SAMOA - NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SAMOA PRIMED FOR BUSINESS HOUSE TOURNAMENT

The National University of Samoa (NUS) does not only have academics on its payroll, it also has a bunch of enthusiastic footballers.

The NUS Staff Football team has registered a total of 28 players for the upcoming Samoa Football Soccer Federation-Normalisation Committee (SFSF-NC) Business House Tournament, which kicks off next week, 8 July 2009.

It is NUS’s seventh year in the tournament, and the closest they have gotten to winning was back in 2006, when they played the semi-finals against team Transam and won.

However, there were complaints as to the nature of affiliations of some of NUS' players, so their win was nullified.

In 2005, the NUS staff team tasted success, wining their pool and a Tanoa ('ava' bowl) to show for it.

Made up of Lecturers, members of the Media Unit, the Academic Registry and Physical Faculties, the group is a unique mixture with player’ ages ranging from 25-52 years of age.

However, staff committee Vice President Tafeamali'i Tino Duseigneur says age is the least of their worries.

"The majority of our players are aged between 25 and 35, and the elders still have a lot of strength in them, I wouldn't advise that anyone take them lightly," he said.

The NUS team has been preparing over the past three months for the 2009 tournament by holding friendly games. They’ve even fronted up against old rivals Transam, Origin Energy and MET from the local business community and government departments.

The teams have been playing friendly matches at the NUS grounds every Saturday.

"Our players are really serious about the upcoming tournament and we want to carve our mark this year," says Duseigneur.

He adds that the decision to implement the seven-a-side match in this year's tournament is a challenge for his team.

"We understand that seven-a-side is currently practiced globally and it is important that we keep up with what's happening around the world."

Duseigneur expects a tough and demanding tournament and has a warning for the NUS’ Business House rivals, “that’s (the new format) all the more reason why you (other teams) should come prepared.”
 
Aside from hard consistent training and years of experience, the team also boasts one club player in its squad.

A meeting will be held between SFSF-NC Business House Tournament co-ordinators, and representatives from all the teams who have already registered, this Tuesday (5:30pm) at the SFSF-NC headquarters in Tuana'imato.

This is to discuss rules and regulations of the tournament and to clear up any further related queries.

Interested teams are encouraged to join promptly and place their registration while entries are still available.
 
Meanwhile, the NUS staff team has a message for all businesses and government departments who have not yet joined the tournament entry list.

"Do not miss out on this great opportunity to not only get in shape and good health, but also to build friendships with other people from the business community and the public service," says Duseigneur.

Courtesy of SFSF-NC Media