OFC Insider Magazine Issue 14

2018/01

OFC Champions League 2018; the Group Stage reviewed & the Knockout Stage previewed Football no place for gender stereotypes Decentralisation - a way forward for Vanuatu OFC & Aspire partner up W

W

W .

O

C

E

A

N

I

A

F

O

O

T

B

A

L

L

.

C

O

M

2018 IS WELL UNDERWAY AND ALREADY WE HAVE BEEN TREATED TO THE DELIGHTS THAT THE OFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BRINGS US ANNUALLY.

F

or fans across Oceania and the globe, this

This is despite the fact that the Pacific is in a different time zone to

competition continues to be a highlight on the OFC

Brazil, Argentina, Indonesia, Colombia and the Phillipines, where the

competitions calendar.

OFC Champions League was most popular.

It brings excitement, intrigue and a continually improving

The numbers show we can draw and audience from outside Oceania

level of football which has captured a niche market. While

and that our football is attractive to communities outside of our own.

we put the Oceania football community first and foremost, there is a growing community outside our waters who have

I very much look forward to welcoming all of these fans back to the

developed a fondness for this competition.

region when the OFC Champions League resumes in April.

Over 60,000 people from across the world tuned into mycujoo, our online streaming collaborators for the OFC

Yours in football,

Champions League, watching the best club football Oceania has to offer.

David Chung

IN THIS ISSUE The talk of 2018 so far is undoubtedly the OFC Champions League.

With a format that has created greater competition among the competing teams with the introduction of one-off quarter final matches, the excitement and intrigue of who will qualify for the semi-finals is palpable.

But OFC Competitions aren’t the only thing keeping the football community engaged.

4-5

6-7

From bus driver to Just Play trainer - former Solomon Islands international Jack Wasi continues to be a role model for the youth of his nation.

The establishment of H4F is giving Vanuatu’s Julia King a way to push the boundaries of gender stereotypes in the Pacific.

The OFC Just Play programme continues to offer the youth of the region a safe, pleasant environment to develop their football skills, as well as creating pathways for coaches and trainers.

In addition, the football community is working hard on building up programmes and activities to engage women.

In this edition we have stories from Vanuatu and Tahiti highlighting new opportunities for the women’s game in both nations.

14 - 23

24 - 29

With more on the line than ever, the OFC Cham-

The Group Stage is done and dusted but for

pions League Group Stage was a mixed bag of

eight teams the journey continues. What do the

emotion for the 16 participating teams. For some it ends here, for others it continues. Here’s a look back at the key moments so far.

coaches have to say about their chances in the quarter finals?

We also zero in on the Vanuatu Football Federation and its decentralisation programme which is starting to reap the seeds it sowed.

If you have a story you would like to share with the OFC Insider, please let us know. We have staff in each of the OFC Member Associations who are keen to share the stories and achievements of our people as we grow and develop football together.

To contact the OFC Insider, email us: media@oceaniafootball.com

32 - 34

I

When you are as football mad as Vanuatu you have to find a way to take football into every corner of the nation. VFF think they’ve managed that with their Decentralisation Project.

Official Publication of the Oceania Football Confederation The views expressed in signed articles are not necessarily the official views of the OFC. The reproduction of articles published in the OFC Insider is authorised, provided the source is indicated.

Produced by: OFC Media & Communications Photography: OFC Media / Phototek / FIFA via Getty Images / Massimo Colombini Cover Photo: OFC via Phototek

35 - 37 Tahiti’s first female footballer to be engaged by a French club, Kiani Wong, recently returned to the Fenua to take up a role as ambassador to the first-ever Hine Festival.

Oceania Football Confederation Headquarters, 12 Maurice Road, Penrose, Auckland 1061, New Zealand Tel: +64 9 531 4096 Fax: +64 9 529 5143 Email: media@oceaniafootball.com Website: www.oceaniafootball.com

MAKING A CHANGE JACK WASI THOUGHT THE PEAK OF HIS FOOTBALL CAREER WAS REPRESENTING THE SOLOMON ISLANDS. But the former international is discovering that the game goes on even when you leave the pitch behind.

Wasi had spent many years plying his trade with Koloale in domestic competitions and when he stepped down from the international spotlight knew he wanted to stay in football but struggled to find his place.

4

OFC INSIDER

“I THINK MARIA SAW SOMETHING IN ME. SAW THAT I COULD CONTRIBUTE.”

“I was driving the bus for

Wasi believes the programme content

what I want to do’,” he said.

the Solomon Islands Football

is perfect for the Solomon Islands

Federation,” Wasi said.

community.

“It was a good job but I knew that

“I think it’s very topical and aimed

I wanted to be more hands-on in

well for the communities in Solomon

developing football.”

Islands and the social issues we tend

“I think those of us who already

to encounter in them.

have the skills can impart their

“I think they see Just Play as a genuine place to start their football careers and I am on board with that.

knowledge, develop the youth and

All it takes is to give someone a chance to shine, and for Wasi the

“For us in the Solomons, I think we

show them how to adapt the skills

opportunity was handed to him by

must start with these messages at

they learn.

SIFF Just Play Programme Manager

a young age and so it is good to

Maria Rarawa.

have Just Play in communities and

“That’s why I was interested to join

schools.”

Just Play. I love to travel to other provinces and see small kids who

Rarawa invited him to join the Just Play team and he jumped at the

The inclusion of football in the

are growing up to love football as

chance.

programme is another element he

much as I do.”

likes, especially given his history.

“I think Maria saw something in me.

Saw that I could contribute,” he said.

While Wasi sees the OFC Just Play It’s crucial that we start kids in

programme as a place to start for

football from a young age so they

budding footballers, it is also offering

start to develop the skills early.”

him a pathway.

He believes his past as a former

“I am happy here, but one fine day

international helps when it comes

I would like to be a coach for the

The OFC Just Play programme

to engaging with the participating

Solomon Islands. This is just the

engages young people in football

children.

beginning.”

“I’m very grateful to her for giving me this opportunity and I want to do her and myself proud.”

activities, while also sharing key messages about social issues in

“I think for some kids, they see me

an attempt to inform and change

and think ‘oh it’s Jack Wasi and he

behaviours from a young age.

used to play for Solomons and that’s OFC INSIDER

5

KING CHALLENGING THE STEREOTYPES 6

OFC INSIDER

Head, heart, hands and heels. Four singlular elements which, when placed in the hands of Julia King, become the foundation for a programme which is changing football development in Vanuatu.

Those four elements are the basis for H4F a

“I use football as an outlet where I let

football development programme developed

the young girls and women express

by King during the FIFA Women’s Football Leadership Programme last year.

themselves and stress that it’’s an even playing field.

“For women I want to empower them,

The programme is now up and running in

show them if they want something they

King’s village and she’s proud of the progress

are going to have to fight for it.

already being made.

“The F part is football and the H4 stands for head, heart, hands and heels,” King

“But at the same time, work on the boys and get them to accespt that women are here, the world doesn’t revolve around men.”

explained.

“Through H4F obviously we are running football programmes, but we are not just

However, King is aware that it’s not all about the big change, with familial ideals

targeting football.

also coming into play.

“We are actually appealing to the

She said what she teaches is the value

intellectual side of things and the spiritual

of being able to respect a woman at

side, then introducing life skills and finally,

football first and foremost.

football.”

“We start with football and then we King said the traditional culture of Vanuatu, which is not unfamilar to other Pacific nations, is part of what inspired her to develop H4F.

move onto the home and community.

We want them to maintain a balance.”

King stresses that it is still early days with

“We come from a background where it’s

the programme and she knows there is

embedded in women that men are superior

still a long way to go.

and it’s only if men allow, then we can do something,”she said.

And she believes having personal, relateable experiences is helping her

“That’s the environment I’ve grown up in. In my professional life, in the workplace, and also in the community I live in.”

But King said she’s been inspired to make a change and wants to take her community with her.

to shape the programme to suit the audience.

“My experiences as a girl, and a football player, growing up is that when you looked around at the football activities happening it’’s usually the boys who are on the receiving end.

OFC INSIDER

7

“I don’t think anything is impossible.

“But I was challenged by that idea. Football gave me an outlet to be able to express myself and that’s what I

“These kids are all trying their best and if we can bring

want reflected in H4F.”

these young men to be gentlemen on the pitch, then they will be able to be gentlemen off the pitch too.”

“THAT’S OUR CULTURE, IT’S NORMAL PRACTICE.”

King was manager of the Vanuatu women’s national team during last year’s Pacific Mini Games in Port Vila and said she sees a bright future ahead, but not without hard work.

“While I would say it’s bright, it’s also my thing that not everything gets handed to you on a silver platter,”King stipulated.

“Yes we won gold but that doesn’t mean that it is going

King said challenges are something she grasps with both

to be easy going forward.”

hands and the push for gender equality is one of them.

Gold on home soil was a first for the Vanuatu women’s team and playing in front of a large, vocal crowd for the

first time was both inspiring and nerve-wreaking.

Now the onus is on those women to keep going, keep pushing for change and showing those that wish to follow them that there is a place for women’s football in Vanuatu.

“We were given the opportunity and so was Vanuatu. People could witness for themselves a national team evolving in front of their eyes,” King said.

“The biggest thing for me going into the Mini Games was perception and I think we showed that women are more than capable of playing football, and playing it well.”

The Vanuatu Football Federation women’s football department has a slogan for it’s programmes, “Ol Gel Tu Oli I Save Ple!”, or Girl’s Can Play Too! “That was the message we took going into the Mini Games, and we achieved it.

“And filling the stadium for the match against Fiji was just a dream come true for me,” King said.

“But we have to remain realistic.

The job is not done and it won’t be all smooth sailing from here.

“Which is why I continue to push forward with H4F because if we can start instilling crucial values in our youth, one day we can say without hesitation that the future truly does look brighter.”

KINGDOM HARVEST REAPS JUST PLAY REWARDS OFC Just Play is extending its reach in the Solomon Islands and one of the communities reaping the benefits of the sport for development programme is Kingdom Harvest in Henderson.

Not only is Just Play providing an opportunity for children to occupy their time, it’s changing their perceptions of what it means to be part of a community.

10

OFC INSIDER

“A few months agao there was a communication from the Just Play office within SIFF looking around for different communities within the city for this programme to come inside, and that’s how we came in,” Kindgom Harvest community leader Pastor Ellison Barko said.

“I think now, not only as a church but as a community, we feel this is important because when there are no positive interests or positive influences in a community, you can find a lot of young people who will rise up and find an interest in things that aren’t really good for the community.”

Pastor Barko said the positive impacts of Just Play are already evident within his community despite it only being introduced in late 2017.

“Through the programme we have seen a lot of kids who have attended starting to open themselves up,” he said.

“Even the different genders - male and female - are coming together, expressing themselves and playing together.”

Pastor Barko added that feedback from parents and surrounding communities has also been good, with a more positive outlook and expression visible n the participating children.

He’s now looking forward to Just Play continuing its programme at Kingdom Harvest, and seeing further progress within the community.

“I’m very excited and very happy.

We’ve really wanted to touch the city and specific communities with a positive influence and to raise young people with some positive interests.“ OFC INSIDER

11

“It is fantastic that we can use sport

The community has a strong

“We want to raise good people

as a tool, it can be very influential.”

foundation in social activity which

who know how to play and protect

links in well with the OFC Just Play He believed that although any sport

programme and what it stands for.

can act as a tool for development,

themselves so they are safe.”

During the festival held at Kingdom Harvest to mark the completion of

Just Play capitalises on the fervour for

“Just before Christmas last year we

football in the Solomon Islands.

began the first session - Protecting

the first session of the curriculum,

the Child,” Gideon said.

the children received a visit from

“For Solomon Islands football is

Team Wellington, a New Zealand club

very popular and I think it’s a great

“It builds the children up in football

pathway to attract young people

while improving their lives by

and children to the programme.”

teaching them how to protect

competing in Group D of the OFC Champions League in Honiara.

themselves on the field when they Working closely with SIFF Just Play Project Manager Maria Rarawa is Nelson Laura Gideon who said Kingdom Harvest offers a fantastic environment for the programme.

play.

Gideon said the visit was a treat for the participating children.

“It also teaches them to protect themselves in their environments and surroundings, so they know exactly what is happening.

“I can see that Team Wellington really came to help us. They made the day good, and colourful.”

“I LIKE JUST PLAY BECAUSE I LIKE TO PLAY WITH MY FRIENDS. THEY MAKE ME SMILE & LAUGH & WE HAVE FUN TOGETHER.”

- DOREEM, 8

14

OFC INSIDER

OFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE The OFC Champions League is the leading international club competition in Oceania and with each edition the interest in this event grows.

In 2018 thanks to the mycujoo streaming platform we’ve been able to keep fans in the loop and updated from the Qualifier in American Samoa through to each of the groups which have taken fans to Tahiti, Vanuatu, New Zealand and Solomon Islands.

Once again the format has expanded, this year introducing one-off quarter finals which heightened the competitiveness of the group matches.

Enjoy the breakdown of the competition so far, and remember to join us when play resumes in early April.

OFC INSIDER

15

GROUP A Lae City Dwellers / Nalkutan FC Ba FC / Tupapa Maraerenga 16

OFC INSIDER

For the first time, Vanuatu played host to an OFC Champions League group giving newcomers Nalkutan FC the advantage of home soil.

Although the team represents the island of Tanna, the wider Port Vila community rallied behind their representative to make that advantage more than just a familiar playing field.

Nalkutan gave fair warning to the teams which joined them in Group A - Ba FC, Tupapa Maraerenga and Lae City Dwellers - courtesy of their first-ever Vanuatu Super League title, so three consistent performances came as no surprise.

Nalkutan opened their campaign with a hard-won 1-0 victory over experienced Fijian club Ba FC, while their nearest rivals, Papua New Guinea club champions Lae City Dwellers, notched a resounding 7-2 win over Qualifier winners Tupapa Maraerenga.

The wins continued for the two favourites on Match Day 2 with Lae triumphing 1-0 over Ba, while Nalkutan scored four unanswered goals against the Cook Islands club.

Two wins in two matches for the Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu clubs meant passage from Group A to the OFC Champions League was decided.

However, there remained one last, and important, encounter to determine who finished top of the group.

The play-off between Nalkutan and Lae City Dwellers was a competitive one with the two sides inseparable after the first 45 minutes.

However the home side soon found their feet to run up 4-1 victors and claim a place in the knock-out stage of the competition for the first time. Lae City Dwellers’ second place finish in the group also marked an historic occasion in the clubs records as they too exit the group stage for the first time.

Former semi-finalists Ba FC finished their campaign on a high with their final match bringing them their first three points of this year’s event. Thanks to an impressive performance from Samuel Nabenia, Ba were 4-1 winners over Tupapa Maraerenga on Match Day 3.

Nalkutan FC’s domestic title sent a warning. They backed it up with three consistent performances at Korman Stadium in Vanuatu to continue their historic run on the regional stage.

OFC INSIDER

17

GROUP B Solomon Warriors / AS Dragon AS Lossi / Erakor Golden Star 18

OFC INSIDER

Having teams from both Solomon Islands and Vanuatu guarantees a group will be far from boring. These nations have a reputation of playing exciting, attacking football with flair and they didn’t disappoint in this respect.

The opening match saw Solomon Warriors and Erakor Golden Star go head-to-head and as predicted they proved difficult to separate. With the scores locked at 0-0 going into the second half, it took a brilliantly taken free kick from Barry Mansale followed by a strike from Tony Kaltack a minute later to stun Solomon Warriors and see the Vanuatu club side to victory.

Home side AS Dragon were equally determined to secure passage to the next stage and with their opening match against AS Lossi of New Caledonia they set the wheels in motion.

Dragon’s style is a solid defence and can-do attitude and they relied on that when they played an Erakor side buoyed by their opening victory. Locked at 1-1 at the break, Erakor edged ahead of their opponents and looked like they’d have the three points as they held a 3-2 lead heading into added time, only for Dragon’s talismanic captain Tamatoa Tetauira to take matters into his own hands, scoring twice to secure victory for his side.

With Solomon Warriors also earning a win on Match Day 2, it meant the results of the final day of action would be important for all three sides, while Lossi was also determined not to go home empty handed.

Erakor needed a win over Lossi to keep themselves in the race, however found themselves trailing 2-1 at half-time after a lacklustre performance. Although they managed an equaliser in the second half, it wasn’t enough for the Vanuatu club to continue their OFC Champions League journey as the result in the final match didn’t go their way.

That left one last showdown between the host club and the champions from the Solomon Islands. After taking the lead courtesy of a Kensi Tangis goal in the 22nd minute, Solomon Warriors were looking comfortable.

But Dragon hit back in the second half to claim an equaliser in the 77th minute to put the heat back into the match.

Judd Molea hit the winner in the 83rd minute allowing Solomon Warriors through ahead of Erakor, but behind Dragon who topped the group to claim a home quarter final.

With the exciting, but unpredictable, style of Solomon Warriors and Erakor Golden Star coupled with Dragon’s sensible approach Group B came down to the wire at Stade Pater in Tahiti.

OFC INSIDER

19

GROUP C Auckland City FC / Lautoka FC Madang FC / AS Venus 20

OFC INSIDER

On a record-setting run, Auckland City FC almost appear to be going through the motions when it comes to the group stage of the OFC Champions League.

But with the added carrot of a quarter final for the runners-up, the teams joining them in Group C this year were far from resigned to their fate of finishing behind the reigning champions.

Making their first appearance in the competition in 18 years, AS Venus knew their inexperience at this level would play against them.

Being drawn against Auckland City for their opening match meant they were tested from the outset and although they started with structure and sound tactics, the weight of the occasion soon broke them down allowing Auckland City to knock seven unanswered goals in.

Lautoka of Fiji, also making their return after a hiatus, made short work of a Madang side heavily weakened by logistical circumstances.

WIth their ranks bolstered for Match Day 2 Madang were a better side, but facing the defending champions meant they still lost out on three points as Auckland won 5-0. It was also a chance for Venus to bounce back from an opening defeat and the Tahitian side impressed against Lautoka, taking a 1-0 lead into the break before the Fijians came back to secure a 2-1 victory.

The final match day set up matches for final rankings of both the top and bottom halves of the table.

Madang and Venus were both chasing their first points and proved an even match. After Venus took an early lead, Madang bounced back leaving the sides deadlocked for the remainder of the match - until Tahiti’s leading domestic goalscorer Teaonui Tehau netted his brace in the 90th minute to earn three points for Venus and send Madang home empty handed.

It seemed certain that Auckland City would earn the honour of a home quarter final after Lautoka lost Arami Manumanubai to a red card at the end of the first half.

However Lautoka rallied well despite being a man down to keep their opponent on their toes. Auckland City needed a good 25 minutes before Emiliano Tade broke the deadlock and secured the 1-0 win.

For clubs that find themselves drawn alongside the reigning champions the task immediately seems greater than usual, but that doesn’t mean they won’t give their all to try and overcome the region’s most successful club Auckland City FC. OFC INSIDER

21

22

OFC INSIDER

OFC INSIDER

23

GROUP D Team Wellington / AS Magenta Lupe Ole Soaga / Marist FC 24

OFC INSIDER

Having reached the final of every OFC Champions League they’ve contested so far, Team Wellington were obvious favourites coming into Group D. Alongside them sat New Caledonia club AS Magenta who have appeared in the semi-finals for the past two years in-a-row.

Rounded out by the impressive local side Marist, and Samoan club champions Lupe Ole Soga, this group didn’t disappoint.

It started on Match Day 1 when Magenta struggled in the heat and only managed a 2-0 win over a determined Lupe.

It continued as the day progressed and over 12,000 fans packed themselves into Lawson Tama to see Marist take the lead over Team Wellington, before eventually drawing 1-1 with the New Zealand champions.

Team Wellington bounced back to lay a 7-1 defeat on Lupe Ole Soaga before Marist and Magenta drew 1-1 on Match Day 2.

It appeared as if Team Wellington might be facing elimination for the first time when Magenta scored the opening goal of their final encounter at Lawson Tama in the 10th minute. However the experience and cool heads of the New Zealand club proved crucial as they netted a 30th minute equaliser, before scoring four more in the second half to earn a resounding 5-1 victory.

With victory necessary to see them through, Marist were faced with a tough decision. Push resources forward to secure the win, which could leave them weak in defence, or take a cautious approach and utilise the counter attack.

Lupe didn’t give them much of an option as they defended with everything they had.

It took a full 45 minutes for Marist to find the gap they needed as Mathias Iani netted his first of the tournament just ahead of the break.

Lupe Ole Soaga struck back in the 53rd minute as Lapalapa Toni scored from the spot, before a second from Iani and one from Atkin Kaua sealed Marist’s passage to the quarter finals.

Team Wellington held onto top billing to earn the home advantage for their quarter final.

Lawson Tama proved a leveller in a group brimming with talent and a desire to keep the OFC Champions League dream alive.

OFC INSIDER

25

QUARTER FINAL REACTION

T

he introduction of a quarter final stage to the 2018 OFC Champions League set up a hugely competitive and entertaining Group Stage.

There are some familiar names heading into the first round of the knock out stage as the finalists for the past three editions - Auckland City FC and Team Wellington of New Zealand - both made it through after topping their respective groups.

However for the remaining teams, it will be unfamiliar territory. But there’s not a single one of them that isn’t thinking about what might await in the semi-finals.

We talk to the men in charge of each of the quarter finalists to hear what awaits them in their words, when the OFC Champions League 2018 resumes after Easter.

TEAM WELLINGTON VS LAE CITY DWELLERS

It’s good to know your passage all the way through and obviously there’s the cliché things of not looking too far ahead and making sure we do the job against Lae City Dwellers first. The quality of the teams across OFC is rising every year and we won’t be taking that quarter final lightly.

Jose Figueira

Team Wellington is a respectable semi-professional team and we respect them - they are second best in the Oceania region. They have this desire to one day dethrone Auckland City and definitely we are expecting a very tough match against them. It’s a quarter final, ever team wants to win for themselves. I believe the boys will definitely rise to the occasion as they know what to expect from the opponent and what they need to give.

Peter Gunemba

AS DRAGON VS LAUTOKA FC

I’m very happy with the draw and also to be playing in front of our own fans it a great advantage. Lautoka is an excellent team, they’ve made it to the quarter finals. They have the opportunity and the means.

Timiona Asen

AS Dragon is a very good team. They play very constructive football and home crowd will be an added advantage to them.

We will do our best.

We need to look at the video footage and find out the best possible ways to beat them and we are working on it. We will not take them lightly knowing they have topped their pool.

Kamal Swamy

NALKUTAN FC VS MARIST FC

“It is going to be a tough match for us but we are excited about the challenge. The supporters from Tanna will be travelling to once again get behind the team and we are looking forward to playing this quarter final match at home.

Moise Poida

“It’s a favourable draw for us. I’m happy and excited about it, It puts us in a good channel which I believe will lead us to the semi-final. I know that it won’t be easy for us, and I know that the level will be tough and demanding.

Nalkutan are a good team because they have a mixture of Ni-Vanuatu players and some of our top Solomon Islands footballers like Naka, Sale and Nawo in their ranks.

They topped the group at home but we will continue working hard towards the crucial encounter with them in Port Vila come April.

Jerry Allen

AUCKLAND CITY FC VS SOLOMON WARRIORS

We have to accept the draw as it comes the Solomon Warriors are a dangerous team, especially in a one-off game. Kensi Tangis is one of those dangerous players they have, for sure it will be a tough encounter. We haven’t looked too closely at the Warriors yet, that game is still a little far away and we need to concentrate on the task at hand. We played them two years ago, the coach is the same in Moses Toata, some of the players I know from my involvement with the Solomon Islands national team like Jerry Donga, Haddis Aengari, so I expect a difficult game.They have a dangerous team and I believe and I’m sure it will be a tough match.

Ramon Tribulietx

I think the draw has given us a difficult fixture against the reigning Oceania champions. I believe we have some chance but for now we need to work tirelessly on our conditioning before theclash with Auckland City.

Moses Toata

THE KNOCK OUT PREVIEW We’ve heard from the coaches and without doubt the quarter finals are set to bring four matches jam-packed with entertaining, competitive football with the potential for an upset in any one of these encounters.

Looking further forward, no matter the results of those matches on 7 and 8 April as the competition progresses one thing is certain, there will not be a repeat of the past three years of finals. The knockout stage draw pointed the two New Zealand sides, should they progress from the quarter finals, to a showdown in the semi-finals.

The winner between Team Wellington and Lae City Dwellers will host the first leg of the semi-final, welcoming either Auckland City FC or Solomon Warriors, before travelling for the second leg.

In the other semi-final it will be the winner between AS Dragon and Lautoka FC who plays at at home first before travelling to the grounds of either Nalkutan FC or Marist FC for the away match.

One of the following; Team Wellington, Lae City Dwellers, Auckland City FC or Solomon Warriors, will host the first leg of the final with either AS Dragon, Lautoka FC, Nalktuan FC or Marist FC to host the second leg and final match of the OFC Champions League 2018.

YAREBOINEN EYES UP TOP BILLING David Yareboinen has his FIFA Referee Badge, but he’s not content to leave it at that.

The 27-year-old Papua New Guinean has his sights set as high as possible and his recent appointment during the Group Stage of the OFC Champions League is just one step in his ultimate goal of officiating at a FIFA tournament.

His passion for refereeing was ignited when he saw

my mind to pursue a career as a referee,” he said.

fellow Papua New Guinea referee David Charles attend the FIFA U-17 World Cup held in Mexico in 2011.

It has by no means been a decision which he took lightly, with the pathway to elite refereeing as gruelling and

With his interest piqued, he signed up to take part in a

competitive as that of a professional athlete.

refereeing course in 2012.

“Pursuing a career as a referee is a challenging one “I was working with Air Niugini as a ground staff but after officiating in a few matches I saw the opportunities that were presented to me as a referee and I made up

32

OFC INSIDER

as one has to be fit and prepared to adapt to the fast changing game.”

Getting started on the ground in

OFC Referee Development Officer

“Fitness is the first thing and

Papua New Guinea was the first

Kevin Stoltenkamp said Yareboinen

David is doing exceptionally well

is proving an excellent ambassador

in that respect. He has also been

for Papua New Guinea and the

recognised for his teamwork and

football association.

ability to read the game,” he said.

step for Yareboinen and his first appointment to an OFC event was the second, which came last year when he took part in the OFC Champions

“The feedback from his

League Qualifier in Tonga.

performances in OFC competitions

“He is a mentor for others and whatever he can pass on in Papua

has been very good,” Stoltenkamp

New Guinea when he returns from

said.

an appointment, he does.

I had was slightly different to

“He was one of the top match

“And by passing on that knowledge

others,” he said.

officials in American Samoa at the

he shows just how much he knows

OFC Champions League Qualifier

himself.”

“Officiating my first match wasn’t an easy task for me, The experience

“But I managed to overcome the difficulties of the job and focus on what I needed to do to improve and

in January doing exceptionally well in the fitness test and following

“But now he needs to concentrate

through on the field.”

on his own performances and before long, with his work ethic, we will

be a better referee.”

Stoltenkamp said the qualities Since his debut as an OFC match

Yareboinen possesses are crucial to

official Yareboinen has taken part

him achieving his dream, which he

in four further events, including the

added is not beyond the Papua New

Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu and this

Guinean’s reach.

see him up among the best in the region.”

year’s OFC Champions League.

OFC INSIDER

33

DECENTRALISATION - A WAY FORWARD FOR VANUATU Football in Vanuatu is a religion and it is not just the main centres who have an affinity for the game. Rural communities such as those on Malekula Islands, Tanna, Pentecost and more, all long for an opportunity to showcase their skills and, potentially, earn a chance to represent Vanuatu.

34

OFC INSIDER

Himself coming from a village on Malekula, Vanuatu Football Federation President Lambert Maltock knows only too well the difficulties of getting football development and regular competition to isolated communities.

He shares the background of the Decentralisation Project, how it came to be and how its implementation is benefiting the wider football community.

“The Decentralisation Project for VFF is very simple; it means ‘bring football to rural communities and to the doorsteps of grassroots people so they can enjoy the same excitement and passion of this beautiful game,” the VFF President said.

“Since the time when football was established in, what was then NewHebrides now Vanuatu, development was mostly in Port Vila and Luganville towns. All the big events were only enjoyed by people from these places.

“When I came in as President with my new executive committee members, of which the majority come from rural communities, we decided to embark on a decentralisation projects so that all members of VFF fully participate fairly and equitably in the overall programme activities and development,” Maltock explained. ”Another important point was that we noted that a number of prospective, elite players were coming from rural communities, instead of the two municipalities.”

That last point is one that really highlighted the need for a project which could take football development in Vanuatu further.

The establishment, in conjunction with the Oceania Football Confederation, of a Vanuatu player development pathway programme was the turning point for Maltock as it highlighted the often missed talent present in the regions.

“We were able to note that many raw talented kids were missing at an early age and when it came to final selection to go for World Cup qualifications or Pacific Games for example, we were recruiting or scouting players outside of those in the Academy of Elite Players in Teouma,” he said. ”This was proven with the recent FIFA U-20 World Cup in Korea Republic adn often in the OFC Champions League, kids like Azariah Soromon, Lencie Phillip, Behuel Ollie, Danny August, Claude Aru and John Alick coming onto the international stage and proving the need for decentralisation.

The VFF Executive Committee set itself targets for the project with the establishment of an academy for the Northern Region among the priorities.

The Academy was established in 2015 and by 2017 a large number of its players made up the squad which travelled to Tahiti for the OFC U-17 Championship. This year they will once again have an opportunity to represent Vanuatu in the OFC U-19 Championship.

OFC INSIDER

35

“VFF gave its seven Member Associations four years to

to develop competencies which may otherwise take them

prove themselves locally, in order to bid for direct entry

years to achieve.

to the OFC Champions League,” Maltock continued. ”For example, Nalkutan would never have had the “It took four years before Malampa Revivors eliminated

opportunity to recruit players from the Solomon islands,

favourites Ifira Blackbird of Port Vila to earn the right to

or learn how to host international matches.

compete in the region’s premier club competition for the first time.

“This is an opportunity of learning for Nalkutan in all respects.”

”Just one year later, Nalkutan FC were runners-up of the 2016 Vanuatu Championship title and in 2017, for the

Now he is adamant the success of decentralisation is

first time in 83 years, won the Vanuatu Championship

evident in the resurgence Vanuatu football is having in the

title.”

region.

Nalkutan has gone on to notch some incredible results in

“What is interesting now is the Provincial Government

their OFC Champions League debut this year, continuing

and the people are being convinced by this initiative.

their historic run by progressing out of the Group Stage for the first time.

“They are claiming ownership of their club’s success as we saw on Nalkutan’s recent return to Tanna island. It

“It’s true that the team has changed because the club

was as if they had already won the Champions League

brought in players from Port Vila and Solomon Islands.

title.

”This was something we envisaged upon allocating a

“People are commending this initiative as the perfect

direct spot to a rural club.

format for developing football in the country, as well as raising the standard.”

”We expected qualification to the OFC Champions

36

League would help promote the proper establishment of

Maltock said if the project can continue at the pace it has

structured, solid management in rural clubs in order to

set already, the future holds great promise for football in

keep up with the urban clubs.

Vanuatu.

Maltock said there is no doubt some critics of this form of

“We want to allow for better and continual improvement

development. However he believed it was a way for clubs

for a steady pool of talented and elite players.”

OFC INSIDER

WONG BACKS FIRST HINE FESTIVAL Kiani Wong is the first Tahitian female footballer to head to

Following the success of the first edition of the Hine

France to kick-start her career, but the young professional

Festival in February, Spielmann said the plans are

hasn’t forgotten her roots.

progressing for further festivals to be held around French Polynesia.

Wong recently returned home to Tahiti where as well as catching up with family and friends, took the time to act as ambassador for the first edition of the Hine Festival.

“I’m very happy to train the girls. It’s my first time doing

“I’m really pleased with this first edition, the majority of clubs have joined in.

“In March we’ll go to the west coast, then in May to Moorea.”

it,” the 18-year-old said.

In addition, having young footballers from AS Dragon Federation Tahitienne de Football head of women’s

and certain members of the Tamahine Ura present meant

football Stéphanie Spielmann explained the premise of the

there were plenty of coaches to assist with the younger

Hine Festival is to offer an environment for young girls to

participants.

continue developing their football skills. ”At the moment these young girls are still at the “What we’ve seen is there are a lot of girls who are training and playing in mixed teams, but at U-11, U-13,

pleasure stage, which is why we hear a lot of laughing,” she said.

they’re starting to look for their place,” Spielmann said.

“But they also need to think about the fact football can “The boys run faster and there are less friends for them

take them places, travel with the national team, which is

to play with, so we wanted to establish this to bring

why having Kiani here as ambassador is important.”

them together several times a year, to train and play among girls.”

OFC INSIDER

37

38

OFC INSIDER

For Wong it’s a massive opportunity to give back to the community and encourage young girls to chase their dreams.

“I really want to transfer everything I’ve learned in France when I come back to the Fenua.

“A lot of things are done for boys, but there are plenty of young girls who want to play football too.”

The Hine Festival is a new initiative, and as someone who grew up playing alongside boys, Wong said it’s a fantastic way to encourage greater participation.

“It’s good to play girls against girls.

“Physically it’s different, today they can let go, enjoy themselves and it’s important to have fun when practising your passion.”

She also had a strong message to share with young Tahitians with dreams of following in her footsteps.

“I’m so happy to have been chosen as the ambassador for the Hine Festival.

“What I want to say to the girls today is to never stop playing football.

“We can go so far thanks to football, even coming from Tahiti. You just have to prove your motivation and perseverance.”

OFC INSIDER

39

TAGAWA FIRST IN LINE FOR PACIFIC ISLANDERS ON OFC A LICENCE

F

elix Tagawa is an uncomplicated man. Football and family are priorities and passions which is why he was so focused when it came to completing the requirements for his OFC A Licence, which saw him become the first Pacific Islander to receive the honour.

While not the first of the debut OFC A Licence class to achieve his certificate, it was still an important milestone for New Caledonia and Pacific Islanders according to OFC Technical Director Patrick Jacquemet, who presented Tagawa with his accreditation alongside Federation Caledonienne de Football President Steeve Laigle at the end of 2017.

Graduate Numbers

40

A Licence

14 coaches

B Licence

33 coaches

C Licence

89 coaches

OFC INSIDER

“I think it is an important day for New Caledonian football,” Jacquemet said.

“It says that today, just because we are a small country in Oceania, or that we are in an amateur environment, doesn’t mean we cannot arrive at the highest level.”

The OFC A Licence is currently the highest level of accreditation available in the Oceania region on the OFC Coach Accreditation Pathway.

Jacquemet said just like other Confederations, OFC can offer its coaches opportunities to develop their skills, knowledge and expertise.

“On a global level, we are constantly improving,” he said.

“Being able to offer the OFC A Licence, and having coaches like Felix come through it successfully is part of that development and improvement,” he added.

“WE CAN CONSTRUCT OUR OWN FUTURE.”

Jacquemet’s pride at the achievement of Tagawa is not just as a technical

The Hienghene coach said being able

“The work we do, whether amateur

director.

to receive the certificate on home soil

or professional, the respect and

was a big deal for him.

value for ourselves, the upholding of beliefs and our philosophy of the

The pair are former teammates, having played together in Tahiti with

“For me, it’s massive to get to

game, this is at the heart of these

AS Venus, and Jacquemet said he gets

this point. There have been highs

courses and what we want to share

a certain sense of pride and seeing

and there have been lows on this

with our children, and with each

his friend reap the rewards of his hard

journey,” he said

other.”

“Ultimately, you have to try and stay

When congratulating Tagawa on

“You could say that we grew up

positive. To be positive, we have to

his feat of becoming the first New

together. We shared a lot, so for me

believe in what we can do and what

Caledonian and Pacific Islander to

it’s also a very proud day.”

we want achieve.”

receive the OFC A Licence, Laigle

work.

reminded him of how he managed this “It also shows that we - the people

He said a lot of what he has been able

of Oceania - must take control

to achieve is courtesy of those who

ourselves,” he said.

have paved the way before him.

achievement.

“This is the fruit of your labour. Not mine, not anyone else’s, yours,” , the

“We can construct our own future.”

“The efforts they’ve made, what has

FCF President said.

been put in place, it’s because of An incredibly humble Tagawa received

these things that I am here today.

his accreditation at the just launched OFC Education Centre at the CISE in New Caledonia.

OFC INSIDER

41

OFC PARTNERS WITH ASPIRE Elite performance and youth development will be the focus of a new partnership between the Oceania Football Confederation and Qatar-based Aspire Academy.

The two organisations will collaborate first and foremost on an OFC Performance Licence which will create coaches who can enhance the physical and mental aspects of football players competing at international level.

It will also provide insights into football specific planning, training, testing and monitoring of best practices across a range of sport science focus areas including strength and conditioning and bio-mechanics.

Furthermore, with OFC fortunate to have two national teams competing in the men’s U-17 and U-20 World Cups, the partnership offers the opportunity for those teams to conduct their preparations at Aspire Academy.

“At OFC we are delighted Aspire is willing to share their expertise and enhance the knowledge and understanding of this area of football development and how it can benefit players, coaches and teams throughout Oceania,” OFC President David Chung said.

42

OFC INSIDER

UPCOMING EVENTS OFC Champions League Quarter Finals 7 & 8 April // New Zealand, Tahiti, Vanuatu OFC Champions League Semi-Finals 21/22 April & 28/29 April // TBD OFC Champions League Final 12/13 May & 19/20 May // TBD OFC U-19 Championship Qualifier 26 May - 1 June // Cook Islands 68th FIFA Congress 12-13 June // Russia FIFA World Cup Russia 14 June - 15 July // Moscow, Russia OFC U-16 Championship Qualifier 14 July - 20 July // Tonga OFC U-19 Championship 5-18 August // Tahiti OFC U-16 Championship 9-22 September // Solomon Islands FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 5-24 August // France OFC Women’s Nations Cup 18 November - 1 December // New Caledonia OFC INSIDER

43