Manulele Tausala Ready to Defend Fautasi Championship

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For twenty years church leaders of Nuuuli tried to change their fautasi’s name, to something other than Satani…the devil.

In the old days Nu’uuli used to be a fautasi winner under the name Satani.  It was also a force to be reckoned with in the mid to late 1980’s winning Flag Day races under the captainship of the Solaita brothers Tolia and Ben.

But then the Satani ran into a dry spell, victory eluding it.

A few years ago the village finally gave in to a name change and Satani was replaced with Manulele Tausala.

The name change has been good for the village’s pride and joy.

For two consecutive Flag Day fautasi races, 2014 and 2015, the Satani has been the champion of the seas,.

Fagasoaia Lealaitafea, a former House representative and ex-captain who has been hand-picked by the Nu’uuli Village Council to be in charge of the two village fautasi,told KHJ News that it is their goal to maintain the winning spot this year and the years to come.

Not wanting to come across as boasting or being a show off, Fagasoaia explained that their boys are being disciplined to humble themselves and make God first in everything.

That sense of humility is reflected in the name of one of the fautasi, dubbed the “Low Rider”, and believed to be the cause of Nu’uuli’s victories.

Fagasoaia said that the village’s decision to put him in charge of the two crews is strategic, so the men have one voice to listen to and not many.

The main Manulele Tausala, referred to as the Low Rider and skippered by Manutafea Taufete’e has about 10 rowers with previous rowing experience.

The other Manulele Tausala is crewed by village youngsters, some as young as 14, up to 20 years.

There are only 5 crew members with previous experience assisting the young ones in their quest.

Fagasoaia says as has been the case in the past, their crew members don’t have a restricted diet.

He says  the crew needs to eat for their strength.

The Nu’uuli camp out or “moetasi” in preparation for next week’s races began last night.

There are using equipment provided by the late Ben Solaita a former captain and trainer of the Satani to replace traditional sand bags for their training.

While some village people have complained about how their crew members are selected, Fagasoaia says that he takes the selection process very seriously and their auvaa is picked based on a rowers commitment and honesty in training and not because they are someon’es son or from a notable family,

He said if the selection is not done right it defeats the purpose of fautasi bringing together the village youth in harmony,

Fagasaoaia wishes all fautasi the best of luck for this year’s race.

He also thanks the village council and village people as well as their church leaders for all the prayers and support.

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