Tonga Football

They will face hosts Tahiti, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia, with the overall winner to qualify for a spot at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Paraguay 2019. Team Tahiti are the overwhelming favourites in the tournament with a resume that includes reaching two World Cup finals.

OFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Development Officer Paul Toohey said in a media statement that he was pleased with Tonga’s inclusion – their first time to compete in the tournament.

“I don’t notice how young I am when I’m on the field. When I’m on the field I tell myself I can be like anyone I come up against. We all have two hands and two feet, I can do everything the same as them,” she said.

“I might be little but I know I’m capable of so many things.”

Talasinga has played the full 90 minutes in all three of Tonga’s matches so far, and although the results haven’t fallen in her favour, Talasinga has enjoyed learning and developing with her teammates.

“I told myself that I need to work hard so I can be selected to represent my country for the upcoming OFC U-19 Women’s Championship. That was my goal,” she said.

“When I was called for the U-19 squad, I was so happy.

‘’There is another regional competition at the conclusion of the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship – the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship – so I will definitely work hard to be in that team too.’’

With his sisters Lata Kaumatule as first assistant referee and Paita Lelenga as fourth official, referee Sione Lelenga couldn’t have picked a better crew.

“It was a great moment when we were called to officiate the final match between Veitongo United and Navutoka. It was the first time it’s happened since I started refereeing,” he said.

“I was so excited when they announced the trio, and that I would work together with my two sisters.

I felt very secure and confident knowing that I’m with them.”

His confidence doesn’t stem from family ties alone.

Navutoka coach Lui Muavesi called the win an historic one for his club.

“It’s a history for my village, Navutoka, as in the past 20 years our women’s team were not even close to the top four, but today Navutoka has become the champion,” Muavesi said.

Both sides are littered with current and former national team players making it of no surprise that they finished up in the final.

Navutoka made an early play for dominance scoring two first half goals to give themselves a comfortable lead going into the break.

The OFC Education Centre is the initiative of the OFC President, Mr. David Chung who firmly believes that education in football – of players, coaches, referees, administrators and medical staff is the key to progress and the development of football in Oceania.