Samoa edged out American Samoa and Cook Islands on goal difference, and they needed all of Faaiuaso’s trademark guile and pace to help secure the goals they needed to retain their status as the top-ranked side among the Polynesian quartet.
Now Faaiuaso is eagerly looking forward to helping Samoa make an impact at next year’s OFC Nations Cup, which doubles as Stage 2 qualifying for Russia 2018.
“We will start our campaign for the OFC Nations Cup pretty much as soon as we get back to our homeland,” said Faaiuaso. “Maybe even in two weeks, and hopefully even more new players will be brought in.”
Faaiuaso admits his side had an element of luck in outlasting American Samoa by a single goal on the competition ladder, as well as Cook Islands who needed just a draw on the final match day to finish top.
“This competition with the Polynesian teams is really growing compared to just four years ago,” said Faaiuaso. “The teams really want to move forward.”
“When I started in 2001 our team didn’t have so many skills, and we made it through on heart. I had to tell players how to trap the ball, and pass the ball, but now they really want to be like professional players, and they have really improved a lot.
A self-confessed football addict, Faaiuaso took up coaching at club level in Samoa last year, before assuming the reins of the national U-17 team in the OFC U-17 Championship.
“I really like to help if any young player wants to talk to me,” said Faaiuaso. “I will give all I know to the young ones to help them become the best players, and help our country for the future. I love football, it is my passion.”
Despite now being father to five children with another on the way, Faaiuaso shows little sign of ageing, as anyone who saw him play this week in Tonga will attest.
“I’m still young, I play young,” he said with a grin. “I want to continue my career until I can’t run.”

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