Tonga’s football scene is abuzz with excitement as the nation’s U-16 Men’s National Team gears up to make its debut in the upcoming OFC U-16 Men’s Championship – Qualifying. With a 23-man squad carefully selected and diligently trained, anticipation is high for their first match, set to kick off tomorrow.
Three formidable opponents—Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and American Samoa—will join Tonga in this year’s qualifying stage. It’s a momentous occasion for Tonga, especially considering that 13 players from the squad were part of the inaugural Tonga U-15 Development team that ventured to a development tournament in New Zealand last year, funded by UEFA. While that tournament wasn’t a formal competition, it provided invaluable exposure to professional-level football, laying the foundation for the players’ journey to the international stage.
Now, these young athletes are primed to represent Tonga in a real tournament hosted on home soil—an opportunity laden with significance and pride. Tonga’s Coach, Timote Moleni, alongside captain Hakeai Fonua, conveyed the team’s preparedness and eagerness during a recent media press conference.
Coach Moleni emphasized the extensive three-month preparation period, despite the squad being selected from a relatively small pool of players compared to their competitors. He expressed confidence in the team’s readiness to face the challenges ahead, a sentiment echoed by other coaches present at the conference.
Each coach underscored the importance of this tournament in providing the young players with their first taste of international competition, stressing the value of securing victories to progress to the next stage. Winning not only boosts morale but also affords invaluable game time, essential for the players’ growth and understanding of the sport at a higher level.
“This tournament is not just about winning; it’s about providing our young players with a platform to gain international experience, hone their skills, and foster their passion for the game,” Coach Moleni elucidated. He further highlighted the tournament’s significance in nurturing talent for Tonga’s senior national teams, envisioning a future where these budding players become integral contributors on a larger stage.
Amidst the anticipation, Coach Moleni extended gratitude to the community for their unwavering support towards the young athletes. “We are very happy to be hosting this event and maybe it can be a bonus for us as we are playing in front of our home crowd but still we have to give back to he fans with a win cos at the end of the day my team represents the people of Tonga”. Coach Moleni added
Tonga will commence their campaign against American Samoa in the second game tomorrow, setting the stage for what promises to be an enthralling tournament. Following a two-day break, all teams will resume action on Tuesday, intensifying the competition and setting the tone for an exhilarating journey ahead.
Tonga U-16 Men’s National Squad
- Sioeli FIFITA
- Sione ‘AINU’U
- Talaiasi FALUKU
- Tuione FALUKU
- Francis TAU’ALUPE
- Tevita FALEPAPALANGI
- Taani FE’AO
- Sione FEHOKO
- Fonua MANUPUNA
- Hakeai FONUA
- Tupou HAVEA
- Lyall NONU
- Sione FAKAHAU
- Siua LAMA
- Fetu’u TONGA
- Gordon LI
- Henry TAUKAPO
- Sosefo PANI
- Siaki LONITENISI
- Epi FE’AO
- Christopher TONGA
- Paula LAMA
Head Coach – Timote Moleni
Assistant Coach – Siosiua Mikaele
End.
