The Otane Force netball team from central Hawkes Bay has reigned supreme in the Hawkes Bay premiere competition for the last 12 years An unbeatable side that is looking for their 13th title tomorrow night. But, the secret to their success is a real family affair.
They may be representing a tiny village from central Hawke's Bay, but they have a whole lot of heart.
Head coach Annemarie Kupa says, “It comes down to our team culture and through the years we've had good team spirit and we're from a beautiful small town called Ōtane.”
They've had a 12-year winning streak, unbeaten this entire season, with their biggest win, 69-24.
Treyana Faulkner who is part of the Ōtane Force team says, “Losing is not even in our vocabulary haha, no, we're in it to win it and we're going to give it our all and leave it all on the court.”
The team's turnaround, driven by three Kupa sisters.
“So myself and Annemarie and Bec decided that that's what we were going to do and go back to Ōtane and just try and build the team up from there and get it up into the first division which is what we've done,” says Tammy Kupa.
“I've always loved playing for this team being alongside my sisters, my older sisters I've watched them since I was 6 or 7 so being able to play with them is awesome,’ say Rebecca Kupa.
Tomorrow night's final will be extra special for Mum, Annemarie, and her daughter. They'll be bringing their Ōtane flair to the court tomorrow night, hoping to retain their netball crown.