AUCKLAND – Samoan football is set for a welcome boost with the appointment of experienced coach and administrator Colin Tuaa as CEO of the Samoan Football Soccer Federation (SFSF) Normalisation Committee.
The former All White leaves New Zealand today to take up a 12-month contract after being selected by the Normalisation Committee which FIFA set up in June 2008 to stabilise the situation of the federation.
Drawing on his Samoan heritage, Tuaa says he will approach the role with passion and determination in an aim to rebuild the sport after what has been a challenging 12 months.
“Now that Samoa has been reinstated by FIFA, there is a huge opportunity to set up infrastructure, improve administrative practices and put the right people and systems in place so that in the coming years Samoa’s youth, men’s and women’s teams will once again be competitive,” said Tuaa, who has 15 years experience coaching in New Zealand national leagues.
The new CEO’s job will be difficult given the recent history of the federation. The SFSF was suspended by FIFA last October due to its non compliance with the Normalisation Committee but it has since been reinstated and faces a brighter future with FIFA having drawn up a road map to recovery.
Tuaa intends to follow that road map and to set up key programmes to help grow the sport.
“We need to revamp the national league and build strong youth competitions while establishing technical coaching programmes,” he said. “Improving the women’s game will also be a focus.”
Tuaa has been involved in football for a long time – from his debut as an All White in 1983, to coaching the New Zealand A and New Zealand U-17 teams, to overseeing development programmes while working at New Zealand Football. Having built a career in business management, he brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role as CEO.
Toetu Petana, Interim Vice Chairman of the Normalisation Committee, says although the role will be tough he is confident Tuaa is the best candidate for the job.
“Not only does he have the qualifications and experience in business, but he is also well respected for his achievements as a player,” Petana said.
“I believe he will quickly become a role model to many, especially to the youth involved in the Footy
Kids programme and other projects we run in schools.”
Petana says the Normalisation Committee is happy to welcome Tuaa and that everyone is looking forward to working with him.
Tuaa arrives in Samoa on Monday (local time) and is excited about getting started.
“It’s a tough ask because I will be trying to fit about 18 months of work into just 12 months, but I’m really looking forward to the challenge,” Tuaa said.
“The most important thing is that the new programmes we set up are both transparent and able to sustain the long term.”
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Gordon Glen Watson
Oceania Football Confederation
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