Olo challenges P.M. to coach the Manu Samoa

By Ilia L. Likou 20 August 2017, 12:00AM

Member of Parliament, Olo  Fiti Va’ai is calling on Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi to step down as the Chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union. 

Olo also challenged Tuilaepa to appoint himself as the new Head Coach for the Manu Samoa. 

“Honestly, it’s time to see what he can do to help our team.” 

Earlier this month, the Samoa Rugby Union accepted the resignation of Namulauulu Alama Ieremia as Head Coach of Manu Samoa. 

Samoa Rugby Union, Chief Executive Officer Faleomavaega Vincent Fepulea’i made the announcement, in a statement issued to the media. 

Namulauulu’s decision to step down from the role followed the presentation of a comprehensive review into Manu Samoa’s 2017 campaign.

Back to Olo’s proposition, he said: “So much has been said about our team, and most especially the public calling for our Prime Minister to step down from the Chairman’s seat.” 

“That is not bad. I believe it’s time for our people to see what he has to offer the country’s team.” 

“After all he’s the one who highly criticises the team and their poor performance.” 

“I think it’s time someone new comes in to take over the Chairmanship. His time as Chairman is over…. it’s been ages now.” 

“He’s so keen on moving Samoa away from the lowest ranking in the Rugby World Union and so who would be a better choice than Tuilaepa.” 

Olo is confidence in Tuilaepa’s coaching ability. 

“We need him to be the coach.”

“We’ve been hiring coaches overseas and local but the performance remains at a poor stage.” 

“It’s time for a change....I mean we need new people, we need to start fresh,” Olo told the Samoa Observer. 

As repoted earlier Namulauulu during his resignation said: “It is with a very heavy heart that I have decided to stand down as Head Coach of Manu Samoa.” Namulaulu indicated that he took on this role knowing the challenging circumstances and the changing profile and landscape of international rugby for Manu Samoa. 

“Although the goal was to win and build towards the World Cup in Japan, the losses of this campaign have proven too costly for everyone,” he added.

“I feel I still have much to give this role so I’m hugely disappointed with this outcome, but as Head Coach, I alone must take full responsibility for our results.  I believe my decision today is the best one for our beloved Manu Samoa team.”

“I’m immensely proud of the development of this team and I know there is a strong foundation for them to move forward for greater things in the near future.” 

“It is always tough to get the right quality mix of new and experienced players, but I believe there is now a core nucleus that can move forward from here.”

By Ilia L. Likou 20 August 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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