Football Federation Samoa (“FFS”) officially announced a strong forty six (46) squad of the most qualified Samoan soccer players to represent the nation in the upcoming Pacific Games (“Games”) where Samoa is playing host from the 7th – 17th July 2019.
Both men and women’s team is a hybrid of local and overseas Samoan based players and the coaches believe that they have selected the best to vouch for Samoa in soccer. Local players were selected from the pool of Clubs that consistently participate in FFS’s tournaments with trials held at the FFS fields last month. Overseas Samoan players were selected from trials recently held in Auckland.
Assistant Coach for the national women’s team Leti Aniva Tamasese said the 23 players for the women’s team consists of 12 overseas players from their Auckland camp. A large pool of talent saw players coming as far as United States and Australia to take part in the camp in Auckland in April.
An enthusiastic Mrs Tamasese said some crucial aspects they considered in the selection was the fitness level and skills of players and she believes that the players are in the right stage of mind in terms of their physical and mental preparation for the Games. She is also positive that the level of experience and exposure of overseas based players will blend well with the locals to ensure Samoa performs well in the Games.
The Men’s team following the announcement of the official draw are in the same pool with New Zealand and the likes of popular soccer counties. Nonetheless, Assistant Coach Fa’aeanu’u Paul Ualesi is optimistic that their team is ready for the challenge.
Mr Ualesi said “we are working hard on our fitness level and we’re a bit anxious given we are hosting the games thus we acknowledge that we will do our best. Our team has been in camp last week from Monday to Saturday for team building and for the boys to develop a sense of togetherness.”
Mr Ualesi believes Samoa will have an amazing experience in this year’s Games especially with top teams like New Zealand’s U23 participating.
The Samoan Men’s team is in the same pool as New Zealand U23, PNG, Vanuatu and Tonga whilst the Samoa Women’s team are in the same pool as Fiji, American Samoa, Tonga and New Caledonia. Mrs Tamasese said Fiji will be tough opponent however we never know what can happen. Whilst the Pools appear challenging, Team Samoa’s management are ready for the challenge and have guaranteed that with their preparations under way as well as the support of FFS, its “Samoa We On” from Team Football.
The forty six (46) that have been selected are as follows:
WOMEN’S TEAM
- Epi Tafili
- Alisa Tuatagaloa
- Patricia Aoelua
- Jecky Toma
- Tiare Tuimavave
- Maddy Ah Ki
- Moreva Mauma
- Ronisa Lipi
- Rivalina Fuimaono
- Hana Malo Vaga
- Sina Sataraka
- Hazel Peleti
- Renee Atonio
- Suitupe Tafafa
- Torijan Lyne-Lewis
- Mariah Bullock
- Lianna Soifua
- Matalena Daniells
- Melesete Aia
- Caitlin Pritchard
- Vineta Faleaana
- Semeatu Lemana
- Talaesea Mulitalo Fogapapa
Management
- Head Coach: Nicola Demaine
- Assistant Coach: Leti Tamasese
- Goal Keeper Coach: Pipi Malo Vaga
- Manager: Siufaga Savea
- Gear Manager: Keli Talaimanu
- Physiotherapist: Jennifer Helen Storey
- Head of Delegation: Emily Young
MEN’S TEAM
- Fa’alavelave Matagi
- John Michael T Leo
- Pele Fatu
- Kevin Daniells
- Mattew Anthony
- Darren Siaosi
- Tauati Tanoai
- Jarvis Filimalae
- Andrew Setefano
- Thomas Konusi
- Ritchievoy Ueligitone
- Sean Manase
- Faitalia H Pama
- Vilo Laloata
- Harlene Russell
- Willie Sauiluma
- Keone Kapisi
- Andrew Mobberley
- Lawrie Letutusa Pio
- Lapalapa Toni
- Va’a Taualai
- Mike Saofaiga
- George Konusi
Management
- Assistant Coach: Faaeanuu Paul Ualesi
- Goal Keeper Coach: Malagaoma Horst Petana
- Manager: Taualelei Michael Tualatamalelagi
- Gear Manager: Leemo Sofara
- Physiotherapist: Georgia Leigh Iliaganoa
- Head of Delegation: Lenata’i Levine Siemu
