Port Vila, Saturday 8 April 2023 – The national U15 team displayed their commitment as they resumed training at the VFF Football Academy this morning, eagerly anticipating updated travel arrangements for the upcoming OFC U15 tournament in Auckland, set to commence on Tuesday 11 April.
On Friday 7 April, the team received information that Air Vanuatu would provide an update on the Port Vila-Auckland flight on Saturday. Coach Kaison Maki urged the players to remain focused and stay home until they received further instructions from the team management.
“We are awaiting confirmation from Air Vanuatu regarding the flight to Auckland. Return to your homes and stay put until our check-in time at 4 am. I will ensure that buses arrive to pick you up before 4 o’clock. However, if you do not see the bus, it means the flight has been canceled… In that case, we will come later in the morning to pick you up for training at 8 am,” Coach Kaison informed the team at VFF Haus.
Today, the team engaged in their regular training program at the VFF Football Academy under the guidance of Coach Emerson, Coach Kaison, and Coach Ken Kanegai. The boys displayed great enthusiasm and high spirits as they prepared for their inaugural OFC and international tournament.
The training session focused on offensive and defensive strategies, including corner kicks and penalty shootouts. Coach Kaison expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, highlighting their exceptional ball circulation and possession demonstrated in their recent friendly against the national U17 team.
In the midst of the travel arrangements, VFF Technical Director Peter Takaro received communication from OFC stating that Air Vanuatu had been ruled out, and alternative routes were being explored to ensure Team Vanuatu’s timely arrival in Auckland.
“Stay prepared, as alternative arrangements are being considered, and we may be traveling at any moment,” Coach Emerson Alcantara shared after the training session.
Coach Kaison emphasized that if the team did not depart by the end of Sunday, training would proceed as usual at 3 pm. He called upon parents and communities of the team members to support and encourage the boys, as they prepare to represent their communities and the country for the first time.
The national U15 team remains dedicated and determined, eagerly awaiting the final travel arrangements to embark on their exciting journey to the OFC U15 tournament, ready to make Vanuatu proud.
