The Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) is taking new steps to enhance its development programs in the country and strengthen its commitment to national team representation in international football competitions.
In recent years, a national senior men’s team contingent would typically consist of a head coach, an assistant coach, and a team manager. While such a management formation may seem fitting for Vanuatu as a small developing country, it does not reflect the level of football we have achieved today.
VFF is proud to announce that our development programs, in collaboration with local associations, have produced quality players, some of whom are currently playing with regional clubs. In order to support the current level of the game in our country, VFF has decided to reorganize national team management.
“We want to ensure that the head coach can focus on strategizing and planning for the competing team during a tournament,” said VFF Senior Vice President Iau Tuan. “We have multiple assistant coaches responsible for warm-up sessions and fitness training, enabling the head coach to concentrate on preparing the team’s strategies to face different opponents with varying formats and systems of play.”
Tuan further explained, “We also require gear managers who will be responsible for taking care of team equipment such as uniforms, balls, and training gear. Additionally, we have designated positions for a media contact person, a physiotherapist, and a head of delegation, who is typically a member of the national executive committee of VFF.”
These changes were discussed by Mr. Tuan, who recently led the national senior men’s team for the first time in the Indian Hero Intercontinental Cup Tournament held in Bhubaneswar from 9 to 18 June 2023. He acknowledged that whenever something new is implemented, there will be critics from the public.
“However,” Tuan emphasized, “it is not an easy task to oversee and manage a team of athletes while simultaneously striving for victory. I commend Head Coach Etienne Mermer, his assistants, Team Manager Peter Takaro, Physio Albert Iata, Team Captain Brian Kaltak, and the entire team who travelled to India. Our performances in Bhubaneswar have garnered attention from Asian football and opened doors for further development opportunities and partnerships with India and Asian football in the future.”
Tuan also expressed appreciation for the positive partnership between VFF and the government in terms of developing and supporting national teams. He believes that all sports federations should receive government support because when representing our federations in international sporting events, we proudly sing the national anthem and defend our national flag.
Cover photo: After Vanuatu’s participation in the Hero International Cup in India, VFF Senior Vice President Iau Tuan visited the All India Football Federation and symbolically planted a tree in Delhi. This gesture signifies the strengthening bond between Vanuatu and India, as well as a commitment to environmental sustainability in the world of football.
