Samoa Premier Men’s League Champions Lupe Ole Soaga are rearing to get 2018 underway with success at the OFC Champions League 2018 Qualifier in American Samoa at the end of this month.
The Paul Ualesi-led side have been working hard over the festive season as they eye up the top prize and another chance to showcase Samoan club football on the regional stage.
“The boys are looking forward to the challenge in Pago Pago in less than two weeks’ time,” Ualesi said.
“We will continue to work hard and focus on areas that need improvement right up to the start of the tournament.”
Lupe Ole Soaga have an impressive domestic record having won the national championship three of the past four years and Ualesi is confident that success can be reflected in the region’s premier international club competition.
“This year we are building on our success with both our men’s teams winning their respective leagues and having our Premier League team bestowed the honour of once again representing Samoa in the Champions League.”
Ualesi added that the club’s success is about more than just the football that takes place on the pitch.
“Football encourages teamwork, unity, and discipline amongst players sot he creation of the club also gave the players and members an opportunity of creating and maintaining a strong relationship with one another. This bond makes for an effective soccer club as they contribute as a team to the development of the community as a whole.
“The formation of the club was a collective idea to persuade our youth to put their energy into activities which would promote healthy living and foster their God-given talents.”
Lupe Ole Soaga open their 2018 OFC Champions League Qualifier campaign against Cook Islands champions Tupapa Maraerenga on Saturday 20 January at Pago Park Soccer Stadium from 3pm.