NUKU'ALOFA (Tonga) - Tonga is gearing up for its historic debut at the 2024 FIBA U15 Oceania Championship, and the team from the Pacific is eager to make its mark on the regional stage.
With a strong sense of pride and determination, the players are committed to giving their all in the tournament, which marks a major milestone for the nation’s basketball journey. Tonga Women’s Head Coach, Joseph Vega, has emphasized the team’s dedication to preparation in the lead-up to the competition. “We’ve been constantly communicating with the players through Zoom and online training courses, focusing on strength and conditioning,” explained the 33-year-old coach. “We’ve also had several training camps in Reno, NV, Auckland, NZ, and Salt Lake City, Utah, to ensure we’re as prepared as possible." While acknowledging that the team has faced challenges due to limited resources and time, Vega remains optimistic about the players’ readiness.
“Despite the obstacles, the girls are fired up to give their best. We’ve worked on building trust, which has been a key focus—trusting and playing for one another,” Vega continued. “Our goal is to take it one game at a time and compete fiercely, no matter the outcome.” The team’s defensive mindset is central to their approach, a philosophy echoed by key player, Kyra Tu’ihalangingie-Midson. The 14-year-old is especially focused on making a significant impact on the defensive end. “Defense is one of my strengths—I love it because it pushes me to work harder. As a team, we’ve been emphasizing giving 100% effort every second on the court,” she said. “I’m also excited to showcase my playmaking skills, and most importantly, to listen to my teammates and play for them.”
For Tu’ihalangingie-Midson, representing Tonga at the FIBA U15 Oceania Cup is an opportunity she cherishes. “This is such an incredible platform to showcase the best talent in Oceania. The region’s talent is growing, and I’m so excited to compete against our neighboring countries. For many of us, this is our first time playing at this level, and we’re all so proud to represent our country. I will give it my all and leave everything on the floor.” Coach Vega also recognizes the significance of this opportunity for the players, urging them to understand the honor of representing Tonga on the international stage. “This is a lifetime achievement for these young athletes,” he said. “I hope they realize how proud their country is of them and leave everything on the court. The support from back home has been incredible, and it’s clear how much this means to everyone. No matter where we come from, we’re all connected to the Kingdom, and we want to make our people proud.” Tu’ihalangingie-Midson, reflecting on the importance of the occasion, added, “I’m just so excited to play for Tonga. Our motto is ‘Koe 'Otua Mo Tonga Ko Hoku Tofi’A’—we do everything for God, we do everything for Tonga. I’m honored to represent my country, and we’re going to give everything we’ve got to make sure we justify the support we’ve received.”
FIBA