Dear Editor,

I was born and raised in Samoa and played Marist then International Rugby. My three children were born and raised in Australia but we return home every year.

I just wanted to express my thoughts and disappointment in the selection of the Under-15 FIBA Women’s Samoan National Team. I applaud the Men’s Team that have run trials in our Motherland and those serious about making the trip home to trial so Thank you for rephasorting on this wonderful story.

Women’s Team Expressions of Interest were asked for on the Federation Page then selections were made via WhatsApp messages with assigned coaches.

I feel the Women’s Team Selection process was a letdown for Samoa. This team is made mainly of Australian-born players however the only player who was selected to play at the Foot Locker Australian Junior Under 16’s Championships with the best 144 Under 16’s women in the whole of Australia on the campaign trial list was named as a reserve.

The correspondence is pretty much non-existent with the team to be announced by the Federation two weeks ago, however, this was not announced but instead, a private group made in secret with players still unannounced.

No replies have been received from the President or the Vice President only the Manager.

If you are going to put our country’s name on a team, shouldn’t the best be representing our Motherland?

If volunteers and coaches are going to promote Samoa should not all young women get the chance and just not the coaches’ daughters or families and should the trials not have been held in Samoa like the Men’s?

Just wanted to express my disappointment in regards to the Selection of the Women Under 15 FIBA team and have attached correspondence to and from the Federation.

Malo lava

Tomasi Leitu