7 Apr 2015

Sport: Lupe Ole Soaga embracing 'underdog' status

11:53 am on 7 April 2015

Lupe Ole Soaga are embracing their role as underdogs in the Oceania Champions League, which kicks off in Fiji at the weekend.

The Samoan football champs won the OFC Preliminary tournament six months ago, to qualify for the O-League main draw.

Team President Taimalelagi Fiti Aimaasu says they've only recruited one import from Australia since that result and are backing their local players to perform for them.

He says every game will be huge against the best from the Oceania but he believes they can be competitive.

"Same as before when we were newcomers on the block and people didn't know of us and I think that will be the case in Fiji - we are still the underdog. I think that's a positive, looking from our perspective, and we will take on that role and try and play from there and see what we can do on the pitch when they come".

Lupe begin their O-League campaign on Saturday against AS Pirae from Tahiti, with Fiji's Ba and Gaitcha from New Caledonia also in their group.

Lupe Ole Soaga celebrate winning the OFC Champions League Preliminary in October.

Lupe Ole Soaga celebrate winning the OFC Champions League Preliminary in October. Photo: Oceania Football