Deemed as one of the finals to be remembered in the Tonga Major League history as Veitongo won the 2023 championship in an epic final against Navutoka in the Loto-Tonga, Home of Football. Having lost four games in the 2023 season, the reigning champion kept their calm all through the game and swiftly won the title for the 5th consecutive years.
Veitongo’s center, Christopher Kefu set the base right for his side scoring the first goal of the final in the 35thminutes. Navutoka meanwhile banked on Veitongo’s fouls with centers picking up the pace for their side but could not finish the set behind the net. Veitongo started attacking at the edge of the first half giving hardly any chance for Navutoka to level or lead.
In the second half, Veitongo’s striking expert Hemaloto Polovili picked up the momentum to score the next goal for Veitongo leading 2-1. Within five minutes, Navutoka’s prodigy, Alexander Hola strikes back with a header from a free kick to score their first goal of the final keeping their hope of winning the Championship alive.
Hola, ’Amoni Finau and Navutoka veteran, Muavesi and Maamaloa kept attacking trying to level the game but their defence looked a little sloppy giving Hemaloto Polivili the opportunity to slot his second goal of the final to win the game 3-1.
For the first time in his football career, Lui Muavesi created history as he becomes the first player to win the Golden Boot at the age of 58 with 18 goals this season. Praised by the Tonga Football Association’s CEO, Muavesi is not new to winning prizes as he has one of the backbones for Lotoha’apai United in their Champion days but to win the Golden Boot at his age is something special.
A calm and composed Veitongo coach, Mark ‘Uhatahi shared his thoughts in a post-match interview praising the hard work of his side with the endless support from the village of Veitongo.
“We lost twice to Navutoka this season and for us to know we will meet them again in the final I had to bring the team back to our normal routine camping for three weeks before the final which was before the semi finals week. We spend almost $7000 pa’anga within camping just to keep the title but that’s our village and how we love this game.” ‘Uhatahi to TFA Website.
Although, Navutoka did not win the title, Head Coach, Sione Talanoa Sake has confidence in Navutoka’s future. “We did our best today and we came out second best but looking towards the future we are moving forward with a very young talented players and we will surely come back next year stronger with the same goal to win the Major League title.” Sake to TFA Website.
Veitongo Women’s Team retain the title for the Premier Women division after an undefeated season to keep the Major League trophy for another year in their cabin.
Tonga Football Association’s President, Lord Ve’ehala was given the privilege of presenting the prize to the winners of teams for each categories of the competition along with individual prizes at the prize giving ceremony after the final match.
Golden Boot
Premier Women – ‘Ana Polovili (Veitongo FC)
Premier Men – Lui Muavesi (Navutoka FC)
Golden Gloves
Premier Women – Mele’ana Taufa (Veitongo FC)
Premier Men – Semisi ‘Otukolo (Veitongo FC)
Golden Ball
Premier Women – Seini Lutu (Veitongo FC)
Premier Men – Hemaloto Polovili (Veitongo FC)
End.
