For the past ten days, Tonga U-19 National Women’s team, Junior Mataliki has been deep in preparation, pushing their limits in a rigorous training camp designed to sharpen their skills, enhance team chemistry, and solidify their tactical approach. According to Head Coach Mele Moala Soakai and Director of Football Mr. Jagdish Reddy, this is one of the best preparations the team has ever had, with an intense and detailed program due to the increased number of players in camp.
Set in a high-intensity environment, the squad, comprising both domestic talents and overseas-based players, has been training at full throttle to ensure readiness for the competition ahead. Mr. Reddy emphasized that the preparation follows a periodization plan, focusing on attacking and defending strategies while also refining techniques and ensuring the team is physically ready to compete at the highest level.
The daily schedule is relentless, beginning with early morning fitness sessions to build endurance and agility. These are followed by tactical drills aimed at improving passing accuracy, defensive solidity, and attacking cohesion. Afternoons are reserved for small-sided games and full-pitch simulations, where players are tested under match-like conditions.
Mr. Reddy stated, “Preparation is based on attacking, defending, and tactics while also improving individual techniques. Physically, we need to be able to compete at the highest level.”
A core group of 7 to 8 players forms the foundation of the team, with a mix of experienced and developing talents. Six players in the squad will be competing in their second OFC U-19 Women’s Championship, while two have already represented the senior women’s national team, Mataliki. The rest were part of the U-16 national team last year, showcasing the team’s depth and development.
Mr. Reddy confirmed that most overseas-based players have already represented Tonga at the U-16 level, and their technical and tactical abilities make them capable of competing at the U-19 level despite still being eligible for U-16. Out of the seven overseas players expected, six have confirmed their participation, with the seventh still awaiting confirmation.
“They are technically very improved, and while U-19 is a faster game, they are still capable of competing at this level,” Mr. Reddy added.
Qualifying for the next stage of the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship would be a significant achievement for Tonga. Mr. Reddy outlined three main reasons why this would be a major milestone:
- Avoiding the qualification stage in the future.
- This being the second OFC tournament of the year.
- Tonga hosting, making qualification even more impactful.
“It will be a huge, huge positive for us if we win this tournament,” said Mr. Reddy, underlining the motivation driving the squad’s preparation.
With just a few days left before the end of camp, the final phase will focus on fine-tuning tactics and match simulations. A scheduled friendly match will provide the ultimate test before the team embarks on their OFC campaign.
With meticulous preparation, a solid mix of experienced and young talents, and the motivation of playing for national pride, Tonga’s national team is gearing up to make a statement on the regional stage.
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