In a recent statement regarding the recruitment process for the new Head Coach of the Manu Samoa Sevens team, Lakapi Samoa Chairman says that the former coach has the opportunity to reapply for his position. 

Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi emphasised Muliagatele Brian Lima would need to present fresh ideas and strategies aimed at addressing existing challenges and enhancing the team’s performance.

Responding to inquiries from this newspaper about the recruitment process, Tuilaepa noted that it is overseen by the Lakapi Samoa executive team, who will ultimately report to the Board. 

“We might have a meeting this week to discuss the recruitment process,” he stated.

Reflecting on past coaching dynamics, Tuilaepa recalled that despite criticisms directed at the management by former Manu Samoa Head Coach Mase Mahonri Schwalger, he was still appointed to the position. 

This context sets the stage for Muliagatele’s potential return, contingent on his ability to propose effective solutions for the national team’s improvement.

In a separate development, Tuilaepa addressed a significant legal matter involving Galumalemana Rudolf Moors, the former head coach of the Manu Samoa Under 20 team. 

Galumalemana has initiated a lawsuit against Lakapi Samoa, seeking over $700,000 for what he claims was an unfair dismissal.

He alleges that he was assured verbally by Lakapi Samoa that his contract would be extended for another two years after his initial contract, which lasted from February 8, 2021, to February 8, 2023.

On September 18, 2023, Galumalemana met with Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chan, General Manager of High Performance, and Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai, Chief Executive Officer, where he was informed of the immediate termination of his services. 

He expressed confusion over the reasoning behind this decision, as he believed the Under 20 team had shown improvement in both ranking and performance under his leadership.

In his statement of claim, Galumalemana argued that he should have been allowed to discuss the team’s performance with the Lakapi Samoa Board, as per standard procedure. However, he was only verbally advised of the Board’s decision to terminate his contract.

Tuilaepa responded to Galumalemana's lawsuit, stating that while he is free to pursue legal action, he should review his contract carefully. 

“The performance and results were really bad,” he remarked, suggesting that the former coach might be misinterpreting the grounds for his dismissal. “But he will be wasting his time and providing bread for his lawyer through legal fees,” Tuilaepa added, implying that the legal route may not yield favorable outcomes for Galumalemana.