With the OFC Women’s Nations Cup on the horizon, Tonga drafted in Rasic to fine tune their campaign as they challenge Papua New Guinea and Cook Islands to claim the title of Oceania’s second force in women’s football.
The Tonga Women’s team spent a month on the road preparing for Oceania’s flagship women’s football event.
After a week-long training in camp in Auckland, New Zealand, that concluded a friendly game with club side Western Springs, the Tonga squad travelled to Australia to participate in the Joey’s Mini World Cup tournament in Inverell.
The tournament is organised by former Australia national coach Rale Rasic.
Rasic was in charge of Australia between 1970 and 1974 where he guided the Socceroos to their first FIFA World Cup™ in 1974.
The team ended its campaign at the group stage after losing 2-0 to East Germany and 3-0 to eventual champions West Germany.
The Australians managed one point after a 0-0 draw with Chile in their final game.
The Joey’s Mini World Cup is run annually with the objective is to gather young teams from all over the world where they choose to represent a country during the tournament.
This gave the Tonga coaching staff additional time to benefit from the experience of the former international coach Rasic.
‘’It is a blessing for me to work with Rale Rasic, a coach who have qualified his team to the FIFA World Cup™ and with a memorable history of football,’’ Tonga head coach Kilifi Uele says.
Tonga Women’s Development Officer Adelaide Fe’aomoefehi Tu’ivailala was happy with the chance for her team to work with Rasic.
‘’It is very kind of Rale to have spent some time with us and to have shared his expertise with the coaching staff
‘’We are very fortunate. We appreciate what he did for us.’’
Rasic reminded the players of the importance of the national team jersey and the pride to play for their country.
‘’He always reminded the players they are representing their country. They have to be proud and confident with themselves,’’ Fe’aomoefehi Tu’ivailala says.
Tonga’s best result at the OFC Women’s Nations Cup remains a third place finish in 2007.
They will open their qualification campaign with a difficult match with New Zealand on October 25.

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