Tonga’s U16 National Women’s Team, affectionately known as “Future Mataliki,” is on the cusp of an exciting journey as they begin their campaign in the OFC U16 Women’s Championship. The tournament serves as the gateway to next year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup with first time for Oceania Region to have two spots in the Tournament, and all eyes are on the young Tongan squad as they prepare for their opening match against the host nation, Fiji tomorrow.
With months of rigorous training, friendly matches, and the support of the Tonga Football Association (TFA), the Future Mataliki squad is ready to prove their mettle on the regional stage. Team Manager Adelaite Tu’ivailala expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, telling the TFA website:
“Well, the girls are well prepared for our first game tomorrow physically, mentally, and spiritually. It’s been a tough journey, but we are here, gearing up for our opening match.”
The team’s journey to this pivotal tournament began with their departure from Tonga on August 27th. Upon arrival in Fiji, they faced Nadi FC Women’s Team in a friendly match, which served as an initial test of their readiness. From there, they traveled to New Zealand for two additional warm-up games, taking on Ellerslie FC U16 Girls and Hibiscus Coast AFC U16 Girls.
These matches were not just preparation; they were opportunities for growth. Tu’ivailala noted:
“The girls gained valuable experience in our recent friendlies in Nadi and Auckland. They showed great resilience, working on defensive structures and counter-attacking plays. They improved a lot in their ball control and attacking combinations. Grateful to TFA for allowing us to travel because these friendlies were key in building their confidence and sharpening their focus, ensuring they’re ready to bring their best performance in their first game tomorrow.”
The Future Mataliki is captained by a seasoned leader who also captained last year’s team that reached the semi-finals. This experience gives the team a psychological edge, as the captain brings both maturity and understanding of high-stakes matches.
Coach Soane Mailangi, who has been instrumental in the team’s preparation, also shared his ambitions during a media conference held in Suva:
“In the last tournament last year, we ended up in the semi-final, and we hope this time that we’re going to qualify for the next World Cup.”
Mailangi’s vision is clear: to take this young team one step further, building on their previous success and pushing for a World Cup berth.
As the final preparations came to a close, Manager Tu’ivailala offered an emotional message to the players, encouraging them to embrace the moment:
“Girls, the moment we’ve worked so hard for is finally here. You’ve trained with dedication, played with heart, and grown together as a team. Remember, you’re not just representing yourselves but your families, your country, and the dreams of many young girls back home. Stay focused, play with courage, and trust in your preparation and each other.”
Future Mataliki’s first test comes against Fiji’s U16 Women’s Team, a crucial game that will set the tone for the rest of the tournament. The squad is expected to announce its starting lineup on the morning of the match, with anticipation building among fans and supporters alike.
As they step onto the field, the players carry the hopes of a nation, aiming to write a new chapter in Tonga’s football history. Their journey towards the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup begins now, and with the preparation, passion, and determination they’ve shown, the team is ready to make waves on the stage.
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