Eight senior women’s clubs competing in the Heilala Manongi Cup have received a major boost, as they were handed full playing equipment yesterday as part of the competition’s package. The initiative, funded by FIFA, provided essential gear to support the teams in their journey through the tournament.
The equipment, supplied by Adidas, is valued at approximately $100,000 USD. Each club received 20 full match kits, 20 pairs of boots, bibs, goalkeeper sets, and training soccer balls, ensuring that players have the necessary tools to train and compete effectively. The clubs receiving their gear include Veitongo FC, Navutoka FC, Nukuhetulu FC, Ha’ateiho FC, Marist FC, Longolongo FC, Fahefa FC, and Lapaha FC.
“This project that Tonga Football Association (TFA) is benefiting from is a FIFA Women’s Development Program that runs for two years,” explained Adelaite Tu’ivailala, Head of TFA Women’s Department. “With this project, we aim to promote women in football by increasing playing opportunities and providing more quality games at the senior women’s level.”
The provision of these resources is expected to make a significant impact on the participating clubs, helping to alleviate some of the financial challenges that teams often face.
“We believe these gears will help the teams by giving them the right equipment to support their training in their respective clubs,” Tu’ivailala added.
In Tongatapu, the Heilala Manongi Cup currently features eight teams, with Vava’u teams set to join the initiative soon. “I’m glad that in Tongatapu, there are eight teams participating in the Heilala Manongi Cup, and we are still awaiting the kick-off of the Vava’u Heilala Manongi. Their competition will probably begin next week,” Tu’ivailala noted.
She also took the opportunity to acknowledge FIFA’s continued support for women’s football in Tonga. “I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to FIFA, especially the women’s division led by Chief Sarai and all her staff, for their continuous support. I believe this partnership will continue, and we will seek more opportunities in the future.”
For the clubs receiving the equipment, the impact is already being felt. Ha’ateiho FC coach, Viliami Taufa, expressed his gratitude, emphasizing how much the boots alone mean to his players. “My club had just started, and this is our fourth year joining soccer. One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced is players not having boots. But after today, the girls are extra happy. When I called them to our training field to surprise them with their new shoes, they were beyond thankful.”
Marist FC coach Annemarie Tu’aefe also shared her appreciation. “Marist Football Club appreciates your kindness and generosity with this gift. It’s always a pleasure working with Tonga Football Association and FIFA through the Heilala Manongi Cup, and this makes us feel even more grateful for our collaboration.”
The Heilala Manongi Cup continues this weekend, with Round 5 set to be played on Saturday. The official draw is available on the Tonga Football Association’s Facebook page, where fans can follow the latest updates on the competition.
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