The Samoa International Cricket Association (SICA) has announced the names for their Men’s and Women’s team who will be representing Samoa at the Pacific Cup Tournament in Fiji.

The competition is more than a regional tournament as the Australian Defence Force will be part of this as Australia tries to strengthen relationships in the Pacific.

The SICA Development Coordinator Perelini Mulitalo told the Samoa Observer in an interview earlier this month that they have their eyes set on the ultimate prize and will be working with their players to do well in the upcoming regional tournament in Fiji.

After months of preparations they were able to select 15 players for the women and men’s team who will be leaving for Fiji in March.

Both teams have been undergoing High performance trainings improving on fitness and skills over the past weeks.

Their development programs have been continuously rolled out since the beginning of the year with events such as the Holibats Under-12 and Under-17 programs.

Cricket Fiji will co-host the inaugural Pacific Island Cricket Challenge 2023 with the Australian Defence Force Cricket from 6 to 18 March 2023.

Five men and five women’s teams will participate in this one-week tournament.

Participating countries are Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Vanuatu, Fiji and a combined ANZAC team [Australian and New Zealand Defence Force].

The men’s and women’s tournaments will be played side-by-side, with teams playing 4 games each, culminating in a final series and gala grand-final to decide respective men’s and women’s PICC23 Champions.

All matches will be played at Albert Park, Suva and will be live-streamed to participating countries.

Men’s Team

Coach: Maletino Maiava

Mathew Taauso, Sitanisilao Toutai, Timezen Rapi, Josef Pita, Darren Roache, Maene Tuilaepa, Aoga Leutogi, Pasi Kalosi, Afapene Ilaoa, Titi Lutau, Paul Rarotoga, Bondi Pita, Liuoge Fereti, Peniall Zink,    Polenisia Kaisara

Women’s Team

Coach: Dean Seuoti

Florence Agaimalo, Ariota Kupito, Jacinta Sanele, Kolotita Nonu, Taalili Iosefo, Sarina Moe, Vicky Tafea,        Leitu Ah Leong, Matile Uliao, Salema Toomaga, Ruth Johnston, Ituniu Faleupolu, Angel Sootaga,   Apolonia Polataivao, Silapea. P