The Vanuatu U15s team is gearing up for their first match against Fiji on Saturday 15 April. After experiencing a cancellation of their scheduled Air Vanuatu flight due to technical issues, the team safely arrived in Auckland on Thursday 13 April and has settled in well, ready to compete.
Vanuatu’s match against Fiji is scheduled for 10am local time in Vanuatu (11am in New Zealand), followed by a match against Tahiti on Tuesday 18 April. The OFC U15 Youth Development Tournament commenced on Tuesday 11 April, with Tahiti emerging victorious in all three of their matches so far, while Fiji has played two matches, winning one and losing one.
During their time in Auckland, Team Vanuatu had the privilege of meeting Christian Karembeu, a renowned footballer and a member of the 1998 FIFA World Cup-winning French team. Hailing from Lifou Island in the French territory of New Caledonia, Karembeu represented France in the World Cup as his island nation falls under French administration. In the grand final, France defeated Brazil 3-0 to claim the prestigious World Cup trophy. The OFC organized Karembeu’s visit to Auckland to interact and share insights with the teams participating in the Youth Development Program.
Other participating countries in the tournament include Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Liechtenstein, a small European nation situated between Switzerland and Austria.
Excitement fills the air as Vanuatu’s U15 team prepares to showcase their skills and determination against Fiji and Tahiti, aiming to make their mark in the ongoing OFC U15 Youth Development Tournament.
