Miners Women Sign Second Opal

The Ballarat Miners Women are thrilled to announce the signing of Australian Opals player Zitina Aokuso for the 2022 Coles Express NBL1 South Season.

Aokuso arrived in Ballarat on Tuesday afternoon after completing her WNBL Season with the Townsville Fire and got straight into training with the Ballarat Miners.

Standing at 190cm the power forward is excited to join the Miners saying, “I signed with the Miners because I enjoy being coached by Herbie and I believe he can get the best out of me.”   

Aokuso added “I am excited to play in front of the Miners home fans, I hope to bring a strong presence on the court and to help build a good culture that will make us a successful team”

Aokuso was a part of the Australian Opals team that brought home the bronze medal from the 2021 Asia Cup before averaging 24 minutes, 8 points, and 7 rebounds a game for the Fire this WNBL season.

Ballarat Miners Women’s Head Coach David Herbet said “It is wonderful to reunite with Zitina, she is a terrific player which can be seen by her involvement with the Australian Opals.  Z is arriving in Ballarat on a mission to increase her conditioning, fundamental skill base and make a push for Opal’s selection”.

Herbert added “Zitina has always shown athletic potential with an ability to dunk the ball.  She has arrived here from a season with Townsville in the WNBL with a rejuvenated mindset having worked closely with Brent Gorriss, and I cannot wait to see her game reach new heights.  We are putting the NBL1 South on notice that Zitina has arrived.”

Ballarat Miners Committee Member Lynly Doherty said “Adding Zitina to our list is a great coup for our club, she is a great young talent with Opal’s experience, she will not only be great on the floor for us she will also be a great role model for our juniors to look up to.

Aokuso joins fellow signings of Kristy Rinaldi, Millie Cracknell, Annie Collins, Jade Melbourne, Molly Mathews, and Isabella Brancatisano with some more local signings to come.

The Ballarat Miners will tip off the 2022 Coles Express NBL1 South season at Selkirk Stadium on Saturday, April 23 against regional rivals Geelong Supercats.