Tonga National Beach Soccer Men’s Team known as “Tautahi” has departed Tonga in bound for Tahiti via New Zealand to take part in the OFC Beach Soccer Nations Cup 2023 commencing on the 22nd of August, Tuesday next week.
The 12 men Squad is coached by Peni Fatafehi who believes that they are targeting to make an upset in this year’s competition. “This team started their preparation last year and they have put a lot of effort and sacrifice in committing to the programs and training we have scheduled for them every week. It is understood that throughout the preparation some of the boys had to leave due to family and personal matters, so we had to replace them with new players.”
“Only two players from this team were part of the 2019 National Beach Soccer Team which is Tevita Havili and Nafe Tutone who was still 16 year’s old at the time, the rest of the team will debut in the International Tournament level and we understand that it will be difficult for the boys playing in a more crowded atmosphere compared to the crowd we usually have in Ha’apai.”
“However we are confident with the preparation we have done with the team and we are looking forward to surprise some big names we will be playing next week especially Tahiti”. Peni Fatafehi to TFA Website.
Tautahi will play their first game against Tahiti on Tuesday 22nd of August, second match with Fiji on the 23rd and last round match with Solomon on the 24th before heading on to the finals and Play-Offs on Saturday 26th of August which is all on next week.
Travelling Squad:
Tevita Havili
‘Ilaisa Fangufangu
Harlen ‘Ulavalu
Justin Toetu’u
Kelepi Tamale
Leimoni Moala
Lemeki Taufa
Mosese ‘Ulavalu
Nivaleti Televave
Paula Veikoso
Sione Tutone
Tomasi Fakatou
Coach: Peni Fatafehi
Assistant Coach: Feleti ‘Ulavalu
Team Manager: Soane Pua
End.
