Funaki, speaking from Tonga’s team base camp in South Auckland, admitted to some concern but was adamant her team would perform well.
“I feel a little bit stressed but I know that this tournament will be a big experience and I trust our abilities to play a great game.
“I’m very confident we are ready for this competition,” Funaki says.
The Tonga players have been training since last November for this event but the double sessions have taken a toll according to Malia Leone, a newcomer to the international scene.
“Sometimes I feel a little tired – we had training in morning and the afternoon so sometimes it was hard to keep going but finally we are here and it’s awesome,” she says.
For players like Leone it is a brand new experience but their enthusiasm remains high knowing her family is proud of her achievements.
“This first national team selection is a chance for me to improve my game and to improve my team’s game.
“I also feel very excited by representing my country for the first time and to defend our colours in playing football. Also my family will come to support me through this experience,” she says.
Tonga’s new recruits may find the challenge daunting but this is offset by the experience of several older players in their ranks.
Goalkeeper Sina Lutua has already tasted senior competition at the South Pacific Games.
“The South Pacific Games was a great experience for me. We shared cultures and met different teams from around Oceania.
“It was also a very exciting competition with supporters filling the stadiums and to play football in that event was an unforgettable time in my life,” Lutua says.
Tonga opens its OFC U-20 Women’s Championship on Tuesday 22 February at Centre Park when they face Papua New Guinea in the opening match at 1pm local time.
The second match of the opening day sees red hot favourites New Zealand take on a youthful Vanuatu outfit at 4pm.
For full schedule of the tournament, click here
Watch interview of captain Vea Funaki here

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