The Lupe ole Soaga of the village of Magiagi has won first place in the Men’s Division of the National League Premier 2021 after a strong run in the 2021 season.

Football Federation Samoa President, Papalii Leslie Petaia, told Samoa Observer in an interview that the 2021 season has been the longest in Samoa's football history. 

“Due to Covid-19 restrictions which affected the running of the competition this season, this year’s season is the longest ever since it was first initiated,” he said.

The Coach of Lupe ole Soaga, Paul Matamu Ualesi, said in an interview on Saturday that one of the issues he and his team struggled to overcome is consistency and remaining in top form during the six months of the competition.

“This has been one of the most trying issues I have had as a coach ever, trying to be at our strongest all the way to the end of a six months season,” he said.

“We faced many struggles even before the season started with a few of our more experienced players leaving our club. 

"Our much younger and less experienced players had to step up and take charge after they left, which they did so superbly and is the reason for our success this year."

The L.O.S. coach also said that this season has been long and that it had been hard trying to keep up with all the training, ensuring his players abstain from alcohol days before each game.  

However, he commended some of his players for still playing in some of their matches despite being injured.

“To have the strength to keep playing even when injured, and still pushing through is not easy, which is why I thank all the players for a great effort this year," he said. 

“The players' strength doesn't come from winning, it comes from struggles and hardships. I am extremely proud of all the effort and performance our boys have put in this season. 

"Ia viia ai viia ai pea le Alii ile taleni ma le taumafaiga i lenei tausaga. All glory and praise be to God always."

He also thanked the backing of their pastors, families, friends and their village of Magiagi for the unwavering support and prayers. 

“Thank you for the support and cheering us on while we were battling it out in this year’s competition, without you this achievement wouldn’t have been possible. 

"To our sponsors Taula Beverages - Samoa thank you for all your support in many ways throughout our journey.

“There is a Samoan proverb which says "O se faiva e tapuaia o le faiva lea e a'e manuia", meaning that a struggle which is supported by people will always end well.

“Special thanks to my wife and my lovely daughters for the support all throughout the season. Lupe all the way!”