By Matt Brown OFC Media
The Samoan National football champions face a huge test on home soil to qualify for the Oceania Champions League tournament in Vanuatu in May.
The Football Federation Samoa national Headquarters in Apia is playing host to the OFC Champions League Qualifying tournament which started on Saturday 18th February and runs through to Friday the 24th.
Lupe Ole Soaga carries the host nations hopes against American Samoa champions Ilaoa &To’omata, Cook Island champions Maraerenga FC and Tonga champs Veitongo FC.
Lupe Ole Soaga team manager Lai Tautiaga concedes there is pressure on his side.
“Playing in front of our country feel a lot of pressure on our shoulders but we have had a good preparation and we look forward to the challenge.” Tautiaga said.
The hosts face a potentially tricky first match against the American Samoan champions this afternoon who are a bit of an unknown quantity.
“We have a lot of respect for them.” Tautiaga said. “We feel that we still must prepare for it because we haven’t seen them play and we will prepare for every scenario. Hopefully the support of our families and nation will assist us.”
The American Samoan champions are competing in an OFC Champions League competition for the first time having played 20 matches and going unbeaten with 17 wins and three draws.
Coach Steffany Godinet says only five of her 18 strong squad have played football out of American Samoa previously.
“Preparation has been good. Our boys are nervous but at the same time they are excited to get the experience in and get going.” Godinet said.
“We are the underdogs but beware we are a very strong team, a strong group of young men who look forward to the competition on the field.” Godinet said.
While the other three teams did some recruitment during the transfer window, Ilaoa &To’omata have a squad exclusively from their club and Godinet says their team spirit is strong.
The tournament kicks off at 1pm local time with Cook Islands side Maraerenga FC meeting Tonga champions Veitongo FC.
The side from the Cook Islands endured a nightmare travel journey to Apia. Their initial flight through Auckland turned back to Rarotonga an hour before landing on Tuesday. The flew out the next day and had to overnight in Auckland before being the last team to arrive for the tournament on Thursday 16th February.
Coach Tuka Tisam admits their travel difficulties have only added to their motivation.
“Yes, we are very determined, it was pretty tough to get here but we made it.” Tisam said. “We have a lot of young players who don’t have much experience, but we are excited for the opportunity.”
For Veitongo FC coach Timote Moleni, while he’s looking forward to bonding with their Pacific rivals off the pitch, on the pitch he says the team has only one thing in mind, winning the tournament and qualifying for the OFC Champions League tournament to be played in Vanuatu in May. The Veitongo FC team went through their domestic competition unbeaten
“Our expectation is to be here, family, friends, respect outside and when they go inside no more respect.” Moleni laughed.
