The Heilala Manongi Cup kicks off this weekend with the eight Districts of Tonga fighting it out to be crowned champions.
In February 2020, FIFA and TFA began to map out how and when to roll out Heilala Manongi project. At early March the launching of the Heilala Manongi kick-started in ‘Eua, Vava’u then in Tongatapu. One week after the launch, Tonga got lockdown with a lot of restrictions including playing any sport.
In Mid August 2020, the Government of Tonga lifts the restriction and we started to bring back the coaches and stakeholders for another refresher before re-start the Heilala Manongi. This time we decided to reach out to Ha’apai and in the beginning of September 2020, the project rolled out in the 4 islands.
Despite a number of challenges arising, 2020 proved a successful year for the Heilala Manongi project.
To conclude the Heilala Manongi project, a major tournament to run, and to bring two teams from Vava’u, one team from Ha’apai, two teams from ‘Eua and three teams here in Tongatapu, the main island and the host. And now all the teams from the outer islands are safely arrived to the main island and psyched for debut. There will be a opening ceremony before the first game.
Check out the squad lists and get the lowdown on each team’s prospects with the official preview below.
Nafanua (Eua 1)
Coach: Po’oi Vaka
Key player: Malipolo Loni (GK)
Young player to watch: Leona ‘Atu’ake
Squad: Malipolo Loni, ‘Ana Mausia, Mele Loni, Kaylene Mafua, Hifo Manukeu, Pulu Fili, Nanise Loni, Atelaite Ta’ufo’ou, Vika Fe’ao, Lu Kaufusi, Leona Atu’ake, Susitina Palavi, Mele Nau, ‘Amelia Hingano, Soana Teisina.
Prospects: Nafanua is totally new to this kind of tournament, but they have being well prepared to face this new challenge. The Project leader from ‘Eua said, stepping out from their comfort zone would lead them to another two steps forward, so they can’t wait to play against their oppositions.
Kaufana (‘Eua 2)
Coach: Tevita Huni
Key player: Ilisapeta Moalalahi
Young player to watch: ‘Anau Lopeti
Squad: Suliana Faingata’a, Mele Taulepa, Uikelotu Mateialona, Merceds Tuione, Selemana Hautau, Manui Lakalaka, Anau Lopeti, Ilisapeta Moalalahi, Linita Fainga’anuku, Salina Ma’u, Malama Filimoehala, Siulolovao Te’ekiu, Malia Afu, Vakeifanga Sitaleki, Salina Kauhenga.
Prospects: Kaufana is the second team from ‘Eua, and they both have the same with the Nafanua team.
Tu’I Ha’apai
Coach: Feleti Ulavalu
Key player: Tupou Takataka
Young player to watch: Lusia Loni
Squad: Lusia Loni, Lesieli Takelo, Feangai Kaifoto, Ma’ata Nau, Velonika Fonua, Lu’isa Mahe, Sanisaite Tupou, Kalolaine Loni, Tilesa Tamale, Tupou Takataka, Hulita Makasini, Maria Loni, ‘Ilaisaane Malafu, Lesieli Latavao, Sesilia Taufa.
Prospects: In Ha’apai, they played beach soccer and this is a huge challenge for them to participate in this tournament because it’s a 11 aside tournament and on the grass. After a meeting with coaches in Ha’apai they agreed to face this challenge because they believed they can do this. These young and talented Ha’apaian, got the heart of a Tongan. Peni Fatafehi said, the first two weeks of their training in Ha’apai conducted on the sand field before they changed to a proper field. He also mentioned, his squad are not get use to play with football boots, but he encouraged them to wear the boots. So right now, he is very satisfying with their preparation and they can’t wait to play on their first game.
Lolomana’ia (Vava’u 1)
Coach: Tapukitea Fakasi’I’eiki
Key player: Tama’a Faletau
Young player to watch: Manukailopa Mailangi
Squad: Manukailopa Mailangi, Maliatoto Mailangi, Toakase Tupou, Ilaise Tongatu’a, Wynone Fotu, Naomi Palanite, Tama’a Faletau, Veisinia ‘Ataongo, ‘Oko Taufo’ou, Kaneisoni Palanite, Tapenisa Kaufusi, ‘Amelia Penitoni, Mele Falekakala, Telia Fotu, Mamei Tu’i.
Prospects: Lolomana’ia consist of very young and talented girls from various high schools in Vava’u, and they have been very active during their Heilala Manongi Challenge Cup 2020. , Indeed, the squad could well be one of the youngest. Tama’a Faletau is one of the players to mark as she is one of few players that she left foot. But Fakasi’eiki will be just as excited about the potential of Tapenisi Kaufusi, ‘Oko Ta’ufo’ou and Manu and several youngsters.
If she can help bring their raw talent to full fruition and the likes of Faletau is at their best then Lolomana’ia could well go all the way.
Tu’I Vava’u (Vava’u 2)
Coach: Soane Malia Mailangi
Key player: Sisfa Kaufusi
Young player to watch: Mamaite To’a
Squad: Maureen Pamaka, Mele Toumohuni, ‘Elisapeta Kaloni, Ma’u Loto’a’atu,’Olivia Veleika, Maopa Pale, Sangata Fili, Sisifa KAufusi, Seikalama Kauvaka, Melekifo’ou Folaumoetu’I, Keleni Pale, Misipa Moeata, Mamaite To’a, Lomakeni Netane, Loisi Te’ekafa.
Prospects: Mailangi said, he trust his team and they will fancy themselves in every match, as his team is the underdog in this tournament.
Tongatapu Vahe Kolo
Coach: Siulolo Taufa
Key player: Anita Hufanga
Young player to watch: Jarui Chen
Squad: ‘Isapela ‘Akolo, Foliaki Sakopo, Salome Akolo, Mele Likiliki, Manu Fatai, Christina Moala, Lusia Lea’aetoa, Melenaite Pepa, Jairui Chen, Fredrika Fatai, Anita Hufanga, Rose Fakena, Elisi Afu, ‘Evalina Kolo, Vasiti Taufa.
Prospects: Tongatapu Vahe Kolo have the quality to be regarded amongst the favourites. There are few finer playmakers like Anita Hufanga and her experience is combined with some top young prospects in the form of Salome Akolo, Rose Fakena, and Melenaite Pepa, coach Siulolo seems to have every chance of success in her first year in charge.
Tongatapu Vahe Loto
Coach: ‘Emelita Moeaki
Key player: Melaia Polovili
Young player to watch: Bert Fotu
Squad: Lusitania Koloa, Mo’ui Tu’iono, Neomai Teu, ‘Ana Talasinga, Tatiana Fonohema, Melaia Polovili, Malia Moeaki, Siokapesi Falepapalangi, Bert Fotu, Leena Taufa’ao, Tausiaola Vaka’uta, Meliame Fakahau, Malia Ma’ungatai, ‘Ailine Tufui, Mele Talasiga.
Prospects: Tongatapu Vahe Loto is the sleeping giant of this tournament, Coach Moeaki believed her side must claim the title.
Tongatapu Vahe Hahake
Coach: Losevati Muavesi
Key player: Fele’unga Mafi
Young player to watch: Vika Mafi
Squad: Musie Talakai, Seluvaia Kilisimasi, Vika Mafi, Huni Katoa, Salome Holika, Makelesi Malafu, Luseane Manumu’a, Miliana MAnumu’a, ;Ana Kafoa, Lupe Vaea, Sala Longopoa, Fele’unga Mafi, Sela Pese, Vilea Avock, Folauhola Likio.
Prospects: Coach Muavesi said, she know that all the teams will be tough out here, it’s not easy in the pool play! The first encounter will be an equally exciting encounter with two sides keen to put their opening day defeats behind them. It will be a tough match for us, but we still have confidence.!
Good Luck to all teams!
End
