As the anticipation builds and the excitement reverberates across Tonga, the national football team, affectionately known as Tu’ulalupe, gears up for an exhilarating journey in the OFC Men’s Nations Cup – Qualifying Stage. Coach Kilifi Uele has meticulously finalized a formidable 23-member squad, igniting hopes of securing the nation’s first-ever spot in the second stage of this tournament.
Leading the charge for Tu’ulalupe is none other than the seasoned striker, Hemaloto Polovili, who will once again don the captain’s armband. Polovili’s leadership proved instrumental during the South Pacific Games in November last year, held in the Solomon Islands, instilling confidence and unity within the team.
Elias Kendler, the prolific goal scorer who left spectators awestruck with his performance in the OFC Men’s Champions League last month, remains a vital cog in the team’s machinery. With five goals to his name, Kendler emerges as one of the backbone players, entrusted with the responsibility of spearheading Tu’ulalupe’s offensive prowess.
While experience forms the cornerstone of the squad, youth serves as its dynamic force. Seventeen-year-old Ulafala Sonasi of Folaha FC embodies the burgeoning talent within Tonga’s footballing landscape. Sonasi’s meteoric rise from representing Tonga in the OFC U-16 Championship to earning a spot in the senior national team underscores his exceptional skill and potential.
“Even though that is one of TFA’s long-term plans on nurturing young local talents, but the most significant reason why these players are included in the squad is because they have become some of the best in Tonga at the moment,” Coach Uele emphasized.
“These young players have represented almost every national team, and now they are playing at the Premier level, so I think they will be very competitive in this tournament, and also looking at our long-term plans, these players will feed the Tu’ulalupe team in years to come when the older National players gets retired” Coach Uele added.
Joining Sonasi are three other promising talents: Vilikisepi Tai, Sione Talia’uli, and William Foliaki, all of whom have showcased their prowess in the U-19 category.
A significant contingent of 13 players hails from Veitongo FC that competed in the OFC Men’s Champions League last month. Vai Lutu, the captain of Veitongo, leads this formidable group, bringing cohesion and synergy honed through club-level competition.
While the core of Tu’ulalupe emanates from local talent, the team’s international flavour is augmented by the addition of three overseas players. Mohammad Rajani, poised to serve as the vice-captain, brings a wealth of experience to the squad, complementing the leadership of Polovili. Additionally, the Tu’amoheloa twins from New Zealand inject fresh energy and perspective into the team, further enriching its diversity.
Tonga’s first professional player, ‘Ata ‘Inia’s name was on the squad and was set to make his debut for Tonga on this Tournament but is unable to due to passports issue.
Coach Uele’s reflections on the team’s preparation offer valuable insights into the intricacies of coaching at the national level and the challenges inherent in assembling a cohesive unit.
“This will be the second time for me to coach the National Men’s Senior Team since 2007, and I guess the hardest part of being a coach is getting together players from different positions to form a team. To deliver to that team my game plans, tactics, etc., and from my point of view, I’m more satisfied with this Tu’ulalupe team in terms of gathering them and delivering to them my game plans,” ” Coach Uele candidly acknowledged.
Moreover, Coach Uele seized the opportunity to fine-tune the team’s techniques and address any areas of improvement during the preparation phase. His proactive approach to enhancing the team’s skills and cohesion underscores his dedication to maximizing their potential ahead of the tournament.
Overall, Coach Uele’s sentiments convey a sense of optimism and confidence in Tu’ulalupe’s readiness to take on the challenges. “Overall, I guess we are looking forward to a very good and competitive tournament next week,” he concluded. For Tonga, the journey towards the second stage of the OFC Men’s Nations Cup represents a historic opportunity. Hosting the tournament adds an extra layer of significance, as Tu’ulalupe aims to make its mark on the international stage, propelled by the unwavering support of its passionate fans.
Tu’ulalupe Squad
- Semisi ‘Otukolo
- Vai Lutu
- Vilikisepi Tai
- Kulisitofa Kitwe
- Sione Talia’uli
- Mohammad Rajani
- Topuluka Tu’amoheloa
- Tuia Falepapalangi
- Hemaloto Polovili
- ‘Ata ‘Inia
- Tau’aika Sonasi
- Lisiate Feke
- Kamaliele Papani
- Feki Tufi
- Laulea Taufa
- Nimilote Moala
- Amoni Fifita
- Elias Kendler
- Petelo Naniseni
- David Tu’amoheloa
- William Foliaki
- Tevita Kau
- Ulafala Sonasi
- William Senituli
- Atonio Mailangi
- Va’inga Teu
End.
