Tongan workers in line for jobs as FIFA-backed soccer turf takes shape

Tongan workers are expected to get job opportunities as construction begins on a new TOP$2.5 million (NZ$1.8 million) artificial turf at the Tonga Football Association (TFA) headquarters in Veitongo.

The FIFA-funded project officially got underway with a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday and work is expected to start within the next two weeks.

Local company MK Construction Consultancy will deliver the project with Netherlands-based sports turf manufacturer Edel Grass while ITS Pacific Ltd has designed the facility and will supervise construction.

Tutone Maka from MK Construction says the company wants local workers to be part of the build.

“We want to employ and develop Tongan workers along the way, and engage with the local community on sustainable development projects they may have.”

The construction timeline is expected to be about five to six months, with the new turf scheduled for completion by March next year.

MK Construction representative Tutone Maka says the project will provide opportunities to employ and develop Tongan workers during construction. Photo/Football/Tonga Football Association (TFA)

Maka says the first container of materials is due to leave Auckland on 13 October while earthworks and other construction can begin as supplies are being shipped.

“Earthworks and construction will continue while materials are in transit, so we are not behind schedule. We look forward to working with ITS, the selected project management team, to ensure the facility meets FIFA standards.”

The new facility will give Tongan players a more reliable surface for training and competition especially when heavy rain leaves natural fields waterlogged.

The new artificial turf is expected to give Tongan players a more reliable surface for training and competition, particularly when heavy rain leaves natural fields waterlogged. Photo/Facebook/TFA

Lui ‘Aho, Tonga Football chief executive officer and secretary general, says the project has been a long-held goal for the local football community.

“For years, Tonga football has dreamed of a durable, world-class surface where talent can thrive without being held back by unpredictable weather or waterlogged fields,” ‘Aho says.

“This artificial turf is not simply layers of stone, shock pads and synthetic grass. It is a home for grassroots development.”

The project is being funded through the FIFA Forward Programme and was approved by TFA clubs at their annual general congress last year.

FIFA records show more than US$6.1m (NZ$10.85m) has been committed to football infrastructure in Tonga through the Forward Programme.

For the Veitongo project, Edel Grass will provide the artificial playing surface in partnership with MK Construction while ITS Pacific will oversee the technical side of the build.

Tonga Football Association chief executive officer and secretary general Lui ‘Aho says the new turf is a long-held goal for Tonga’s football community. Photo/Facebook/TFA

ITS Pacific senior architect Ronaldo Aquino says the focus during construction will be on getting the basics right.

“I am excited to see the outcome of this project. Let’s work together, communicate clearly and deliver this project on time and to the highest standard.

“To achieve that, we must focus on three things: precision, safety and quality,” Aquino says.

Maka says the project also carries significance beyond the construction itself.

“Through this partnership, Tongan players will train and compete on a surface built to international standards, here at home.

“We recognise that this ground has a long history in Tongan football.

Watch Tongan footballer Maikeli Lomu's full interview on PMN Tonga in 2024 below.

"We will treat it with the care and respect it deserves, and we look forward to handing over a facility the whole nation can be proud of,” Maka says.

‘Aho says the new turf will help create a stronger base for football development across Tonga.

The site is expected to close within the next two weeks as construction gets underway. The project is due to be completed in March 2027.

Elton Lonaratha Jnr is a journalism student at Wintec and is currently completing a six-week internship at PMN News.