The Mataliki step into tomorrow’s opening match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Qualifiers – Oceania with confidence, unity, and a clear sense of purpose. After wrapping up their final training session today, Head Coach Kilifi Uele said the team has been fully committed in their last week of preparation noting, “This is the final week and both games are like finals for us. Whatever we do, we do it with all our heart.”
The squad touched down in the Cook Islands on Monday, with captain Daviana Vaka arriving on the same flight and joining the team immediately. Only Loma McNeese arrived the following day to complete the 22-player roster. The team carries a strong mix of experience and youth, bringing together players from the OFC Women’s Nations Cup in Fiji earlier this year alongside young debutants and recently recalled-up Mataliki talents.
Uele believes this blend is what gives the team a strong identity heading into the qualifiers. At yesterday’s pre-tournament press conference, he highlighted Tonga’s long-term vision, “For us as a small nation, we believe in the development of our future. We’re bringing in new players, but we keep experienced ones so they can have a positive impact on the whole team.”
Leadership for this campaign falls to Captain Daviana Vaka, supported by vice-captains Lositika Feke and ‘Ofaloto La‘akulu, both familiar faces in the Mataliki setup. Their combined experience has played a key role in building a calm but focused atmosphere within the team.
Coach Uele noted the players’ eagerness to get started, “The mood is good, they can’t wait to face American Samoa tomorrow.”
The team’s preparations have revolved heavily around structure and discipline, especially in defensive organisation. “Our strength is our unity, how we defend together as a team,” Uele explained during training.
“We know that if the other team doesn’t score and we score one goal, then we win.”
As they approach kick-off, the message from the coaching staff has remained consistent which is discipline, structure, and trust in the system.
“If they stay disciplined and follow our playing system, how we coached them then we are happy,” Uele said. “For sure, we will achieve our goal to win this first game.”
Tonga enters this round as the highest-ranked team in the group at FIFA Ranking, and the players understand the weight of the opportunity ahead, only one team will advance from this stage.
Despite the pressure, the group remains grounded, knowing they carry more than just their own dreams onto the field.
Uele offered a heartfelt message to supporters back home, “We just need them to give their support 100 percent and keep praying for us. Our players carry their parents, their families, their ancestors, so we ask for your prayers and your hearts to be with us.”
The Mataliki finished seventh at the OFC Women’s Nations Cup in July, and tomorrow marks the beginning of their sixth World Cup qualifying journey. The team aims not only for results, but to showcase the progress of Tonga’s women’s football development pathway.
As Coach Uele reflected during the media conference, “Football is changing and evolving. We all want to qualify for the next stages, and we have to understand the format and structure of how we make it to the World Cup.”
With the squad now settled, preparations complete, and spirits high, Tonga enters tomorrow’s match with belief and determination.
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