZ Championships, last represented the Sunshine Girls at the World Netball Championships (WNC) in Singapore in July. The 22-year-old Aiken, who is one of the most respected goal shooters in the sport, had a below-par showing for the Jamaicans at the World Championships, which contributed to them finishing a disappointing fourth in the tournament. Locally, Aiken also represents Jamalco in the Berger Paints Super League competition.
Bernard also disclosed that six other senior players, who also represented the Sunshine Girls at WNC, have verbally indicate to her administration that they will be taking a break from the sport.
"The rest of them (players) we have just heard by word of mouth that they are taking a break from the team," said the president.
Continuing, Bernard said: "Some of them have not indicated how long because we haven't had a written document from them. The only person that we have had a written document from is Nicole Aiken, who has asked for a year off," Bernard said.
Veteran defender Althea Byfield, who also had a poor showing at the WNC, has since retired from the sport.