Manu Samoa Sevens Denied From Toa Samoa Parade
Manu Samoa 7’S At The Toa Samoa Parade.
Photo: Eyespy Radio / Anetone Sagaga
The Manu Samoa Sevens outfit which won the Cape Town leg of the World Sevens Series a few weeks ago were not scheduled to join the Toa Samoa Homecoming Parade according to an employee of Rugby League Samoa (R.L.S) who did not wish to be named.
The parade may have seemed perfectly planned when the Toa Samoa and Manu Samoa 7s were seen performing the "siva tau" and dancing on stage on Thursday afternoon, but there were a few issues leading up to the much anticipated homecoming parade.
Manu Samoa 7’S At The Toa Samoa Parade.
Photo: Eyespy Radio / Anetone Sagaga
The source stated that the parade was meant just for the Toa Samoa players, its Management and its Coaching Staff.
R.L.S was caught by surprise when the Manu Samoa 7s squad turned up at the last minute also wanting to join and march in the procession.
"They (Manu Samoa 7s) were first denied entry, given that there was little time to slot them into the Toa Samoa parade,"
"However, they were later given the green light to be part of the event," said Eyespy Radio's informant.
Manu Samoa 7’S At The Toa Samoa Parade.
Photo: Eyespy Radio / Anetone Sagaga
A member of the public who was at the parade, 34-year-old Mr. Kiupa Osa from the village of Nu'u Fou conveyed during an interview with Eyespy Radio that it's not fair for the Manu Samoa 7s' players to walk on foot while the Toa Samoa members were escorted like kings on fancy vehicles during the parade.
"It looks like the recent success of our Manu Samoa Sevens' team in Cape Town doesn't mean anything at all,"
" I understand that the Toa Samoa reaching the final of the Rugby League World Cup this year is a historical and momentous achievement, but we should also acknowledge the Manu Samoa Sevens winning first place at Cape Town and breaking a 6-year-goldmedal-drought," he said.