Exciting news for Vanuatu football, one of the best national team striker Azariah Soromon and prominent defender Jeffrey Tasso, bring their seasoned skills and impressive international track record to the Australian stage. The duo is gearing up for an exciting adventure with the Western Strikers FC in Adelaide. Tasso, known for his defensive prowess, showcased his skills on the global stage, participating in the U-20 World Cup in Korea in 2017, while Soromon, known for his striking abilities, left an indelible mark in National Team matches and Champions League fixtures, has spend most of the season with Suva FC in Fiji. Their move to the Western Strikers FC marks a significant chapter in their careers.
Jeffrey Tasso boasts an extensive and impactful career in various competitions. In the 2023 Pacific Games, Tasso played a crucial role in the Semi-Finals against New Caledonia, although his team faced a 1-0 defeat. The Group Stage saw Tasso contributing to Vanuatu’s performance with a 1-1 draw against Papua New Guinea and a commanding 6-0 victory over Tuvalu. His journey extends to the Friendship Cup 22/23, where he played matches for Vanuatu against Ifira Black Bird and Central Coast Mariners FC.
Tasso’s notable contributions also include matches in the National League 21/22, where he played for Luganville FA Regional Team. He showcased his skills in various stages, including the Semi-Finals and Final. Tasso’s international experience dates back to the 2016 OFC U-20 Championship, where he played a vital role in Vanuatu’s journey to the Final, facing New Zealand. Notably, Tasso represented Team Vanuatu in the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea, further solidifying his presence on the global stage. His earlier achievements include participation in the 2015 OFC U-17 Championship, where Vanuatu reached the 3/4 Play-off, defeating New Caledonia 6-0. With a consistent presence in different competitions, Tasso remains a key figure in Vanuatu’s football landscape.
National team striker Azariah Soromon & defender Jeffrey Tasso, bring their seasoned skills and impressive international track record to the Australian stage! Read more ➡️https://t.co/mBbfkLIJOG #WesternStrikersFC, #AzariahSoromon, #JeffreyTasso, #OneCultureFootball pic.twitter.com/bdQGki9qdE
— Vanuatu Football Federation (@VFF_Football) January 8, 2024
Tasso’s journey includes a previous stint with FK Beograd (also known as White City), an Australian football team which plays in the National Premier Leagues (NPL), where he joined forces with Brian Kaltak, who successfully made it to the Central Coast Mariners FC in the A-League. The experience gained from their time together at FK Beograd in 2022 adds an extra layer to Tasso’s seasoned skills, making his move to Western Strikers FC a significant chapter in his career, expected to contribute significantly to the team’s success in the Australian football landscape.
Azariah Soromon recently participated in the 2023 Pacific Games – Men’s Football, where Vanuatu faced Fiji in the Bronze Medal Match at Lawson Tama Stadium, Honiara, resulting in a 2-4 defeat for Vanuatu. In the Semi-Finals, Soromon’s team faced New Caledonia, experiencing a 1-0 loss.
Soromon’s football journey also extended to various competitions, including the Digicel Fiji Premier League 2023, Rooster Chicken/Scoops Ice Cream B.O.G 2023, Digicel National Futsal League 2023, Extra Supermarket Futsal IDC 2022, Pillay Garments Champion vs. Champion Series 2022, Digicel Fiji FACT 2022, and COURTS I.D.C 2022 – Super Premier Division. Notably, Soromon showcased his skills with Suva FC in several matches, contributing to their success in various tournaments. His impact was felt in both futsal and traditional football competitions, making him a notable figure in Vanuatu’s football landscape.
The support and dedication of their families have been instrumental in turning this exciting opportunity into a reality. The Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) extends heartfelt gratitude to the parents and close relatives of Soromon and Tasso, recognizing their unwavering commitment to fostering the growth of football talent in Vanuatu.
While the duo embarks on this new chapter, Vanuatu remains confident that Soromon and Tasso will return in June 2024 to fulfill their national duties. Their presence will be particularly crucial as Vanuatu hosts the prestigious OFC Nations Cup in Port Vila, adding another layer of anticipation and excitement to their homecoming.
The Vanuatu football family celebrates the accomplishments of Soromon and Tasso and wishes them continued success in Australia, confident that their journey will inspire aspiring footballers across the nation. As a poignant farewell gesture, the President of VFF, Lambert Maltock, personally bid them farewell at the airport yesterday, underscoring the significance of their venture to the Western Strikers FC in Adelaide.
This is part of a partnership forged with One Culture Football back in May 2022, outlining that the Australian Football Institution will support VFF in enhancing preparations for regional and international competitions. The collaboration aims to place Vanuatu national players within Australian league clubs, contributing to player development and skills, with a focus on high-performance training and exposure to different soccer environments. The partnership aligns with VFF’s goal of having two representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The institution is based in Adelaide, South Australia, and will support the national team across various divisions, including youth, women, and senior men, before participating in competitions.
