The streets of Apia and other areas across Samoa had fans lining up for their second parade in support of the Toa Samoa in the lead up to its historical World Cup semifinal match against England.
A strong police presence ensured the parade was kept within the parameters of the permit issued, for public safety, especially with children also participating, said Acting Police Commissioner Leiataualesa Samuelu Afamasaga.
Earlier this week the Acting Commissioner told media that public supporters have been cautioned to adhere to the conditions provided in the permits granted.
Hundreds of cars joined a procession from the Tuanaimato Sports Complex through Vailoa and on to Vaitele Street where it continued on to Fugalei Street heading towards Mulinuu Peninsula.
The procession made its way back along Beach Road towards Vaisigano Bridge, continuing on to Vaiala and then back through the Matautu 4- corners before making its way back through town to end at the Savalalo bus terminal.
Beautiful photos of the parade, captured by Marc Membrere of the Government of Samoa Press shows young and old alike, cheering and waving flags from their cars, riding at the back of pick up trucks, bikes, a shopping trolley and even a wheelbarrow.
From England Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister Hon Tuala Tevaga Ponifasio has posted a social media live message from the same hotel the Toa Samoa are camped in.
The Deputy Prime Minister said he was honored to have met the Princess of Tonga in England and he had asked for Tonga’s support for Samoa’s semifinal.
Tuala acknowledged the support of Tonga and thanked Samoans cheering from all corners of the globe for their support.
He said the players are receiving all the thousands of messages that have been sent and can see images of the parades from Apia as well as other major cities of the Australia, New Zealand, the USA and others.
All of Samoa will be wide awake at 3am early Sunday morning, to eagerly await the rematch between the Toa Samoa and England set kick off at 3:30am and aired on TV1 Samoa.
The Toa had gone down 60-6 against England in the pool stages of the tournament.
Last weekend the Toa Samoa edged out Pacific usos, Tonga by 20-18 in the quarterfinal.
This afternoon Australia beat New Zealand in the other semifinal, and will await the winner of this highly anticipated semi between Samoa and the host nation.
Samoa Global News joins the nation and Samoans around the globe, in wishing our Toa Samoa team all the best for the upcoming game.
Set your alarm and tune into the live telecast on TV1 Samoa.
