The Tonga Football Association (TFA) wrapped up a successful 2024/2025 domestic season with the official Prize Giving Ceremony for the TFA Challenge Cup, held last weekend following the TFA Annual General Meeting.
The event celebrated the achievements of clubs across the country, most notably Nukuhetulu FC, whose historic triumph in the Challenge Cup final was matched by their confirmation as Tonga’s official representative to the OFC Men’s Champions League 2026 – Qualifier, set for January 2026 in Samoa.
Their inclusion marks a major milestone for the club, becoming only the third Tongan side to qualify for the regional tournament, joining Veitongo FC and Lotoha’apai United. The achievement caps off a stellar domestic campaign for Nukuhetulu, who proved their dominance wasn’t limited to just one trophy.
In addition to lifting the Challenge Cup, Nukuhetulu claimed top honours in the Senior Men’s Division of the TFA Major League, earning a grand prize of $10,000 TOP as well as winning the Under-16 Girls and Under-14 Girls divisions. Their performances across these age categories showcase the strength and depth of the club’s development system.
The 2024/2025 season incentive pool exceeded $70k TOP, a strong show of investment in the growth of football at all levels.
Individual brilliance also shone through the tournament, with the following players earning special accolades:
- Top Goal Scorer: Kulisitofa Kite (Lavengatonga FC)
- Best Goalkeeper: Manase Talakai (Lavengatonga FC)
- Player of the Tournament: ‘Unaloto ‘Aho (Nukuhetulu FC)
These honours highlighted standout performances that elevated the level of competition in this year’s cup.
TFA Challenge Cup 2024/2025 – Winners Table
| Category | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUP Division | Nukuhetulu FC | Lavengatonga FC | Veitongo FC |
| BOWL Division | Lapaha FC | Longolongo FC | ‘Ahau FC |
| U16 Boys | Lotoha’apai FC | Folaha FC | Navutoka FC |
| U16 Girls | Nukuhetulu FC | Ha’ateiho FC | Lapaha FC |
| U14 Boys | Talasiu FC | Navutoka FC | Veitongo FC |
| U14 Girls | Nukuhetulu FC | Ha’ateiho FC | Lavengatonga FC |
Heilala Manongi First Stage Concludes
The first stage of the Heilala Manongi competition was also recognised during the ceremony, with Veitongo FC edging Nukuhetulu Women in an extra-time thriller to take first place among the eight participating clubs. All teams involved received prizes, as the competition continues to strengthen the women’s game across the Kingdom.
The second stage will resume shortly, with champions from Vava’u, expected to join the competition making for even more exciting matchups in the next phase.
The Prize giving Ceremony provided a fitting close to a season filled with inspiring stories, hard-fought victories, and rising talent. For Nukuhetulu FC, the focus now turns to the international stage as they prepare to represent Tonga in the OFC Men’s Champions League Qualifiers, carrying not just their club’s hopes, but those of the entire nation.
Heilala Manongi Cup (First Stage) – Final Rankings
| Rank | Club |
|---|---|
| 1st | Veitongo FC |
| 2nd | Nukuhetulu FC |
| 3rd | Toa Girls |
| 4th | Lapaha FC |
| 5th | Ha’ateiho FC |
| 6th | Navutoka FC |
| 7th | Marist FC |
| 8th | Fahefa FC |
End.
