Six Chosen For Maori Football Teams

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Post on Jan 22, 2025

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Six Chosen for Maori Football Teams: A Proud Moment, and a Tough Road

Wow, what a rollercoaster! Six players from our little club, the Papanui United, made it! Six! Chosen for the Maori All Blacks and Maori Ferns football teams. I still get goosebumps thinking about it. It's been a whirlwind of emotions, let me tell you. Pure, unadulterated joy mixed with a hefty dose of "holy crap, this is actually happening."

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This wasn't some overnight success story, though. It's been years of sweat, tears (okay, mostly sweat!), and more than a few scraped knees. I remember one particularly brutal game, back in 2018, where we played against a team who clearly thought they were playing rugby, not football. I got a nasty gash on my knee that needed stitches. Talk about a setback! But that's football, right? Grit and determination, even when you look like a horror movie extra.

The Selection Process: More Than Just Skill

The selection process for the Maori teams is intense. It's not just about pure footballing ability, although that's obviously a huge part of it. They're looking for players with heart, with whakapapa (genealogy) ties, and a real commitment to representing their culture. They really dug deep, assessing everything from our fitness levels and tactical awareness to our understanding of Maori history and values.

There were trials, regional camps, and then the final selection. The anticipation was killer! I remember pacing the floor like a caged tiger during those weeks. The anxiety was real. We, as coaches, constantly reminded the players to focus on their game, but honestly, they were under so much pressure. And so were we.

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One player, a young lad named Tama, almost didn't make it. He had a minor injury during the regional camp which hampered his performance initially. But he showed such resilience – he rehabbed hard, fought back, and proved his commitment to the team. That determination shone through, and he rightfully earned his spot. It's a testament to what hard work and perseverance can achieve.

Beyond the Field: The Importance of Culture

This whole experience has highlighted something incredibly important to me – the cultural aspect. It's not just about football; it’s about representing your heritage, your people. The Maori All Blacks and Maori Ferns are more than just sports teams. They’re a powerful symbol of pride and identity.

We, as coaches, ensured we incorporated cultural elements into our training sessions. We started with karakia (prayers) before each session and emphasized the values of manaakitanga (respect), whanaungatanga (kinship), and kotahitanga (unity).

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Seeing our six players chosen is not only a personal win for them and their families but a huge win for Papanui United. It's a testament to our dedication to building strong players, both on and off the field. It's something we can all be immensely proud of.

Tips for Aspiring Maori Football Players

So, what advice would I give to aspiring Maori footballers? Firstly, work incredibly hard. There are no shortcuts. Secondly, embrace your culture. Your heritage is a strength. And finally, never give up. Setbacks happen; injuries happen; life happens. But persistence and a positive attitude are key.

Remember Tama's story? He showed the world that perseverance wins in the end. Don't let setbacks define you; let them strengthen your resolve.

This experience has been an incredible journey, filled with both exhilarating highs and nerve-wracking lows. But seeing those six players in the Maori jerseys? Priceless. It reminds me why I coach: for these moments, for these incredible young people, and for the power of sport to unite and inspire. Kia kaha! (Be strong!)