Letter: CIFA saga

Because I have children involved with academies at CIFA (Cook Islands Football Association), I would like to keep my identity private in fear that my children will be singled or even kicked out.

I write because of the letter that painted Sammy Mataora to be a villain and saying that Sammy has no place at CIFA was unbelievable to read. Reading Sammy’s response pointing out that there is a group behind the letter, I am not surprised. I am a regular customer to a well-known cafe close to CIFA and I have often heard conversations between some CIFA staff and sometimes a former CIFA member. They chit chat about Sammy with their evil giggles and how they plan to remove Sammy from CIFA.

As I am an actual parent with kids in these academies I want to show my support for Sammy, because I believe Sammy plays a big role in my children’s development at CIFA and I think he is keeping these corrupted people on their feet. When I’m at CIFA, the only person from that office making sure my kids have water or a snack is Sammy. Us parents see Sammy’s efforts and I’m sure we all hear about it if we don’t see it because my children rave about Sammy when I ask about their training and it shows because when Sammy steps out of the office, all the kids are excited to see him. So if anyone should be removed from CIFA, it should be these people that gather to conspire.

I hope more parents will support getting behind Sammy.

(Name and address supplied)