In a significant step towards hosting the upcoming OFC Champions League, Luganville town’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) joined forces with OFC Competitions Manager (CM) Michael Song. Their collaborative efforts focused on inspecting the main playing field and potential training grounds earlier this week.
Luganville has the honor of hosting Group A matches, featuring esteemed teams such as Auckland City from New Zealand, Suva from Fiji, Solomon Warriors from the Solomon Islands, and Lupe from Samoa. As the kick-off day at Soccer City Stadium draws near, the government, stakeholders, football enthusiasts, and community leaders in the northern town are working diligently to meet the OFC standards and requirements for the facilities.
According to the match schedules, Group A matches are scheduled to commence on 14 May, while Group B matches in Port Vila will start on 15 May. Group B includes prominent teams like Hekari United from Papua New Guinea, AS Pirae from Tahiti, Tiga Sports from New Caledonia, and Ifira Black Birds from Vanuatu.
Prior to his visit to Luganville on Thursday 13 April, OFC CM Michael Song met with the Port Vila LOC. Accompanied by VFF and OFC President Lambert Maltock and VFF CM Bong Shem, Song emphasized the purpose of his visit was to ensure that the facilities meet the required OFC standards before the start of the competition.
During the meeting, Song shared captivating photographs capturing the spirit of the teams’ actions and the joyous celebrations of football fans during the OFC U16 playoffs at Soccer City Stadium in 2016. Reflecting on that memorable event, Song expressed his desire to collaborate with the LOCs and VFF to create a successful program that brings hope and happiness to the people of Vanuatu, who have faced numerous challenges, including the recent devastation caused by two consecutive tropical cyclones in March.
In addition to inspecting the potential training grounds, such as the second field at Chapuis and the Matevulu College soccer ground, Song emphasized the need to ensure the facilities meet the expected standards for the competing teams visiting Santo. Safety remains a top priority, with Song emphasizing the importance of maintaining good playing and training conditions to prevent player injuries.
Song is set to travel back to Port Vila on Saturday, where he plans to hold a follow-up meeting with the Port Vila LOC before returning to Auckland on Sunday 16 April.
The collaborative efforts of Luganville’s LOC, Michael Song, and various stakeholders reflect the united determination to deliver an exceptional OFC Champions League, bringing together football enthusiasts and uplifting the spirit of the people of Vanuatu.
