Deputy PM Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo and Samoa Netball Patron, Fiame Naomi Mataafa with SNA President Noumea Simi (far right) and Team Manager Romarie Esera (STANDING L-R:) Samoa-based squard members, Monique Vaai , Sose Tavae, Tafaoga Tavae, Siosina Lui, Tiffany Nelson and Assistant Coach Henry Tunupopo

By Tupuola Terry Tavita

Five squad members and the management of the Samoa Netball Team to the World Champs in Singapore next month were farewelled this afternoon by Deputy Prime Minister Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo at his office.

“Do not forget the whole country will be praying for you, will be cheering you on in Singapore,�? Fonotoe reminded the team.

“Like all sports that carries this country’s flag and represented by its sportsmen and sportswomen, our best wishes are with you.

“Do your best and make us all proud.�?

President of the Samoa Netball Association Noumea Simi thanked the Deputy Prime Minister for his – and government’s – support and assured that the team will do better than the ninth world ranking they occupy at the moment. Also present was SNA patron Fiame Naomi Mata’afa. Samoa is pooled to play against Australia, Northern Ireland and Sri Lanka . Said Noumea Simi;

“The expectation of the team is for an improved current ranking and this is not an unrealistic goal given that the team has had the best arrangements for collective team preparations over the past twelve months.�? Despite the financial constraints, the Samoa Netball Association, she said, is appreciative of the support of the business community, Government and the public through sponsorship of the Association’s fund raising activities as well as naming rights sponsorship throughout the past 12 months. This has been made possible through the generous support of key sponsors SIFA and the Government of Samoa. “Team composition is of special significance because it reflects the inroads made in team localization.�?

The team – which departs this afternoon to train at the Australia Institute of Sports in Sydney – is as follows:  

Opheira Harder Karatau, Auckland, Team Captain, Sose Tavae – Samoa, Tafaoga Tavae - Samoa, Tiffany Nelson – Samoa, Monique Vaai - Samoa, Siosina Lui – Samoa, Shirin Chang – Australia, Sanonu Robertson - Australia, Sepi Langi -Australia, Malu Faasavalu – Auckland, Sanita Too- Wellington, Lyttera Sosoli- Auckland, Linda Vagana – Coach, Henry Tunupopo –  Asst Coach, Tracey Mark – Physio, Rosemarie Esera – Manager

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