LAKAPI SAMOA AND HEAD COACH ADDRESS PLAYER ALLEGATIONS
Lakapi Samoa, the governing body for rugby in Samoa, and Head Coach Muliagatele Brian Lima have recently responded to allegations of player mistreatment made by former Manu Samoa and Manu Samoa 7s player, Elijah Niko. The statements aim to provide clarity on the accusations, emphasizing transparency, fair practices, and player welfare within the Manu Samoa 7s program.
Lakapi Samoa's Response:
In a comprehensive statement, Lakapi Samoa acknowledged the concerns raised by Elijah Niko and encouraged him to address his grievances through appropriate channels such as team management, Lakapi Samoa Management, and the Players Association. The organization stressed the importance of open communication to constructively resolve any issues.
Player Allowance Breakdown:
Lakapi Samoa took the opportunity to share a breakdown of player allowances for the benefit of the public. Core players receive SAT$300 per week, developing players receive SAT$150 per week, and touring players receive NZD$1,000 per tournament. The statement provided various scenarios to illustrate the annual allowances for different player categories.
Financial Contributions and Bonuses:
The statement clarified that all financial contributions received by the Manu Samoa 7s team during its tours from overseas Samoan communities go directly to the players and management, with none received by Lakapi Samoa. Lakapi Samoa highlighted a bonus scheme proposed to partners by its major sponsor, SIFA aka IBFC, offering bonuses ranging from SAT$1,500 to SAT$5,000 for achieving a top-four finish or better per tournament.
Player Welfare Prioritization:
Emphasizing its commitment to player welfare, Lakapi Samoa detailed the provisions made for players, including two meals daily for locally camped players and three meals daily with accommodation and transport for touring players. The organization also provides sports science and medical support to all players.
Overseas Contracts and Dubai Incident:
Lakapi Samoa denied any knowledge of a torn contract mentioned by Niko, stating that all player contracts for Lakapi Samoa players go through the CEO. The organization clarified an incident in Dubai, explaining that it involved overseas players and underwent thorough investigation and resolution in 2022. The statement detailed measures taken to uphold dietary standards and safeguard player performance.
Travel Class Clarification:
Addressing the situation involving a Manu Samoa 7s Management member during a personal trip, Lakapi Samoa expressed disappointment. The organization clarified that all official travels for staff and players are consistently conducted in economy class.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Lakapi Samoa reiterated its commitment to transparency, player welfare, and fair practices within the Manu Samoa 7s program. The organization welcomed direct communication to address concerns and urged the use of appropriate channels for issue resolution. Head Coach Muliagatele Brian Lima's commitment to equal treatment for all players, regardless of their professional status, aligns with Lakapi Samoa's emphasis on fostering a fair and supportive environment for the development of Samoan rugby talent.