In a national team dominated for years by talents from Tonga’s larger islands, it is rare to hear the name of ‘Eua on the football stage. Yet today, one young woman is proudly carrying the hopes of her island with every step she takes on the field.
While Vava’u has produced its well known stars over the years, players like Tama’a who became household names, this story is different. It is the story of someone who refused to be held back by limited opportunities, small facilities, and the quietness of her home island.
From the quiet village of Kolomaile in ‘Eua, a young girl once laced up a pair of runners not boots and stepped onto a small field with a big dream. Today, that girl stands as the first ever player from ‘Eua to reach the Senior Mataliki squad, proving that greatness can come from even the smallest corners of Tonga.
At just 17 years old, ‘Anau Lopeti has built a story of resilience, sacrifice, and determination, a journey that now inspires every young girl from ‘Eua who dreams of wearing the red jersey.
‘Anau’s football journey began at only 11 years old, when she joined the Just Play Program in her village, run by ‘Eua Football Development Officer Po’oi Vaka. That moment changed everything.
She fell in love with the sport instantly. From then on, she attended every session, every program, every opportunity, hungry to learn and eager to grow.
Her early development earned her a spot representing ‘Eua in the 2021 Heilala Manongi Cup in Tongatapu, her first taste of competition beyond the island.
From there, she was selected into a National U-16 Training Squad, though she didn’t quite make the final team. But instead of giving up, she returned home and trained harder than ever, setting a personal goal: one day, I will make the national team.
That moment of perseverance would become the turning point of her life.
In 2023, U-16 Women’s team coach Lafaele Moala travelled across the islands scouting for talent for the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship. From ‘Eua, only one player was chosen and it was ‘Anau.
This was the first time she was exposed to football at the international level.
In 2024, she again represented Tonga in the next U-16 OFC edition, showing even more maturity and development in her game.
Then came 2025, the breakthrough year.
- She was selected in the starting lineup for the National U-19 Team.
- Just a few months later, she was named in the final squad of the Senior Women’s National Team (Mataliki) — becoming the first player in history from ‘Eua to reach this level.
- She made her senior debut in Fiji at the OFC Women’s Nations Cup, and now, she has once again earned her place in the squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.
To chase her dream, ‘Anau made one of the biggest sacrifices a young island girl can make, she left her home in ‘Eua to live in Ma‘ufanga, where she could access better training and development opportunities.
Her story is not one of privilege. It is one of sacrifice.
She remembers her early days clearly:
“At first, as my island is the smallest in Tongatapu, we definitely had many obstacles. When I first started, I didn’t have boots, my parents gave me runners, and I used them for the whole year.”
Her success is built on early mornings, extra sessions, and commitment far beyond her age:
“When I started to love the game in ‘Eua, I made a goal. I did extra training, individual training, waking up every morning just to get here.”
Behind every achievement is the strong support of her family.
“My parents, Pesi and Koloa, are my number one supporters. They know that this is my talent and they keep pushing me to train and pursue it.”
Her football inspiration also comes from the global game:
“My role model has always been Cristiano Ronaldo. I admire him and want to be like him one day.”
Today, ‘Anau stands not only as a national player, but as a beacon of hope for every young girl back home.
Her message to them is simple but powerful:
“Keep developing, be brave, and put your all into it. You can achieve what I have achieved.”
With her first international caps earned and her place in the history books secured, ‘Anau’s focus is clear:
“Right now my goal is to pursue this and be the best at it one day. Football is my number one goal.”
From Kolomaile to the world stage, ‘Anau Lopeti’s story reminds us that talent has no borders and that even from the smallest island, a new inspiration can rise.
End.
