Football Samoa has big plans

By Sina Sevaaetasi 20 October 2016, 12:00AM

The Football Federation Samoa (F.F.S) is in full steam with a big plans. 

The good news is that the Chief Executive Officer, Faumuina Michael Kapisi, remains level headed, ambitious that with hard work, they will reap success.

He spoke to the Samoa Observer yesterday about their vision.

 “Our vision is to change lives. We believe that being a better association, not only for football but for sport, we want to be a respected, a leading institute in the country,” Faumuina said.  

“In doing so, we believe we can help change lives and create better futures for our people. That’s our over arching vision.  We need to be better in what we do, the Federation. By doing that we can help create pathways for our people and help better their lives.”

Last week, Faumuina and an F.F.S delegation met with the FIFA Development Officer of Oceania, Shaun Easthope, to assist with the finalisation of the strategic plan. 

“We want to be better at what we do. We want to provide better opportunities for the staff, the referees, for the coaches, for the players.  Just being professional in what we do, respecting our stakeholders,” he said.

“Also, good governance is big in what we’re doing, which means making sure that all of the policies and regulations we have are correct and applicable but also available to everyone.  Everyone understands these are the rules that governs the game.”

When the foundation is set, Faumuina believes the future is bright.

 “Right now in terms of players, we have a kid from U17, (Pele Tamaolefale), who got an opportunity to go to the Oceania Academy in Auckland which is based at One Tree Hill.  

“He receives tutoring from James (Bannatyne), three times a week, personal training just on goal-keeping.

“We have the U17 Boys, who just left Monday.  They will be going to Napier and while they’re there, there’s a school in Hastings that’s coming to see them play.  They want three kids from our team, so they’re there to scout them and pick which ones they notice. 

“By creating these opportunities, by saying we’re here, we’re good enough, these are good kids and it’s creating options for the players.” 

The Federation has also reached another major milestone by submitting their first Assistant Referee, Maria Tamalelagi,  to the U20 World Cup next month.  Not only is she a first for Samoa, she is also the first woman referee to take part in the tournament.  

 “She’s the poster child for our young referees. Now they know, you’re not just coming to the field to hold up the stick and no-where to go. If you commit to this as your profession, learn the rules, and keep your fitness up, there’s an opportunity for you to travel and make some money for yourself.  

“Going on these things isn’t something small, they travel first class everywhere they go.  

"They get a daily allowance and match fees.  It’s really a big option for her, she actually went to a tournament in Portugal and travelled all the way in first class."

By Sina Sevaaetasi 20 October 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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