Vanuatu’s fervor for football reached new heights as the nation celebrated the 90th Anniversary of the Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) alongside the opening of the Nations Cup tournament. This dual celebration, held in Port Vila, brought together football enthusiasts, dignitaries, and participants from across the region for two weeks of festivities and sporting excellence.
The commemorative event commenced with a poignant tribute to the rich history of football in Vanuatu, highlighting pivotal moments and achievements over the past nine decades. The President of VFF, delivered an inspiring address emphasizing the sport’s profound impact on national unity and cultural identity.
As the festivities unfolded, attention turned to the eagerly anticipated kickoff of the Nations Cup, where Vanuatu’s national team proudly took the field amidst cheers and applause from enthusiastic fans.
The official speech highlighted several key points and historical milestones and in his address, the president Maltock expressed gratitude and recognition to various stakeholders.
Historical Overview: The speech commenced with a brief history of global football, noting FIFA’s founding and the establishment of the first FIFA World Cup. It then transitioned to Vanuatu’s football history, tracing its roots back to the New Hebrides era and subsequent developments post-independence.
Founding and Early Years: Football in Vanuatu started around 1934, with notable milestones including the establishment of the Port-Vila League in 1951. The speech acknowledged early clubs and football leaders who laid the foundation for the sport’s growth.
Achievements and Milestones: Significant achievements were highlighted, such as New Hebrides’ participation in the South Pacific Games and the inception of the OFC Nations Cup in 1973. The speech celebrated Vanuatu’s first major regional title win in the Melanesian Cup in 1990 and subsequent participations in various tournaments.
Institutional Development: The formation of the Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) in 1987 under FIFA’s guidance marked a crucial step towards integrating into the global football community. The VFF’s role in fostering football across Vanuatu, including the establishment of academies and decentralization initiatives, was emphasized.
Player Achievements: Recognition was given to players like Brian Kaltak, Vanuatu’s first professional player, and their achievements both domestically and internationally. This included participation in FIFA U20 World Cup and significant club achievements.
Infrastructure Development: The development of football infrastructure, including the Teouma Academy and decentralization efforts with facilities like the Soccer City in Luganville, highlighted efforts to enhance football development beyond Port-Vila and the new Freshwater Stadium.
In his speech, he expressed gratitude to various supporters, sponsors, community leaders, and governmental entities for their contributions to football development in Vanuatu and concluded with optimism for the future of Vanuatu football, noting ongoing efforts to grow the sport and thanking all stakeholders for their continued support.
Download the speech in Bislama here.
