Manu Samoa Coach, Seilala Mapusua, has been bestowed the Vaovasamanaia title of Gataivai Savai'i.

The ceremony took place during the weekend when the former Manu Samoa midfielder visited the village of his father, the late Reverend Seilala Mapusua, who passed away in 2014.

The Coach said he was not expecting the honour and the gesture took him by surprise.

"I just want to say I am honoured that my village has bestowed this title of Vaovasamanaia on me," he said. 

"It was a surprise when they asked me on Sunday and I feel humbled to be considered. I am very happy to represent my family and my village by carrying this title.

"He (my father) was the reason I came back, to see him as I hadn't been back in a long time."

The Mapusua title comes from his father's family but the Vaovasamanaia is an honour from the Village Council.

Vaovasamanaia is still in Savaii due to the cancellation of inter-island trips between Upolu and Savai because of the bad weather.

Vaovasa returned to Samoa two months ago to begin his assignment as the Head Coach of the Manu Samoa.