After clinching the 2023 Premier Women’s Championship title, Veitongo FC is set to embark on a historic journey as they make their debut appearance in the OFC Women’s Champions League. This prestigious tournament, which commenced last year in Papua New Guinea, gathers champions from across the Pacific to compete for glory. The reigning champions, AS Academy from New Caledonia, set the bar high in the inaugural edition. Now, it’s Veitongo’s turn to challenge for top honors and represent Tonga on the regional stage.
Under the seasoned guidance of coach Timote Moleni, Veitongo FC has been a dominant force in Tonga’s women’s football for over a decade. In a recent interview with the TFA Website, Coach Moleni expressed confidence in his team’s readiness for the OFC tournament.
“Veitongo’s Women’s team is prepared. They have been putting in the hard work on the training field. Nearly half of the team participated in the Women’s Olympic Qualifiers in Samoa last month, and I am pleased with their readiness for this tournament,” stated Moleni.
Despite their readiness, Coach Timote acknowledges the need for additional preparation, especially for the physicality and competitiveness of the tournament. “In Tonga, the level of competition may not match that of other countries in the region. However, the team is gearing up to face stronger opponents and adapt to the demands of the tournament.” Moleni added.
Veitongo FC boasts a roster of talented players, including Seini Lutu, Tonga’s first female footballer to receive a scholarship at a New Zealand high school. The team also features Mataliki stars like the Polovili sisters, ‘Ana and Melaia, as well as experienced defenders Siunipa Talasinga and ‘Ana Lauteau. The addition of Mataliki players such as goalkeeper Madison Tenifa and young sensation Tama’a Faletau adds depth and experience to the squad.
“The girls have been playing together for a long time, and I believe that will be one of the team’s strengths. However, we also invited Mataliki players who expressed their desire to be part of this new tournament, and some players stepped up, including our Mataliki goalkeeper and promising young talents. I am confident that with their experience in international football, they will enhance our squad. This tournament is not just about Veitongo rather about representing Tonga with pride and determination.”
Veitongo FC will face stiff competition in the OFC Women’s Champions League, with teams like Avatiu FC from the Cook Islands and Auckland United FC from New Zealand joining the fray. The tournament features eight teams in total, including last year’s winners, AS Academy Feminine from New Caledonia, as well as clubs from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.
Placed in Group B, alongside AS Academy Feminine, Auckland United FC, and Labasa Women FC, Veitongo FC faces a challenging path to the top. Their journey begins with a showdown against AS Academy Feminine on March 11th at the Lawson Tama Stadium in the Solomon Islands.
Veitongo will depart to Solomon Islands for the tournament with an 18 players Squad on Thursday via Fiji.
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