50 village teams compete for Samoan Kilikiti Independence Cup 2026

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 5 May 2026: Fifty villages from around Samoa are competing for the Independence Cricket Cup 2026. Competition started yesterday; and this morning, a colorful and cheerful parade of Mens and Womens teams down Beach Road, added a festive spirit as the country gears up to the 64th Independence celebrations in three weeks time.

Infront of the Government Building, Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt welcomed and addressed the teams assuring Government funding assistance for the Samoa Cricket League every year.

La’auli announced that two major Samoa cricket tournaments will take place annually, one during Samoa’s Independence and the other during the Teuila Tourism Festival, making cricket a key part of the country’s cultural celebrations.

Despite the difficulties, the Samoa Cricket League persistence in 2021 and the efforts of the Organizing Committee who travelled across the islands, kept the competition alive.

The Vaisafe’e Womens cricket team from Safotu, Savaii Island.

He emphasized the importance of cricket as a unifying force that goes beyond financial concerns, aiming to bring communities together and instill a sense of national pride.

“It’s not all about money, but the unity that sport can foster amongst our people,” said La’auli.

He also noted the cultural connection of Samoan kilikiti to age old traditions with specific Samoan terms, sayings and proverbs rooted in the sport.

“You do not hear the name ‘Kilikiti Fa’a-Samoa’ anywhere else in the world like we do here at home,” he said,

La’auli highlights cricket’s role beyond entertainment, stressing that it helps build and strengthen unity across Samoa.

“It’s not just a sport but a unifying tool to bring our country together,” he said.

The Pusiula cricket team from remote Uafato village in the Fagaloa Bay.

Traditionally, Samoan cricket competitions in the past, forged close and personal relations between villages and many husband-and-wife unions with stories told and embedded in songs composed for the occasion.

The sport went into a lull over the years when the emphasis was given to the development of English Cricket and facilities that promised a pathway for young Samoans.

Ironically, the Samoan Independence Cricket Cup 2026 is now running at the at Tuana’imato Cricket Oval.

The competition will run for three weeks, featuring matches played in 6 pools for both men and women.

Pool schedule

• Week 1: Men’s Pool A and Pool B
• Week 2: Men’s Pool C and Pool D, Women’s Pool A and Pool B
• Week 3:  Men’s Pool E and Pool F

From each pool, the top two teams advance to the next round.

The best three teams in the league will earn the chance to face international teams during Samoa’s 64th Independence celebrations.

One of the oldest teams in Samoa kilikiti sports folklore, Lupesilivia, named after a sliver pigeon from Sapapalii, Savaii Island,.

Participation and Challenges
President of the Samoa Cricket League, Fiu Siolo Aloese is enthusiastic with level of participation and recognition given the sport in this year’s independence celebrations.

To revive the sport, Fiu called for collaboration among sports committees, encouraging teams from Upolu to join teams from Savai’i.

“We held meetings to bring committees together and ensure that Savai’i can still run the Samoa Cricket League,” he explains.

However, the league faces significant financial challenges.

Fiu Siolo Aloese emphasizes that additional support and assistance are essential to revive and sustain Samoan cricket across the country.

“Funding remains our main challenge. We need help to keep the sport alive and thriving,” he states.

“Samoa Cricket symbolizes more than just competition; it celebrates Samoan culture, unity, and resilience,” he said.