In the end, it was agreed that nothing should be allowed to disturb such a friendship program that is organized to not only enhance the relationship between the Melanesian soccer playing nations, but to help competing teams develop and trial their national teams, and to determine their positioning in the FIFA ranking as well.
The last – minute decision also meant that all direct Vila – Nadi flights have been missed. Hence, the travelling arrangements going to Fiji via Australia.
Accordingly, 17 of the 26 – man Vanuatu soccer team have left this morning on the Air Vanuatu flight to Sydney. From Sydney, they travel on to Fiji later this afternoon, expecting to arrive in Nadi this evening.
National Head Coach Etienne Mermer and Assistant Coaches Robert Yelou and Wilson August are travelling with the first group.
Later on this evening, the remaining 9 members of the team will travel to Brisbane, where they will spend one night. They then travel on to Fiji on Saturday evening, arriving in to Nadi early Sunday morning, 21 March.
The 2023 Friendship Cup Tournament is being hosted by Fiji, and will be played at Lautoka City’s Churchill Park Stadium. Solomon Islands and Vanuatu are sending their senior squads, while Fiji will be fielding their senior men’s team and their national U20 squad.
The tournament is scheduled to start on Monday, 22 March. Solomon Islands will play Fiji U20 team in the opening match.
Vanuatu will play Fiji at 3pm (2pm Vanuatu time) in the second match of Day 1.
