The Samoa Under-16 boys football team has completed its final training session before travelling to Papua New Guinea for the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Under-16 Men’s Championship 2026.
The team will leave for PNG on Wednesday, July 8, after more than five months of preparation under Head Coach and Technical Director Michael Martines, with support from assistant coaches Pualele Lemana and Faapopo I’amafana.
Martines said the team has made strong progress throughout the training programme and is ready for the challenge ahead.
He said the players faced difficulties at the beginning as they adjusted to new technical skills, fitness training and tactical sessions, but have improved in their football ability, understanding of the game and overall fitness.
The coach travelled to New Zealand on Tuesday to join overseas-based players, who will join the rest of the squad in Papua New Guinea on 8 July ahead of the tournament.
