Defending champions of the Tupua Fred Wetzell Cup for the Vailima Marist International Sevens tournament are set to face the first day of matches.
The jersey presentation for BBE Vaiala was led by a special ceremony of prayer and blessing by Reverend Iese Uele.
Faamatuainu of BBE Enterprises offered words of encouragement together with President of Apia Rugby Union and former Manu Samoa Coach Fuimaono Titimaea Dickie Tafua.
After a grueling selection process, the decision for the final squad was not easy for the club’s management given the depth of young players attracted to the club each year.
“It was definitely a challenge due to so many skilled players, but we have a solid final 13 selected to defend the Cup this year,” said Head Coach Lelepa Niue Titi who is assisted by Viliamu Punivalu this year.
BBE Vaiala similarly has a depth of coaches and the side has former Manu Samoa 7’s coach Masoe Stephen Betham and former Rugby League International and Melbourne Storm powerhouse forward Jeff Lima as Technical Advisors.
Team Manager Orana Senara says they will remain humble and focused as they go into day 1 pooled with three tough sides in Moataa, Satalo and Ulutogia.
The team will be captained by veteran Patrick Faapale and includes three players in Lima’s national 7’s squad – David Tavita, Tipa Sapeti and Malo Luteru; while Malu Falaniko and youngster Mark Tusigaigoa were named in the backup squad.
BBE Vaiala Final Squad
1. Mark Tusigaigoa
2. David Tavita
3. Lester Sefo
4. East Timor Viliamu
5. Tipa Sapeti
6. Motu Opetai
7. Murphy Paulo
8. Patrick Faapale
9. Paul Perez
10. Malu Falaniko
11. Malo Luteru
12. Alatasi Tupou
13. Tauvaga Kolena
The side is well supported by the village and church community and they call for all supporters to come down to Apia Park and cheer on the Boys in Black.
“Please show your support for the Men in Black and come down at Apia Park…”
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