24 Nov 2021

Sosaia Tulikihakau: The Tongan referee championing diversity and inclusion in football

From Champions of the Pacific


Sosaia Tulikihakau is one of the few Pasifika football referees in Aotearoa.

The 21-year-old has been recognised by the community as a champion for diversity and inclusion in football, selected as a finalist for the Counties Manukau Sporting excellence awards for Referee of the Year. 

We talk to Sosaia about his football journey and his hopes to see more Pasifika in the game. 

Manukau's United Football Club's Sosaia Tulikihakau has been selected as a finalist for the 2021 Counties Manukau Sporting excellence awards for Referee of the Year.

Manukau's United Football Club's Sosaia Tulikihakau has been selected as a finalist for the 2021 Counties Manukau Sporting excellence awards for Referee of the Year. Photo: Manukau United Football Club