For Lositika Feke, football has never been just a sport, it has been a pathway, a classroom, and a calling that has shaped the woman she is today. From the dusty school fields to the national stadium, from being a young girl with big dreams to becoming captain of the Mataliki and Competition Officer for the Tonga Football Association also now the Ambassador for Tonga Women’s Football, Lositika’s journey is one of courage, growth, and unwavering dedication.
Her story began at age 12, when she played in the 2014 secondary school competition as a student at Lotolu (Pelehake) Government Middle School. Those early games sparked a love for football that carried her through high school, into Longolongo FC, and eventually onto the international stage.
“Representing Tonga was truly a dream come true,” she says. “It’s a journey I will always remember.”
Behind Lositika’s rise was a foundation of love and support, especially from Penateti and her siblings, who became her biggest motivators.
“They picked me up after school, dropped me home after training, and even bought me boots when I couldn’t afford my own,” she recalls.
“Their support made me fall in love with the game more than I ever expected.”
Their belief carried her through some of her biggest challenges, long travel hours from Longolongo to Ha’asini, expensive gear, and cultural expectations placed on young girls in Tonga. As the youngest child, her parents worried about her late nights, injuries, and balancing school. But still, she persisted.
“Looking back now, I am proud of how strong I was at such a young age,” she says. “Those challenges shaped who I am today.”
Few feelings compare to wearing the red jersey.
“It is a privilege and an honour,” Lositika shares. “When I wear the national jersey, I carry my family, my relatives, my friends, and the whole of Tonga with me.”
Her pride only deepened when she was named captain of the Mataliki for the first time. For her, leadership is not about authority, it’s about service.
“Being captain is a great opportunity. My responsibility is to lead on and off the field, stay connected with the officials, and fulfil my role with humility and dedication.”
While she continues to lead on the field, Lositika has also built a career off it serving as a Competition Officer at TFA. Her role includes registering players and clubs, coordinating competitions across Tonga, and working closely with clubs and officials throughout the season.
“This role helped me understand football from a different perspective,” she explains. “It has helped me grow not only as an administrator but as a player. This is why I truly love my job.”
Balancing two demanding roles is not easy, but she embraces the challenge.
“Time management and effort are key. Experiencing both sides of football is something I really appreciate.”
From captaining her country to supporting competitions behind the scenes, Lositika is proud of every milestone, big or small.
“Representing my country is something I will always treasure. And even just making it home safely after training feels like an achievement.”
She sees both sides of football as equally important.
“Without players, administrators have no competitions to run. Without administrators, players wouldn’t have well-organized competitions. Both roles are essential.”
Lositika carries a clear vision for the next generation of female footballers in Tonga:
- Increase girls’ participation
- Create pathways for higher-level competition
- Build stronger opportunities for future Mataliki players
And to the young girls dreaming of following her path, she offers heartfelt advice:
• Work hard on your own.
• Dream big.
• Stay positive.
• Enjoy every moment.
• Celebrate the small wins.
• Come and play because football opens doors to the world.
Lositika’s journey reflects the growth of Tonga women’s football resilient, ambitious, and proudly grounded in family and faith. From the pitch to the office, she is shaping the future of the sport she loves while inspiring a new generation to dream without limits.
She is not just leading a team, she is building a pathway.
End.
