Tonga schoolboys tour of Samoa
- Sunday, November 28 2004 @ 09:16 am ACDT
- Contributed by: Brett Northey
- Views: 4,860
The initial training squad featured players from the villages of Liahona, Havelu, Fatumu, Maufanga, Pahu, Popua, Ha'alalo, Haasin and Houma. The final squad was to be announced at the Rotary Fun Fair on 20th November, and a series of kava nights were held to raise funds. On Tuesday the entire squad had the privilege of meeting the Tongan King, Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, who wished them luck and to enjoy themselves. The tour was due to leave last Wednesday, play a Goodwill friendly on Thursday, and then their first ever major international, against a Samoa highschools side, on Saturday 27th, in Samoa's capital, Apia.
As it says in the TAFA news, unlike the old days when Tongan's would jump into their canoe's and paddle off to war against Samoa, this time they will be travelling in style by air. The tour has been generously supported by Polynesian Airlines, who also assist in Samoa, where footy has been up and running for several years. The Tongan boys will have their work cut out for them. We'll bring you the results when available. Below is the touring squad.
Siaosi Enosi Tuipolotu - President Malakai Vakasiuola - Vice President Coach - Mark Korsten Assistant - Lolo Tu'ifua Nick Blencowe - TAFA Development Officer Lotu Pangi - TAFA Development Officer Tevita Vakasiuola - Doctor Gajan Panagoda - Physio Deve Roberts - Camera Man Sione Masima - Driver Maikolo Fonua - Liahona Suiti Fotu - Havelu Samuela Heilala - Havelu Suli Kaufusi - Havelu Simione Loketi - Fatumu Sione Petelo - Maufanga Ofa Mata'u - Pahu Paulo Penitani - Maufanga Siupeli Huihahou - Liahona Tonga Toutai - Popua Sione Pomale - Liahona Fe'iloaki Falekaono - Maufanga Heneli Tonga - Lapaha Semisi Takolo - Popua Salesi Tauveli - Ha'alalo Viliami Niupahu - Liahona Aleki Tuiono - Maufanga Paseka Fangupo - Maufanga Makiteli Valu - Maufanga Seleti Kolopeaua - Havelu Vaikalafi Tufi - Haasin Ueini Tuiuholoala - Houma