Former Cagous and Hienghène Sport defender Pothin Poma makes his debut for Tahiti national team

Pothin Poma, 26-year-old, has emerged as a formidable defender for the Tahitian club AS Dragon and the Tahiti national team. Poma’s football journey is a tale of dedication, talent, and a significant national allegiance switch that has shaped his career.

Poma began his footballing career in New Caledonia, representing the nation at both youth and senior levels. His skills were honed at Hienghéne Sport, a club where he showcased his defensive prowess before making the move to Tahiti.

In Tahiti, Poma initially played for AS Vénus, where his exceptional performances caught the attention of AS Dragon. He soon made the transition to AS Dragon, one of Tahiti’s top clubs, solidifying his reputation as one of the finest defenders in Tahitian football.

The pivotal moment in Poma’s career came this year when he decided to switch his international allegiance from New Caledonia to Tahiti. This decision, informed by Tahiti’s national team coach Samuel Garcia, was facilitated by Poma having lived in Tahiti for over five years. Garcia explained that Poma had the option to continue representing New Caledonia or to don the colors of Toa Aito. Poma chose the latter, marking a new chapter in his international career.

Poma made his debut for Tahiti during the 2024 OFC Men’s Nations Cup in a crucial Group B match against Fiji. Despite Tahiti suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat, Poma’s performance stood out. He displayed composure, tactical awareness, and strong tackling ability throughout the match, earning him the Man of the Match award from the Oceania Football Confederation.