The Tongan national football team is in full swing with their training as they prepare to host the Cook Islands at the Soccer Academy in Tonga next week.
The trip was initially scheduled for the third week of June but with last minute changes, the international friendlies will now take place on 11 and 13 June.
In the absence of Tonga’s National Coach, Kilifi Uele, and with only a week and a half before the visit, assistant coach Lui Muavesi is in command and said training is progressing well and they will be ready in time for the friendly matches.
“The team is in good form as all national players have been part of Tonga Football Association’s Major League since March and we are confident we’ll put on an impressive performance,” he said.
Tonga’s national side last played together in the 2007 South Pacific Games and after a year’s break finally reunited as a team two weeks ago. Despite the odds, Coach Lui is certain his team will stun their regional opponents with a display of speed and skill.
Cook Islands have never managed to record a win against Tonga in the past ten years however Tonga is under no illusions as to how difficult the upcoming task will be, with some Cook Island players having benefited from playing for overseas clubs in recent times. Lui said his team has the greatest respect for the Cooks and are eagerly looking forward to the matches.
“Both teams have the same level of football although we have the advantage of playing on our home ground. Hopefully endurance will carry us through,” says Lui.
With a couple of key players unavailable due to their current playing commitments with New Zealand clubs, the current training squad comprises of established national players plus some debutants.
The Tongan national team to take on the Cook Islanders is expected to be named on Monday.
Story courtesy of TFA Media