Tonga’s U-16 Women’s National Football Team, Future Mataliki, departed the kingdom this morning with high hopes and fierce determination as they head to Samoa for the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2025.
The traveling squad consists of 21 players, led by Japanese head coach Shinsuke Ogiso marking a historic milestone as he becomes the first Japanese coach to lead a Tongan national football team. Ogiso will be assisted by last year’s Young Mataliki Head Coach, Soane Mailangi.
“To be honest, as a national team coach, I’m not nervous maybe just a little but I’ve done this before. I just need to believe in myself. Tonga Football has its own football philosophy, and I respect that, but I also want to introduce elements of Japan’s football philosophy and see if that can be useful for our team. I won’t doubt anything, I’ll just do my best and help the girls score goals.” Ogiso to TFA Website.
Leading the team on the field is striker Sophiana Moala, who has been named captain for this year’s campaign. Moala was a standout performer in last year’s tournament and will be a key attacking force once again. She is supported by vice-captain Losaline Tu’utafaiva and Ilaise Songomoli, both of whom bring leadership and experience to the squad.
The team also includes three players who were part of the senior Mataliki team that recently returned from the OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2025 in Fiji Losaline Tu’utafaiva, Sophie Hale, and goalkeeper Tema Tonga bringing invaluable top-tier international experience into the U-16 setup.
Young Mataliki have been drawn into a competitive Pool B, where they will face defending champions New Zealand, as well as American Samoa and the Solomon Islands. Their opening match kicks off this Saturday against New Zealand, a high-stakes opener that will test their preparation and composure early on.
“Being in the same pool as New Zealand actually gives us a better chance to reach the final, since we’ll only meet them again in the playoffs if both teams make it through to the final. But of course, we face them first and their fast-paced game will be very difficult. We expect their strongest lineup. Still, I always tell my players not to be afraid. Go for the opportunity, trust each other, and don’t be afraid to miss just challenge them.” Ogiso added.
The squad will be reinforced in Samoa by three overseas-based players India-May Mann (New Zealand), who was part of last year’s bronze-medal-winning team, and two USA based players Melia Manning and Vea Tenifa who will bring fresh energy and international flair to the side.
Training will commence in Apia on Thursday and Friday as the team comes together in full for the first time. With the overseas-based players joining in Samoa, the coaching staff is working hard to create cohesion in limited time.
“With the changes in schedule, we now only have two days to train together as a full team. Sharing a common understanding is key and I know if the gap between the local and overseas players is too big, the team will be weak. So I’m working hard to close that gap and strengthen the group. It will be tough, but I’ll do my best.” Ogiso explains.
Despite limited preparation time, Ogiso remains confident in his team’s foundation.
“The past three weeks we built step by step. Of course, we faced some problems along the way, but we managed to solve them one by one. The team is ready to play. I do wish we had more time to develop shared understanding, but overall, we’ll do our best in the competition.”
Over in Group A are host nation Samoa, last year’s finalist alongside Fiji, New Caledonia, and Tahiti, setting the stage for a thrilling tournament across both pools.
Young Mataliki are building on the momentum of last year’s impressive campaign, where they achieved their best ever finish by claiming the bronze medal after a memorable win over New Caledonia. During that tournament, they played a thrilling 3-3 draw with Fiji, narrowly lost 2-0 to Samoa, and delivered a dominant 6-0 victory over Cook Islands. They faced New Zealand in the semi final losing 8-0 before winning 1-0 against New Caledonia.
This year, the goal is clear, a place in the final, which not only brings silverware but also secures qualification to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026.
Coach Ogiso left a heartfelt message for the fans back home.
“The players will try really hard and not look down, they’ll look up and play forward. So please cheer for our girls, because we know your support will be a real source of power for them.”
Tonga Football and the entire nation stand proudly behind Future Mataliki as they begin their journey in Samoa this Saturday.
Future Mataliki Squad:
- Templet TAUFA’AO
- Losaline TU’UTAFAIVA
- Melia MANNING
- Ilaise SONGOMOLI
- Veilose RAMSAY
- Sophie HALE
- Angel MAILANGI
- Liani VAHA
- Polini TA’OFI
- Sophiana MOALA
- ‘Emeline SAU
- Ann LOTI
- Donor TUPOUMALOHI
- Anamalia VAHE
- India-may MANN
- Makelesi MALAFU
- Vea TENIFA
- Tapu FEKAU
- Uinita MOALA
- Ofa FILIMONE
- Veiongo MAILE
End.
