Lupe o le Soaga returns to OFC 2021

By Vaelei Von Dincklage 28 October 2020, 11:00AM

Samoa’s Lupe o le Soaga football club will represent the country again in the Oceania Football Confederation’s Champions League 2021.

The club from Maagiagi was one of 10 clubs from the region to secure a spot in the OFC Championship League 2021. 

The other clubs are AS Magenta, Hienghene Sport, Auckland City, Team Wellington, AS Pirae, AS Venus, Hekari United, Lae City and Pago Youth FC from American Samoa.

Lupe o le Soaga Head Coach, Faaeanuu Faanati Paul Ualesi, confirmed the return of the club to the FIFA-sanctioned regional competition in an interview with the Samoa Observer.

"I know the tournament’s not finished and we have one more game left of the National League and we have secured a spot on the top of the table, and I want to congratulate my team for their successful victory," he said.

"I was expecting a tough competition because all different teams are good and they need to win. “As our goal this year is to win the National league and be granted an invitation to represent Samoa again and compete with top teams from the Pacific. 

“From a coach's perspective sometimes players were failing off the field and on the field but this does not put our team down.”

Faaeanuu added that his goal before the national league kicked off was to win and make it to the OFC to represent Samoa.

Putting on his head coach cap, he said he has always encouraged his players to set their goals and ensure they win.

"We still encourage them to maintain and work hard to make our performance consistent on the top and we still aim high and we need to win," he added.

"This is not the end, we are still in preparation for the upcoming Top 8 and now we have a mission to win the Top 8.

“A knock-out tournament with the top eight teams from the regular season. 

“We have some quality and a mix of experience and young players that lead our teams with the last battles of 2020.”

Faaeanuu also acknowledged the support of the Maagiagi village and thanked their supporters who turned up to watch their games.

"Thank you so much to our village Maagiagi and all our supporters for the effort you make to watch and support us in so many different ways to show your love for our team. Faamanuia le Atua," he said.

Tags

Football
Oceania Football Confederation
By Vaelei Von Dincklage 28 October 2020, 11:00AM

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