The Samoa National U-19 Men’s Football team is ready for the Oceania Football Confederation Preliminary Championship 2018. The tournament will be held in Cook Islands from the 26 May to the first week of June. Four teams confirmed to participate in the preliminary round including Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga and American Samoa.
Yesterday afternoon officially announced the 21 squad to attend the OFC U19 Championship stage 1 tournament.
The Samoa football team is scheduled to leave this Sunday for a two week camp in Auckland before heading to the Cook Islands on the 23rd this month.
Assistant Coach Desmond Edward shared the team has made huge progress in their performance. “At this very moment the confidences in the boys have seemed to build up to play as a group and that is a good sign. They are starting to reach the level that we are expecting them to perform in.”
“We want to win the first stage so that we could focus on the next tournament ahead, we are not after any prize money but our goal is to expose our young talented local players and make it to the World Cup.” Edward said.
Official Team List
PLAYERS
Name Club
- Ioane Ale Park Eagles (AUS)
- Tipi Smith Faatoia SC (SAM)
- Mathew Castro Torrey Pines Varisty (USA)
- Harlen Russell Onehunga Sport (NZ)
- Jay Popese Vaipuna SC (SAM)
- Daniele Scaroni Lepea FC (SAM)
- Samuelu Malo Kiwi FC (SAM)
- KK Faamatau Vaipuna SC (SAM)
- Laauli Blakelock Phoenix Academy (NZ)
- Darcy Knight South Auckland (NZ)
- Sean Atherton New Zealand
- Peter Felise Lepea SC (SAM)
- Dilo Tumua Vaipuna SC (SAM)
- Tawa Saofaiga Lepea SC (SAM)
- Paul Felise Lepea FC (SAM)
- Jeffery Leiataua Faatoia SC (SAM)
- Samu Tauasa Moaula FC (SAM)
- Stanley Mamea Kiwi FC (SAM)
- Osa Savelio Lepea FC (SAM)
- Junior Laou Moaula FC (SAM)
- Damian Betham Faleasiu Kids (SAM)
MANAGEMENT
Name Position
- Valerio Raccuglia Head Coach
- Des Edward Assistant Coach
- Fuata Lai Tautiaga Team Manager
- Leemo Sofara Gear Manager
- Kareti Soafa Goalkeeper Coach
- Elvera Lam Medic
- Muliamesealii George Tagiilima Head of Delegation