“It is with profound sadness that we learn of the untimely passing of our coworker Teiapa’a who has always been an unassuming and low profile Referee Instructor . On behalf of the TFA Family I would like to express our sincere condolences to the widow, children and all Teiapa’a’s family in their bereavement which also benumbed our minds and crushed our spirits”, General Secretary of Tonga Football Association, Lui ‘Aho.
Joining TFA’s CEO, condolences from colleagues, friends and relatives poured through the social media as they grieve the death of Vava’u Referee Instructor, Teiapa’a Tu’itavuki last Saturday 18th of November.
Laid to rest this morning in Vava’u, President and General Secretary of Tonga Football Association attended the burial of Teipa’a after arriving at the Island yesterday for this special occasion.
Teipa’a has been a staff for Tonga Football Association for 12 years since commencing his referee instructor career for the Association on 16 of June 2011. Teiapa’a had already joined a Futuro workshop in 2010 before he took the job as a Referee Development Officer in the Vava’u office. Teiapa’a has since been working with Tonga Referee until he became a Referee Instructor til his sudden passing.
“Teiapa’a is known here in Vava’u for his love for the Sports as while he was a referee instructor he was also a coach for his villages team of Makave. He also helped to develop a lot of young referees from various Schools including, Vava’u High School, Chanel College, Mailefihi & Siu’ilikuatapu College and also Tailulu. One of his best referees that he mentored is Tellos Kaufusi who is now officiating in the OFC level”, Vava’u Football Manager, Manatu Liava’a to TFA Website.
Teiapa’a’s friendly attitude and smiling face will be truly missed by the TFA Family and all those he inspired in the referee department.
End.
