Mataliki and Tuulalupe departs for the XVII South Pacific Games in Solomon Islands

With few more days to kick-off, Tonga’s National Football pack have set foot in Honiara, Solomon Islands ready to compete in the 17th South Pacific Games 2023. A 50 members squad comprised of 40 players Men and Women with 10 officials departed the Fua’amotu Airport this morning along with other Sports Athletes on a charter that travelled directly to the Honiara International Airport.

16 Mataliki players coached by Mark ‘Uhatahi will meet four more players in Solomon including current Mataliki stars, Kiana Swift and Jazmine Loto’aniu. 10 players who were part of last year’s Mataliki team that lost to the OFC Women’s Nations Cup Champion on Penalty Shootout will feature the team again alongside some young stars which includes the 16 years old Tama’a Faletau with 3 other players who were part of this year’s Under 19 National Women’s Team.

Mataliki is seated in Group B with Tahiti and Samoa. They will play their first game on Tuesday 21^st of November against Samoa on 2:00pm TOT and will play their last group match against Samoa on Friday 24^th 2:00pm TOT on the Solomon Islands Football Federation’s Field.

Mataliki 2023 Squad:

1. Mele’ana Taufa – Goal Keeper
2. ‘Ana Lauteau – Defender
3. Lavinia Afu – Defender
4. Mele Kafa – Defender
5. Melaia Polovili – Defender
6. Seini Lutu – Mid Fielder
7. Alexandra Fifita – Forward
8. Kiana Swift – Mid Fielder
9. Jazmine Loto’aniu – Forward
10. ‘Ana Polovili – Forward
11. Lositika Feke – Mid Fielder
12. Siunipa Talasinga – Mid Fielder
13. Latusiu Lomu – Mid Fielder
14. ‘Ana Talasinga – Mid Fielder
15. Kalolaine Topui – Goal Keeper
16. Loma Mcneese – Mid Fielder
17. Sachi Swift – Forward
18. Madison Tenifa – Goal Keeper
19. Tama’a Faletau – Forward
20. Tautala Tupoumalohi – Goal Keeper

From the Men’s team who has been given the name “Tuulalupe” coached by Timote Moleni has 20 players with two overseas based players. Mohammed Rajani who was part of the Tonga Under 19’s team that won the 2018 OFC U-19 Championship Qualifier raised his availability to represent Tonga again with 2023 Under 23 National player, Tevita Tu’amoheloa who is based in New Zealand.

Tuulalupe team is in Group A joining New Caledonia and Cook Islands. They will play their first group match this Saturday 18^th November against New Caledonia 6:00pm TOT. Their last group match will be on Tuesday 21^st of November against Cook Islands 6:00pm TOT. All matches will be broadcasted live on TBC Television.

Tuulalupe 2023 Squad:

1. Semisi ‘Otukolo – Goal Keeper
2. Petelo Naniseni – Defender
3. Kulisitofa Kite – Defender
4. Nicolas Vea – Defender
5. Sione Tu’ifangaloka – Defender
6. Lisiate Feke – Mid Fielder
7. Tau’aika Sonasi – Mid Fielder
8. Christopher Kefu – Mid Fielder
9. Taniela Vaka’uta – Mid Fielder
10. ‘Amoni Fifita – Forward
11. Elias Kendler – Forward
12. Hemaloto Polovili – Forward
13. Nuku ‘Esau – Forward
14. Feki Tufi – Forward
15. Petueli Tokotaha – Mid Fielder
16. Mohammed Rajani – Mid Fielder
17. Ta’u Tupou – Defender
18. Fakaofo Tonga – Defender
19. David Tu’amoheloa – Goal Keeper
20. Justin Toetu’u – Goal Keeper

Meanwhile TFA FIFA Referees Trio, Lata Kaumatule, Folio Moeaki and Tevita Makasini will also be present to officiate in the Tournament. Kaumatule and Folio joined the two National teams in the same flight along with TFA Head of Referees who will be there to assist in instructors roles. Tevita Makasini will travel from Australia to join the crew in Solomon.

Both Teams and Referees are set to depart on the 4^th of December together with other Sports Athletes.

End.