Congratulations to the new head coach of Manu Samoa Lemalu Tusiata Pisi on his selection and appointment. This appointment took a little over three months to happen.

Lemalu’s appointment does not come as a surprise as he has been with the team for almost three years. He was an assistant coach looking after the backline and kicking with both Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua and Mase Mahonri Schwalger. He is familiar with the team, the players, its challenges and most of all the financial situation of Lakapi Samoa.

It is mind-boggling that it took Lakapi Samoa more than three months to appoint a coach who was already with the system. The easier option would have been to promote him to head coach as he was already part of the management team.

That would have saved up time and allowed Lemalu to look at more players ahead of the June internationals and the Pacific Nations Cup. Maybe it was a due process that needed to be followed. Even then, the time taken to appoint a new coach was a bit longer than anticipated. Perhaps it could have had to do with the finances of Lakapi Samoa and their ability to pay the coach.

Last week, the chairman of Lakapi Samoa Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said the reason behind the delay in the selection of a new Manu Samoa coach was the interview panel. Tuilaepa said that the holdup was due to the panel or committee handling the interview process of the selection. The panel is made up of people from overseas and locally.

"I am waiting on the committee that handles interviews, which includes overseas people and also the Minister who has just resigned. If there are any defects, then select other people on the panel because I am tired of Samoa Observer and TV stations asking me questions about whether we have selected a head coach of Manu Samoa," he said.

As a former international, he comes from an era when players were paying for their airfares and relying on almost no allowances when playing internationals and in the World Cups. He was with the last two coaches as well. This goes without saying, he knows what he is up against. But that is not what the people want to know and see. People want to know if Leamalu can deliver.

His first test as national coach would be on 18 July in Eden Park. Manu Samoa has been confirmed to face Scotland. Then a month later, the Pacific Nations Cup. The PNC this year holds more importance as this is also the qualifying tournament for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

We hope Lemalu sees the importance of the young team led by Theo McFarlane last year. That team has potential and if the team is called into camp at least a month before the Scotland game, this could be the rise of Manu Samoa in World Rugby.

Lemalu should also keep his eye on Ardie Savea. The former All Blacks switch to Moana Pasifika could be an intent from his to play for the land of his ancestors. His presence in Manu Samoa could provide the motivation needed to turn heads and produce one of the finest rugby teams yet. Lemalu should stick with the core of the players from last year’s national side and then look at the current top performers in the Southern and Northern Hemisphere rugby competitions.

Lemalu also should not go down the path that Vaovasamanaia went down in terms of selection. He chose players who were towards the twilight of their careers. More focus should be placed on players like McFarlane and Miracle Faiilagi.

He should also focus on developing a pathway that provides opportunities for local players, that is, players in clubs on the island an opportunity to try out with the Manoa Pasifika. People would also like to see how Lemalu will work with the greater Lakapi Samoa team and develop the sport from the grassroots by setting the pathway to national selection.

Lemalu knows how hot the seat is. All the best coach. Go Manu.