Nafanua gears up for first match

By Vaelei Von Dincklage 20 November 2020, 1:00AM

The Nafanua 15s squad are now in Upolu and are ready to take on Tilafaiga in the Invest Samoa Lakapi championship on Friday.

The game would be their first challenge as they were on a bye last week. 

According to the head coach, Fetuao Tamala, Nafanua is more than ready for their opponents and they are here to compete.

"We are ready for tomorrow, and we know that tomorrow's competition will be a tough one," she said.

Most of the Nafanua's squad members reside in Savaii while a few stay on Upolu. 

"Most of our players are based in Savaii, but I think maybe four or five stay here in Upolu. But despite their residence, it was never an issue as they always come in the weekends to train together with us and then come back on the last ferry on Saturday," she said.

She also told Samoa Observer that she is not worried about her opponent because she believes in her team and while she is sad that some of her players won't be able to play in their first game on Friday it is not a problem.

"We have few players who are injured during our trainings and won't be able to play tomorrow. We know Tilafaiga is a tough team but we are here to compete. I'm only concern that my players, most of them are inexperienced," she added.

"I mean this is their first time to compete in a 15s tournament."

Mrs Tamala arrived in Upolu on Wednesday, and they had their captains run on Thursday to prepare for Friday's encounter.

Their team are:

  • Vanessa Simone
  • Talaleleiovaipouli Tamala
  • Virginia Iona
  • Toaivaluisa Tuia
  • Tusiata Sila
  • Utumoa Alalatoa
  • Maria Tomai Ausai (c)
  • Fua Iosefa
  • Luana Alefosio
  • Ariota Manusina Fiu
  • Marilyn Akeli
  • Fetuleni Fagalilo
  • Opeta Toala
  • Edna Fegauiai
  • Cynthia Faalogo
  • Charlene Leleisiuao
  • Matalena Taulanuniu
  • Teuila Tagaloa
  • Apaula Kerisiano
  • Litia Nuu
  • Feao Sivai
  • Marie Kaisa
  • Fola Toa
  • Sieni Lopesi
  • Anelina Tioli

She also acknowledge their families and supporters especially from the big island of Savaii.

By Vaelei Von Dincklage 20 November 2020, 1:00AM

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