Townsville Fire announces departure of two stars, Steph Reid and Zitina Aokuso

The Townsville Fire have been dealt a double blow with two of the club’s cornerstone players announcing they will not return for the 2024/25 WNBL season. Find out where they’re heading.

Steph Reid of the Fire is leaving the club and packing her bags for a new job in Hungary. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

The Townsville Fire have been dealt a double blow with two of the club’s cornerstone players Steph Reid and Zitina Aokuso announcing they will not be returning for the 2024/25 WNBL season.

Reid will join Hungarian team Sopron Basket for the upcoming season while Aokuso heads to Turkey where she will play for Ormanspor in the city of Ankara.

Aokuso started her WNBL journey in Townsville, earning her debut as an 18-year-old and going on to play more than 150 games, win two championships and get rewarded with an Australian Opals call-up.

Reid steered the team to a second consecutive minor premiership as vice-captain in the season just gone and was one of the side’s most consistent performers. She said the past three years had been the best of her life.

“Playing for the Townsville Fire and being a part of the Townsville community has been the best thing to ever happen to me,” Reid said.

Steph Reid of the Fire lead the team as vice-captain last season. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

“I would just like to thank Sam (Pascoe), Shannon (Seebohm), the Townsville Fire as a whole and the Townsville community for the best 3.5 years of my life.”

Aokuso said it was a tough decision to leave her home away from home.

“I’m forever grateful to the club for their support over the years and in my decision to part ways,” Aokuso said.

“Thank you to the Fire fans for all the love you’ve given me, no better feeling than playing for you guys in the Fire Pit.”

Zitina Aokuso of the Fire attempts a free throw shot during a game. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Fire coach Shannon Seebohm wished both his players well as they take the next steps in their careers.

“Steph has played a huge role in the recent success of our club, she has worked hard and developed into one of the best players in the WNBL in her time at the Fire,” Seebohm said.

“While we are disappointed to be losing her we could not be more excited for the new opportunity she has and wish her all the best with the move to Europe.

“Zitina has played every game of her career so far at the Fire so she will be missed next season here in Townsville.

“She has won two championships during her time here and improved her game each and every season. We’re proud of her and wish her well in her move to Turkey for next season.”

Originally published as Townsville Fire announces departure of two stars, Steph Reid and Zitina Aokuso