Taula Eels ready to defend title

By Nefertiti Matatia 20 July 2018, 12:00AM

The defending champions, the Taula Vaimauga Eels, are ready to defend their title.

Coach So’oalo Fono Pitoitua said this yesterday ahead of their Under 20s and Senior A teams clash against the A’ana Chief today at Apia Park. 

So’oalo is adamant they have a strong side.

“Our preparation is no different from the very first week when the competition started. The only thing that we need is for the boys to focus during the game,” he said. 

“We are not looking over our shoulder or anything, we are working on our own team and that is what we are doing now. The target for Saturday is for us to give it all on the field and to do everything well.

“There is no secret behind how far we have come. The key to everything is honesty and commitment. We have to make sure that it is a 100 percent effort that we will be placing on the field,” So’oalo said. 

There have been some challenges for them due to the departure of some of the key players.

“There have been some of players who were travelling and they have just returned, so it is hard because they have been away. We are trying to guess in terms of their strengths at the moment, but our preparation for the game is good to go.

“All the boys are from different villages because it was all up to the availability of the players and there were some players who chose to go play for the other franchises.”

So’oalo said the players are always united despite coming from different villages. 

“That is one of the spirits and the culture of the team, to see one another as family. Everything that we do, we do it together whether it is just talking or playing touch or eating. We do everything together.

“Not only on the field but also many other things that would build our team spirit and culture, that is our own method. And I am not saying that what we are doing is any different or greater than what the other teams are doing, it is all the same.

“We should always be honest and committed in what we do, but at the same time believe that we could achieve it.”

The teams were presented their Taula Beverages sponsored jerseys at Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua’s residence in Matautu. 

By Nefertiti Matatia 20 July 2018, 12:00AM
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