In a historic stride for Tonga football, the U15 Girls Development Team from Tonga has embarked on a journey to the International stage, participating in the inaugural OFC U15 Girls Development Tournament held in Lautoka, Fiji. This tournament, supported by UEFA, marks a significant milestone in the development of football in the region, particularly for young female players.
Led by Coach Soane Mailangi and assisted by emerging female coach Mele Moala Soakai, the 16-member squad represents not just a team but the future of women’s football in Tonga. For these young athletes, this tournament signifies more than just a series of matches; it’s an opportunity to experience international competition firsthand, to hone their skills, and to lay the foundation for a promising football career.
Kilifi Uele, the Chief of Football at Tonga Football Association (TFA), emphasizes the significance of this tournament in shaping the trajectory of football in Tonga. “It is a privilege to be part of this Tournament, especially for the girls. It will be a memorable experience for them as they step onto the international stage for the first time in their footballing careers.”
“The introduction of the U15 Girls Development Tournament holds immense potential for Tonga and other participating nations. It allows aspiring footballers, both boys and girls, to commence their international journey at an early age. This early exposure, coupled with consistent development pathways through age-group competitions, paves the way for a seamless transition to senior levels of the sport.” Uele further elaborates
Reflecting on the impact of a similar tournament for boys held last year in New Zealand, Uele notes the confidence boost it provided to the young male players. “The confidence displayed by our U16 boys who participated in last year’s tournament was evident during the OFC U16 Men’s Championship – Qualifying Stage that we just witnessed last month. This international exposure, albeit in a less pressured environment, prepares our players mentally and physically for future challenges.”
The tournament not only focuses on player development but also extends opportunities to young female referees. Three female referees from Tonga, along with a referees instructor, are part of this learning experience. They have the chance to officiate national team fixtures and receive developmental feedback, contributing to the growth of refereeing standards in the region.
In the spirit of inclusivity and fair play, the tournament format ensures equal opportunities for all players. Matches are structured in thirds 25 minutes each, allowing ample rest and tactical discussions. Every player in the squad is guaranteed a minimum amount of playing time across the tournament, emphasizing participation and development over results. Additionally, penalty shootouts at the end of each game provide invaluable experience in high-pressure situations.
The eight participating Member Associations (MAs) – Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, Tahiti, New Caledonia, Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Tonga – are all poised to showcase their talent and commitment to the growth of women’s football in the Pacific.
Tonga U15 Girls Development Team is set to play their first match against Tahiti on Tuesday, Fiji on Thursday and last pool match against Samoa on Saturday before they head on to a Knock-Out fixture on next week Tuesday. Team will return on Wednesday 15th of May.
Tonga U15 Girls Development Team
- Temaleti Taufa’ao
- Polini Ta’ofi
- Palatina Sau
- Salote Muli
- Sophie Hale
- Losaline Tu’utafaiva
- Ann Loti
- Sophiana Moala
- Lotana Kiu
- Ilaise Songo’imoli
- Veilose Ramsey
- Anamalia Vahe
- Emeline Sau
- Angel Mailangi
- Jessica Folau
- Ene’io Malafu
End
