By Su’a Leilua Jerry Uesele, Celebrating 100 Years of Moataa Legends. Moataa Legends from around the globe are ‘opening the windows and looking towards the village’ to support the Club’s Centenary celebrations.
Three of Moataa’s trailblazers will be amongst hundreds of local and overseas based ex-players and supporters at the club’s 100 year celebrations.
Afioga Lemalu Mua’autasi ‘Amani’ Hermann Retzlaff, former AG of Samoa, first NZ National Public Defender, and recently sworn-in District Court Judge of Aotearoa.
Lemalu was a star of Moataa Sevens in the 90s after the completion of his college days in New Zealand.
A versatile and skillful looseforward, Lemalu resembled the village and All Blacks icon, Savae Michael Jones, both on and off the field.
His presence was felt in the local Apia Rugby Union 7s and 15s competitions and he also starred in Moataa’s winning teams at both the Singapore 10s and Malaysia 7s.
Lemalu had been playing for Moataa’s Junior Limit when he was literally picked up by then Head Coach Lilomaiava Taufusi Salesa. Amani was walking back to his grandparents at Vaivase-Tai from training, when Stau drove by. Timo Tagaloa had become unavailable with a sudden injury, and the 20-year-old was told to pack his bags for Singapore.
Toleafoa Anitelea ‘Andy’ Aiolupo is Samoa’s most decorated Fullback who debuted for Moataa in 1981 and the National team in 1983 until 1994.
An electrifying player, his speed and pace has helped Moataa to many 7s, 15s and 10-a-side Titles here in Samoa and abroad.
Andy is revered as the first Manu Samoa player to score against the mighty All Blacks when Samoa first New Zealand met at Eden Park in 1993.
An exponent of the drop-kick that sunk the Fijians in Hong Kong and New Zealand many a times during his reign. This Moataa trait was carried on to the next generation by the boot of Lolo Lui.
Savae Laauli Sir Michael Niko Jones – the Legendary Moataa and All Blacks icon will feature as a special guest in Samoa to celebrate the Club’s Centenary.
Geoff Dale / Stuff.
Before making his 1987 Rugby World Cup debut for the All Blacks, Jones played for Samoa at Apia Park in 1986.
His first international against Wales became a launching pad for a stellar career that saw him snatched by the All Blacks. He would go on to change the way flankers played the game forever.
Savae scored the first World Cup try against Italy in 1987 and the first try against France in the final. At the 1991 World Cup he also scored the first try in the opening game against England.
A pillar in Moataa Sevens supremacy in the 80s amongst a star studded side under the late Manageress Marina Schaafhausen and coach Lilomaiava Taufusi Salesa.
Moataa will be hosting a week-long celebration culminating with a 2-day International 7s tournament this weekend 6-7 June 2025 where 24 teams have been confirmed.
Author: Su’a Leilua Jerry Uesele is a Veteran Freelance Journalist based in Sydney Australia. Well known in Samoa as a former Sports Producer & Commentator for TVSamoa.
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