Swagger of the 685: Samoa’s message to the world at U19WC 2025

Even playing on a grass outfield is still a novelty for some members of the squad, though with everything against them, the squad aims to channel Nafanua, a Samoan goddess of war.

“Nafanua was a warrior princess,” Semau continues.

“Very fierce, very strong. And we want to use that Nafanua-type fierceness and strength to try and carry us through. Just the characteristics of that particular warrior.”

According to local legend, Nafanua was instructed to defend her village from invading enemies, and freeing family and captives, cutting a toa tree to use its wood to craft four weapons to drive away enemy Lilomai’ava and his army.

Upon retrieving the wood, Nafanua found the remains covered in sea shells that enhanced her weaponry.

“The shells live, but the toa tree dies,” reads the Samoan proverb. The moral: Great strength is not just through power, it requires wisdom and good judgement.

Also read: Teammates tip future stars at U19 T20WC 2025

Semau is ready to do her utmost to teach her team, and while only wisdom comes through experience, the Samoan team is ready to soak in every single moment in their country’s first participation at a World Cup in cricket at any level or format.

“They've been hungry to learn.

“I think for me, it's hard not to get emotional, even when we're having our team talks because to me, everyone is still pretty much in disbelief that we are here.

“Looking at all the other teams, it's hard not to get excited. And I don't want to take the excitement away from them.

“I want to keep that energy because, you know, when you have that sort of energy on the field, yes, she can be serious, but you can also enjoy and that's what we want, you know, want them to be able to play.”

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