Football

Eligible to represent New Zealand, Australia and Samoa, Ingham opted to play for New Zealand and made his debut in 2017 at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifier – OFC Stage Three match against Fiji.

But despite the 22-year-old’s on-field allegiance and pride in wearing the Fern, he understands the responsibility of also representing his family lineage.  

“My mum comes from a Samoan background, our culture is strong, we’ve been brought up on the foundation of family values,” he said.

New national coaches Paul Ifill and Matt Calcott are hoping to run training camps for New Zealand-based Samoan players this year while a handful of potential recruits have already been identified in the United States and Europe.

"We've got somebody who's working on that as we speak, literally," Ifill enthused.

The ex-Barbados international made over 100 appearances for Wellington Phoenix in the A-League following a career in England that included stints with Milwall, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace.

Ifill will remain in charge of the Wairarapa United women's team in New Zealand and is looking forward to his first role with a national team.

"My main aim throughout my coaching career has always been to make everyone I work with better at what they do, whether it be the coaches, team managers or players," he said.

The accident occurred when the plane suddenly plunged to the ground at the end of the runway while on take-off, the club reported in a statement.

The players were on their way to Goiania, in the central region of the country, to play a match against Vila Nova.

Brazilian media reported that the players were travelling in a private plane because they had tested positive for Covid-19, that Sunday would be their last day of isolation, and the rest of the players would travel on a commercial flight.

Bahader was awarded the title by Guinness World Records on Saturday evening on what, actually, wasn't the old boy's finest night.

He missed a penalty as his team, 6th October, lost 3-2 to El Ayat Sports club in the Egyptian third division.

The former amateur player, who turns 75 on November 3, scored a goal from the penalty spot in his debut match on March.

The record was previously held by 73-year-old Israeli Isaak Hayik.

The OFC Executive Committee approved a number of changes last week in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the OFC Champions League and a handful of youth tournaments all pushed back to a later date.

Competitions Director Chris Kemp hoped the new schedule would stick but admitted it was something out of their control.

The squad that hails from the proud village of Magiagi were once again crowned Samoa Football Federation champions when the league was halted early due to the recent measles epidemic.

Lupe o le Soaga were awarded the championship in late November with a 14 win, 2 loss record.

Coach Paul Ualesi said “It was a close fought league this year. Teams like Kiwi FC and Vaipuna put up a good challenge, but our boys experience, dedicated training ethic and team spirit were factors that enabled us to succeed”.

On 20 January, Te’o and the rest of the national football team will leave Samoa to compete in the tournament in New Zealand.

The 23-year-old told Loop Samoa correspondent, Talaia Mika that his goal is to bring the trophy back to home.

Mr Te’o said his village and country have inspired his career in football.

“I intended to dream big when I was a little child watching my role models in football take home victory and made their people and countries proud,” he said.

He will be attending the meeting for the confirmation of the selected names.

"Today we will know who will be picked to be one of the referees at the Pacific Games. And I am ready for it," said Lafita.

The businessman has been a local football referee for almost five years now.

The Vaiala native is grateful they are hosting the games this year.

"The games will create alot of opportunities in Samoa. And we are proud to be hosting this year."

Lagita also runs a stall at the flee market and is expecting the business to bloom this year.

Lynetta Laumea-Edward will be volunteering to help with the smooth running of football at the Games. She is the project manager for the Football Federation Samoa’s Just Play, a grassroots programme promoting physical activity for primary-aged children while encouraging community involvement and healthy living.

The 35-year-old scored Samoa’s first senior women’s international goal – in the 77th-minute against Cook Islands in 2003.