The latest updates from the VFF Champions League 23/24 bring exciting developments as the tournament continues to captivate the hearts of football enthusiasts across Vanuatu. This season promises a fresh wave of competition with some surprising entrants and a strong determination to shine on the football stage.
The 2023/24 season introduces a new batch of contenders, most notably Classic FC, hailing from Luganville, and supported by Abdul, a local businessman, and his company, Classic Printers. This team has rapidly risen from the 2022 First Division to the 2023 Premier Division and boasts a talented roster contracted to play for three years. Many of these players previously showcased their skills in the Luganville U-2 team, which clinched the championship.
Keep an eye on standout players such as Tyson Gere, goalkeeper Dgen Leo, Leo Moli, Zidance Maguekone. These players recently toured with the Vanuatu National team to the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in New Caledonia earlier this month. Didier Kalip is also a key member of the team, along with Eddy Vuti, well-known in Ascension Futsal Club from Chapui Area, and Oscar Brucks, an Australian midfielder residing in Luganville.
Their aim is to reach the final and prove themselves as the best, much like Malampa Revivors FC, who have been representing Luganville and Vanuatu in numerous national and regional tournaments.
Ifira Black Bird FC, the reigning champions of the Port Vila League, is primed to defend their title as the Vanuatu champions in this tournament. The team’s strength lies in its roster of national team players, who bring a wealth of experience to the pitch. Guided by the experience of coach Robert Yelou, a respected figure in Vanuatu’s football landscape, Ifira Black Bird FC continues to be a formidable force, making them a team to watch.
M3 United, representing Tafea Football Association in the West Tanna football league, has emerged as a club with a mix of talent from three communities. They are characterized by their strong goalkeeper from Nalkutan FC. Additionally, they’ve enlisted two players from the TFA development program, namely Rodney Andrew and Jason Andrew.
Koum FC, originally from Sola in Vanua Lava, made their mark as the Torba Football Association Champions League victors by winning two major tournaments. Their strategy includes transferring players to strengthen the team’s efforts in the VFF Champions League, with plans to return them in January to enhance local club development.
Loran FC, hailing from South Pentecost, joins the competition as a relatively young and inexperienced team. However, their participation aims to provide invaluable experience, with plans to return even stronger in future national tournaments.
Malampa FC representing Sanma Football Association is a unique team composed of Malampa youth from East Malo Island in Sanma Province, many of whom hail from Vao, Atchin, and Ambrym. They formed their own premier league in Sanma, ultimately earning their spot in the VFF Champions League.
Meanwhile, Police FC is also part of the tournament, representing Malampa FA, and is well-known as a long-running representative. They successfully qualified by facing Belala FC and Craig-cove United FC from Ambrym Island in the Malampa Province.
And finally, Tenuku FC hailing from the Shefa province in Vanuatu, they are current Shefa Football Association champions and coming from the same island as the Vanuatu champions, Ifira Blackbird, Tenuku FC sets itself apart by competing in the Shefa League, This unique parallel with Ifira Blackbird adds an intriguing dimension to their journey, highlighting the rich football culture that thrives on the island and positioning them as a team to watch in both local and potentially broader football competitions.
Pool B has already seen the qualification of Koum FC from Torba and Classic FC from Luganville for the second stage, promising even more intense competition in the VFF Champions League 23/24.
