The former international defender and transgender pin-up has thrown her weight behind the side and has every faith they will triumph in their final encounter against Cook Islands on Friday.
“Despite not making the travelling squad this year, I am so proud of the team’s performance beginning with the second half against Samoa all the way to yesterday’s match against Tonga,” Saelua enthuses.
“The results of those games confirm the expectations that American Samoa is an equal contender for this round and no longer the ‘punching bag’ of the Pacific.”
Saelua joined the national team in Seattle for the pre-tournament preparations and while she was left out of the squad, she spent enough time with the team to know they are the real deal.
“I most definitely expected American Samoa to be in the running at this competition. Why? Because I’ve spent more than a month with these boys prior to the World Cup Qualifiers and I’ve seen what they’re capable of.
“I believed from day one of training that this team can make it to round two.”
The team has evolved since earning their historical win in 2011.
There are new players coming through the ranks locally, and the recruitment process has been thorough.
Saelua believes the new additions are important inclusions, but she can’t pick a favourite among them.
“All of the new players are equally skilled in my opinion and they are all capable of doing their jobs on the pitch a lot cleaner than previous teams could,” she says.
“If it came down to choosing a favourite from our off-island recruits, personality would narrow it down to (Aloai’i) Mitchell and (Dylan) Hardie-Jordan; they’re so humble off the pitch and then become beasts when they play.”
Following the text updates and watching the OFC TV produced highlights closely once they’re uploaded, Saelua has formed a strong opinion.
“As coach Larry (Mana’o) mentioned, so many of the players are first-timers on the international pitch. I’m sure they were nervous especially because there was so much pressure on them to do just as well, if not better, than the 2011 squad.
“From the highlights of their two previous games, the team has shown exceptional skills and technique and such good teamwork, it gives all of American Samoa hope for their final game against the mighty Cook Islands.
“And I must say, the finishing by American Samoa is most definitely the most beautiful of all the goals of this round so far”
Not a biased opinion at all. But Saelua has major pride for her native American Samoa and isn’t afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve as far as the national team is concerned.
“This is a sporting event and we can never be 100 per cent about the outcome of any game – anything could happen,” she says.
“I’m sure it will be a really tough game, but I strongly believe that this team has the skills, technique and heart to take us to Round 2. As long as they are all in-synch with each of those aspects of the game, they will most definitely give us the 2-0 lead that we need to secure a spot in Stage 2.”
Saelua says while her support is 100 per cent behind the squad she’s confident they don’t need it.
“At this point in the tournament anything anyone says to them is irrelevant,” she says. “If by now they still need encouragement,
then they aren’t ready.”
But she still has one special message for them.
“BRING IT HOME!!!”
American Samoa take on current leader Cook Islands at 3.30pm (local) at Loto-Tonga Soka Stadium in Tonga for a spot in the 2016 OFC Nations Cup.

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