Nuku’alofa – Prime Minister Hon Hu’akavameiliku today congratulated the National Women’s Netball team, Tala, on their first match win over Samoa at the World Cup 2023 Oceania Regional Qualifiers in Suva, Fiji.

And he wished the team all the best at the World Cup 2023 Oceania Regional Qualifiers this week in Suva.

The Tala defeated Samoa 69-52 in a thrilling game, coming from behind in the second quarter to lead the match all the way to the final whistle.

“On behalf of His Majesty’s Government, Cabinet and the people of Tonga I would like to congratulate Team Tala and extend our best wishes to the team and management and wish them all the best for the event,” Hon Hu’akavameiliku stated.

“They have the opportunity to unite all Tongans again for the next few days and the chance to win a spot amongst the best teams in the world.”

Tala will have consecutive games against Fiji today (July 20), PNG on July 21 and Cook Islands on July 22.

The top two teams from the qualifiers will advance to the Netball World Cup 2023, will take place in Cape Town South Africa from the 28th of July to the 6th of August, 2023.