OFC Insider Magazine Issue 6

/ ISSUE SIX FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015

Fiji, New Zealand FIFA U-20 World Cup draw known Coach Education under the spotlight New Zealand U-17 Chile-bound Figueira: The journey so far 2015 OFC Champions League powers up

OFC Insider

The year is well underway and as such it is that time where we look forward with excitement to the upcoming OFC Champions League competition set for Fiji from 11-26 April at Govind Park, Ba, and ANZ Stadium in Suva.

The OFC Champions League has grown in strength each year and our 12 best football clubs have no greater incentive to target victory than qualification for the FIFA Club World Cup scheduled for December.

The performance of the OFC Champions League winners at last year’s FIFA Club World Cup is tangible confirmation of the evolution and strength of our region’s top club competition.

The OFC Champions League has never been more competitive, on and off the field, and the rising standards of our competing clubs further strengthens this.

A lot has been said about the performance of the Oceania champions Auckland City FC last December and I have no doubt the 11 competing clubs Amicale, Ba, Lupe Ole Soaga, AS Pirae, AS Tefana, FC Gaitcha, Suva, Team Wellington, Tafea, Hekari United and Western United will give their absolute best as they seek to emulate the reigning New Zealand and OFC champions performances.

The venues chosen were carefully selected to reflect the growing standard of stadia in the pacific where the ANZ Stadium in Suva sits as a shining example while also taking into account the sense of football tradition and passion that is part of the special match day experience at a packed Govind Park, Ba. The competition, unlike in previous editions of the OFC Champions League, concludes with two one-off semi-finals and a winner-takes-all final at ANZ Stadium. It is fitting that our flagship club tournament concludes in the capital city of a nation gripped by football fever.

This is in no small way due to the excitement generated by the recent draw for the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015. Fiji, as you will be aware, have drawn Germany, Uzbekistan and Honduras at this tournament and will be based in Christchurch, a mouthwatering prospect for the Fiji FA who, for the first time, take part in a FIFA world event.

New Zealand, as host nation, were drawn in Group A and take on Myanmar, the USA and Ukraine, a draw that while difficult also presents the Junior All Whites with a wonderful opportunity to make a big impact on this, FIFA’s second biggest men’s event.

The spin-offs and benefits for New Zealand as host nation, and for the OFC Member Associations, are many with football taking centre stage in our region with two of our teams competing. One only needs to recall the impression made by Tahiti when they finished fourth at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup two years ago. While Tahiti went close to achieving a podium finish, Solomon Islands came within a whisker of reaching the knock-out stages, a truly remarkable performance.

I firmly believe our two representative teams can do the OFC proud in this regard as we are now less than 100 days away from their opening matches when the Junior All Whites take on Ukraine on May 30 and Fiji take on the might of Germany a day later in Christchurch. With global football powers Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Germany, Mexico, Portugal and Uruguay on our own doorstep, we are in for a football treat that only rarely visits our region. Together, let’s make the most of this opportunity.

Yours in football

David Chung OFC President FIFA Vice-President PNGFA President

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IN THIS ISSUE

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OFFICIAL DRAW FOR FIFA U-20 WORLD CUP A HIT

ALL THE REACTIONS TO THE FIFA U-20 WORLD CUP DRAW

OFC U-17 CHAMPIONSHIP IN REVIEW

February saw the Official Draw for the FIFA U-20 World Cup held in Auckland, New Zealand revealing the path to glory for the participating teams.

Find out what the coaches from New Zealand and Fiji have to say about the outcome of the FIFA U-20 World Cup draw — and the reactions from some of their opponents.

A full house of OFC Member Associations took part in this year’s OFC U-17 Championship and it was a long, tough journey to the title. Read the full overview.

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B LICENCE/OFC COACH EDUCATION

OFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEW

THE BIG INTERVIEW: Jose Figueira

Coach Education is a key remit for improved development and the OFC Technical Department are pleased to say they are on track with the pathway they are now offering Oceania’s coaches.

Oceania’s premier club competition is back! Get some early insight into the 2015 OFC Champions League as the countdown to kick off on 11 April continues.

Jose Figueira has already achieved a significant amount of success for a coach of just 33 years. We delve into the path he’s chosen and the drive he has to see New Zealand succeed on the world stage.

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 OFC Insider is authorised, provided the source is indicated.

Produced by: OFC Media and Communications Cover photo: OFC Media Photography: Getty Images, Phototek and OFC Media

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

Draw sets the stage The Official Draw for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup was held to much fanfare at Auckland’s SKYCITY Convention Centre in New Zealand in February, unveiling the challenge that lies ahead for the 24 participating teams.

As far as draws go, hosts and Oceania representatives New Zealand fared relatively well. The New Zealanders will meet Ukraine in the tournament’s opening match at QBE Stadium on 30 May, with Group A also featuring USA and debutants Myanmar.

The tournament’s other first-timers are fellow Oceania representatives Fiji who face a demanding entry onto the global stage with their first match a baptism of fire against European champions Germany.

The Frank Farina led side will also face encounters against Uzbekistan and Honduras in Group F. The draw was a star-studded affair featuring a roll call of New Zealand football history with Oceania Player of the Century Wynton Rufer joined as draw assistants by former All Whites Steve Sumner, Danny Hay and Ivan Vicelich.

Proceedings were conducted by FIFA’s Events Director Colin Smith and Senior Competitions Manager Rhiannon Martin. There were also speeches from New Zealand’s Minister for Sport and Recreation Jonathan Coleman and from FIFA Vice-President Jeffery Webb, who spoke of the tournament’s legendary potential for unearthing stars.

“Several of the players who have starred in previous FIFA U-20 World Cups played at last year’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil, such as James Rodriguez and Paul Pogba,” said Webb, who is also chairman of the tournament’s Organising Committee.

“No doubt we will see more World Cup stars discovered here in New Zealand in a few months’ time. This is a wonderful competition that inspires many youngsters, both boys and girls alike, to play the game and follow football clubs.”

New Zealand 2015 will be the 20th edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, a tournament that has helped launch the careers of many of the game’s all-time greats.

FIFA U-20 World Cup Ambassador Ivan Vicelich

Former All White Ivan Vicelich has been through the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with participating in a FIFA tournament and says the lads from Fiji and New Zealand are in for an exciting time.

“I think it’s a great draw. We’re going to see some huge matches and I think for New Zealand and Fiji it’s going to be exciting times ahead.

Vicelich is honoured to be an ambassador for the event and takes his role seriously so when it comes to getting the New Zealand public behind the FIFA U-20 World Cup the message is clear.

“It’s going to be a group of players coming down here dreaming big and they’re all here to perform,” he shares.

“You always see at this level a lot of attacking football, a lot of exciting football. You’re going to see, in New Zealand, the next superstar that’s going to make it in the future at a senior event.”

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FIFA U-20 World Cup Official Draw Reaction Group A New Zealand Ukraine USA Myanmar

New Zealand U-20 coach Darren Bazeley: “We’re relatively pleased with the draw. Obviously every game is going to be very hard. There are no teams that will be easy and everyone that’s here has qualified through tough tournaments to achieve their place.

“When you look at the teams we haven’t drawn – the big hitters we were hoping to avoid – you’d have to see this is a big chance to make history. That said, managing expectations might come into it now because we haven’t drawn any of the real giants.

The fact is, Ukraine, USA and Myanmar are still really strong and have qualified from some tough regions.

“We need the crowd to be our 12th man. We’re playing at home and have to make that count. It also won’t do us any harm that it will be winter here, and maybe one or two of the other teams won’t quite be as used to the conditions as our boys are. We’ll need to use all of those factors – the crowd, the weather and anything else in our favour – to make the most of this opportunity we have here.”

Myanmar U-20 Coach Gerd Zeise: “For the country, for the players, for me, it’s very exciting because it’s history. We’ve never qualified for a FIFA U-20 World Cup before. The population is very proud of the team, and can be very proud. I’m sure we won’t disappoint our fans. We are going to face three teams that play a different style from us and I’m pleased in that respect to have avoided the South Americans. I think we play a bit more football than the teams we’re up against, although they are sure to present a tough physical challenge.

“I don’t know much about them but I do know that New Zealand is strong. Playing in front of New Zealand’s home crowd is a big motivation for my players.”

Group F Germany Fiji Uzbekistan Honduras

Fiji Technical Director Ravinesh Kumar: “Getting Germany is fantastic for us. We could have had an easier start, it’s true, but to play the European champions at this level – world champions at senior level – is an amazing opportunity for our players. They are sure to learn from it and it will be invaluable for their development. We also know that we will be able to count on plenty of support from all the Fijians living in New Zealand, particularly for a game like this.

“Realistically, this will be a learning experience for Fiji. It’s our first time at this tournament, or at any World Cup, and it will all be new for our players. We want to do well and to make a name for ourselves.”

US Soccer Director of National Teams James Moorhouse: “It’s very exciting to be in a World Cup with the host nation. That adds a lot of spice to the event and just makes it more exciting.

I think the draw went very well and it’s a draw where we can be successful if we play at the best level possible. These are teams who have eliminated other great teams to get here, and sometimes just reading the names doesn’t do fair justice.

New Zealand has been training together and should be very well prepared. They will want to do well at home since they will have the support of the home crowd.

Soccer is an up-and-coming sport there and they will have that weight on their shoulders to go along with the excitement of the tournament. All of that will make them a dangerous entity.”

Germany coach Frank Wormuth: “It seems that we are favourites in this group and we need to do our homework on these teams. I will go to the Fiji Islands for two to three weeks to observe the islands, I think it would be nice there. I have no experience of Fiji football or the Fiji Islands itself but we must start as favourite in this group. Of course, in this sort of tournament it is normal for us to have good self-confidence. When you start with a good team like Fiji normally we have to win. But the other teams are good enough to beat us so in the tournament we will see what happens.”

OFC U-17 Championship in Review New Zealand’s Young All Whites will be winging their way to Chile come October after securing their sixth OFC U-17 Championship title in a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Tahiti in the final held in American Samoa at the end of January.

With a 1-1 deadlock at the end of 90 minutes courtesy of a 60th minute goal to Logan Rogerson for New Zealand and an 81st minute equaliser for substitute Honoarii Kohumoetini, in line with the tournament regulations and FIFA policy the match went straight to a penalty shoot-out.

Some heroics from goalkeeper Michael Woud to save the first attempt from Tahiti’s Michel Maihi made all the difference as Louie Mills, Billy Jones, Oliver Ceci, Ben Mata and Connor Probert all converted their penalties to give New Zealand a 5-4 win and tickets to their fifth consecutive U-17 World Cup event.

“There are probably no nerves left actually,” New Zealand coach Jose Figueira said following the match, “it was an unbelievable game, a roller coaster. If there was ever to be an intense final today was the day. We kept true to how we wanted to play and I believe that we deserved to go through.

“We knew it was going to be a tough, tough game and I’m just absolutely so proud of the boys today. We were very happy to score against what is a very stubborn, well-organised and tough team who were coming to get the draw. Once we got the lead we thought we were one step closer but one moment of sleeping and we got punished but at the end of the day we got what we wanted.”

The 16th edition of this popular age-group tournament provided one of the longest qualifying campaigns at this level to date, spanning two countries, two time zones and involving all 11 OFC Member Associations.

Samoa played host to Group A, where New Zealand and New Caledonia progressed to the semi-finals with near flawless records against Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Cook Islands.

New Zealand’s biggest test in the group stage came against their Francophone opponents. After letting New Caledonia take an early lead the Kiwis hit back almost immediately firing in three goals in ten minutes. A strong comeback from New Caledonia wasn’t enough in the end as the New Zealanders secured the top spot in the group with a 5-4 victory.

Meanwhile in the American Samoa capital of Pago Pago, Group B action saw American Samoa, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Tahiti competing for the top two spots.

Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Tahiti leapt ahead of their counterparts from the outset with double digit victories highlighting the group’s early matches. The journey to the semifinals was sealed for both Vanuatu and Tahiti with 2-1 and 3-0 victories over closest contenders Solomon Islands. The final group rankings were decided in the last match of the group when Tahiti beat Vanuatu 2-0 to secure top honours and a semi-final against New Caledonia.

A valiant showing from Vanuatu wasn’t enough to up-end the defending champions in their semi-final as New Zealand raced to a 5-1 victory. New Caledonia fronted up to Tahiti with the same mettle as they’d produced against New Zealand but in the end the Tahitians proved too strong as they won 3-2 to secure a final showdown against the defending champions.

2015 OFC U-17

Champions Runners-up Third New Zealand

Tahiti

Vanuatu

Individual Awards

Golden Ball

Golden Boot

Golden Gloves

Logan ROGERSON

Larry ZAMA

Vaiarii HALLIGAN

[NZL]

[SOL]

[TAH]

Fairplay Award American Samoa

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OFC Insider

OFC Insider The B Licence is no walk in the park.

The coaches are in-camp for 16 days straight before they return to their homes and teams where they are required to provide monthly reports updating the instructors on their sessions and progress.

“This course was a higher level than the others with great intensity and knowledge level which took all the participants to the next level of coaching,” Kumar recalls.

And while there are highs and lows associated with taking the next step, Kumar believes the long-term benefits far outweigh the sacrifices that have to be made along the way.

“ T he greatest opportunity to have come from this would have to be the Fiji U-20 qualifying for their first FIFA World Cup tournament in the last 76 years of football here in Fiji.

“This has given me a greater profile here, with football-loving people from around the country recognising me. I was also given the responsibility of becoming this country’s technical director, a title which speaks volumes.”

Although he may be among the best coaches in Fiji, Kumar says the opportunities are endless and the pathway being offered through the OFC Coach Education Pathway only inspires him to continue learning.

“My dreams are to take Fijian football to greater heights and have my country recognised in world football,” he says.

“Regarding upgrading my coach education, of course I will continue to improve my education. My next step is the OFC A Licence, there is a lot to learn and I think I have just started.”

Coach Education

Participants praise the coaching pathway Coach education is a strong part of the OFC Technical Department development philosophy, in particular offering a pathway to aspiring coaches throughout Oceania.

The OFC B Licence, first introduced in 2012, is now in its second cycle and remains the highest coaching accreditation offered by the Oceania Football Confederation. We take a look at how taking part has benefited previous participants, and what the process has been like for the latest intake.

One of the most high profile graduates of the inaugural group of 19 coaches is Fiji’s Ravinesh Kumar who, after graduating, led the Fiji U-20 as they qualified for the first FIFA tournament in the nation’s long footballing history.

Kumar, who left his teaching career behind to take up the role of acting technical director with the Fiji Football Association, says the B Licence changed his life.

“Firstly, it made me a better person in life. I started to understand my future and my career,” he says.

“ A fter this course my training sessions with my teams — both local and national — changed. I could feel the positive change in the learning environment as the coach and player interaction increased resulting in effective player-centred learning.”

Another thing Kumar has noticed is a greater level of respect for his opinion as a coach among his peers.

“Before I took part in the B Licence I felt that, perhaps because of my age, I wasn’t a well-respected coach.

“I think at times I’m still treated as being ‘new’ to coaching, but being B Licence accredited has helped give me credibility where perhaps in the past I might not have had it,” Kumar says.

For Margaret Aka, who took part in the December 2014 B Licence held in Fiji, it was a case of stepping into the unknown.

While she’d been through the Grassroots Coaching Course and the OFC C Licence, she says the B Licence was another level entirely.

“I have very little prior experience in coaching and never thought I would become a coach before I started volunteering with the Development Centres and Centres of Excellence,” the former Papua New Guinea national striker explains.

Having led the Papua New Guinea U-15 girls to an historic fifth-place finish at the Youth Olympic Games Football Tournament in Yanjing, China last year, Aka is on her way to establishing her coaching career.

“Fear of failure as a coach and a self-assessment after the YOG was daunting and haunted me for a while as I didn’t think I did well enough for the team,” she says.

“That made me want to work hard and be better than what I did, which is what made me want to take part in this course.”

Aka was included on the participants list at the eleventh hour and says a massive thank you has to be extended to the OFC Technical Department staff, and PNGFA Women’s Development Officer Frederica Sakette who all pushed hard for her to attend.

“To be honest I was nervous going to the B Licence because I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare and I didn’t know what to expect. However, as I found out, the B Licence was very educational and interestingly some things were what I did as a player.

“That helped me in understanding and getting through the course content. The course outline and content was clearly defined, easy to understand and relevant to B Licence coaching level.”

Aka says the B Licence and the coach education process offered

by OFC are a product and pathway that she wouldn’t hesitate in recommending.

“I enjoyed it more than I thought I would - both the theory and practical sessions. I enjoyed planning training sessions for presentation as it really tested the implementation of what I had learned in terms of game understanding, tactical plays both in attack and defence and being creative as a coach.

“I also loved the constructive criticism from the other coaches.

It’s a great environment for learning as it pushes you to thrive.

“I’m sure that completing this process will create further opportunities for me to continue my coaching career.”

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OFC Champions League kick off looms The big kick-off of the OFC Champions League is just under a month away and OFC Insider is previewing the action ahead as the top 12 clubs vie for Oceania’s top prize and a berth at the FIFA Club World Cup in December.

The 13th edition of the OFC Champions League kicks off on 11 April in Group A when heavyweights meet minnows as AS Pirae take on Preliminary title winners Lupe ole Soaga at Govind Park in Ba. Talismanic midfield man Marama Vahirua will hope the Tahitian club can at least emulate their semi-final finish last season while their Samoan opponent’s ambitions may stretch to delivering three credible and competitive performances in a tough section.

Co-host club Ba have home advantage again which could be a key factor in a group that also features tournament debutants Gaitcha of New Caledonia. It’s been ten years since a New Caledonian side reached the OFC Champions League final so for Gaitcha history beckons.

The opening day excitement continues when defending champions Auckland City FC take on co-host club Suva at ANZ Stadium. The Navy Blues start as red-hot favourites to retain their title and make it an incredible five-in-a-row championship wins.

Standing in their way are tournament debutants Suva who, like Nadi last year, must attempt to find a way beyond a team that has left an indelible mark on the international stage.

Lurking in the same section are Amicale, a side that finished runners-up in both the OFC President’s Cup and OFC Champions League last season, but who have recruited players shrewdly from local, regional and international sources. Western United, Solomon Islands new champions, make their tournament debut but if past performances by previous champions from their country are anything to go by, could play a big part in determining who advances from this difficult group.

Speaking of debutants, that flavour continues with the appearance for the first time at these championships of Team Wellington.

Coached by Matt Calcott, the Capital Men have taken over Waitakere United’s mantle as chief challengers to Auckland City FC’s dominance in the ASB Premiership and pack enough experience and talent to suggest they could be dark horses for the title.

Coaching a long, but rewarding, process As a former elite coach Didier Chambaron knows the hard work, dedication and, most importantly, time that goes into being a successful coach.

The OFC Head of Coach Education and B Licence instructor says the 16 days spent in the learning environment in Fiji during December was simply the beginning of a long journey for each of the participants.

“Football is one of the most difficult sports to learn and master.

Most people now agree that it takes a long time to learn how to develop players to an effective team or game capacity.

“However there appears to be a common perception that it doesn’t take very long to learn how to be a coach.”

Chambaron says that is a misconception.

“Learning to be an effective team coach is a process that takes a lot of time, effort and practice.

“It takes around ten years to learn how to play, mastering perhaps one or two positions in the team.

“Why should it take one or two weeks to become the one who makes the whole team, who can plan and conduct a football programme to make the whole team better, who can observe and analyse the team performance on match day; identifying problems and solutions, the one who drives, inspires and develops players and staff with a combination of planning, communication and leadership skills?”

It shouldn’t and it doesn’t, as Chambaron has taught all those who have come through the OFC coach education pathway.

“We have introduced these coaches to a self-directed approach to continue to develop their skills and abilities in their specific football environment,” he explains.

The process for obtaining their B Licence will continue throughout 2015 with each of the participants set to receive two incountry visits ahead of their final assessments.

“The purpose is to support their coaching process and also to analyse how players improve throughout the year – both in training and competition,” Chambaron says.

“We want to be sure that coaches don’t focus on the certificate but continue to learn and improve as individuals. We know we are very demanding and expect a lot from non-professional coaches, but we consider that is the only way to develop the game.”

Chambaron says since the completion of the first cycle of the B Licence there has already been a noticeable difference in all areas for those coaches who completed the process.

“They have developed self-discipline which has enabled them to be more reflective in terms of their own processes.”

The progress is pleasing for Chambaron who is dedicated to improving coaches throughout the region, and shines a positive light on the pathway as the OFC Technical Department readies itself for the next step in the pathway.

“In September we will move to the next step with the first OFC A Licence,” Chambaron says.

“It is a big step forward for our department with two separate, but connected, coach plans sitting beneath the strategy – community and performance.”

Chambaron is excited to be able to offer Oceania coaches another step in their development and looks forward to seeing some of his previous B Licence attendees putting their hands up to further their coaching careers in the future.

Standing between the Capital Men and that lofty objective are Tafea FC, Vanuatu’s perennial champions and one of the OFC Champions League’s most experienced club sides participating in the very first edition back in 1999. Despite that storied past, coach Moise Poida’s beliefs in youth development and a strong grassroots programme means we can expect the composition of the Tafea FC squad to reflect the philosophies of their leader.

AS Tefana return to the OFC Champions League eager to make a splash in a competition where their highwater mark was a runnersup finish two years ago. Former France international Pascal Vahirua’s influence may yet be seen in Fiji with the 40 caps plus midfielder involved in the club’s youth development programme.

Ominous as ever are Hekari United who racked up their eighth domestic championship in a row last year. The Papua New Guinea champions are the only non-New Zealand or non-Australian club to win OFC’s coveted club title but that achievement was now five years ago. Difficult to predict on the pitch, Hekari are no strangers to assembling powerful squads and may eye 2015 as the year they return to the top.

The semi-finals are scheduled for Suva on 21 April when the three group winners plus the best placed runner-up convene to decide the two finalists. Five days later those successful semifinalists meet in a winner takes all final for which glory and a berth at the FIFA Club World Cup awaits.

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THE BIG INTERVIEW

“ I think experience of all those landscapes — in youth, in junior, at federation and at national — has probably given me a whole lot of tools to deal with different situations,” he says of the journey so far.

“Probably where I haven’t invested as much time just yet is in the academics of being book-smart so to speak, however my personal coaching development matched with that hands-on, coach-smart experience is probably invaluable so I don’t regret the path or the rigorous journey that I’ve had.

“And it’s got me to where I want to be right now.”

Where he is right now is preparing a team of potential future All Whites for their first step up into the international arena — the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.

Figueira admits that it’s not going to be easy, but he’s confident his charges will step up to the next level with ease.

“It’s clear that it’s always difficult for a New Zealand side going to a World Cup but I think that’s changing in recent years.

“ The belief is there now, which other teams have shown, but what we want to do with this group is go there and play with a clear identity.”

“We don’t want to go there and survive in games and just hope to get through we want to play with our identity in those three pool games.

“But more importantly if the players can go there and perform, and play with that clear identity — and whatever the results may be — then it gives confidence to that group moving forward into the U-20s, and an understanding of how we want those players to play.”

What could make it harder is the perceived gulf between Oceania and the rest of the world, but for his part Figueira says the difference between New Zealand and their global counterparts isn’t as big as people may think.

“Experiencing academies in the UK at the same age and having been in the States, what I will say is there isn’t a lot of difference technically between the players here and in those environments.

“I think the difference is that a lot of those other players at this age are moving into full-time environments and they’re on individually personalised programmes,” he explains.

“That gives them the opportunity to have more contact time, with a consistent message which leads to better game understanding and knowledge. Having that kind of environment at the key ages of 12 through 16-17 is probably an area in New Zealand where the gap begins to widen.”

But he believes New Zealand Football is on the right path with their current approach to elite player development.

“The level is not very different and with the U-20s being pretty much full-time now, moving forward I believe the ideal plan is to make the U-17s full-time too.

“That means that the all-important contact increases. And as that evolves you’ll see those areas of ‘weakness’ becoming less so moving forward.”

On top of that assessment, talent-wise, Figueira says New Zealand is closing in.

“You’ll see from previous campaigns, and especially our campaign, that we have some really exciting and creative players and there’s no reason why they can’t showcase themselves and perform on the world stage in Chile.”

The FIFA U-17 World Cup will be staged in Chile from 17 October to 8 November 2015.

Jose Figueira just led New Zealand’s U-17 team through the OFC Championship unscathed to claim their sixth regional title — the crowning glory of his career so far.

However it hasn’t been an overnight rise.

Along the way the 33-year-old has dabbled in a bit of everything as far as coaching goes.

First arriving in New Zealand over ten years ago to take up a job with Auckland Football Federation, then Soccer 2, Figueira was responsible for its international player development programme, better known as the Federation Talent Centre.

Next he moved into the realm of women’s football taking on the inter-school scene first with Epsom Girls Grammar before taking the reins of a Western Springs side littered with past and present Football Ferns.

“I enjoyed my time over those few years; coming close in the league and winning the women’s cup.

“Then I made a decision, based on seeing myself long term on the male side of the game, to take up an opportunity with Central United.”

Subsequently his next move was a personal one as he followed his now wife to New York, but it was by no means a decision that hampered his own career.

The young coach soon found a role that allowed him to continue along his chosen path, spending three years working with the New York Red Bulls, responsible for the club’s preacademy players.

“That was an amazing experience over there and obviously working for a professional environment you see and learn so many new things and new ideas.”

Returning to New Zealand and Central United in February 2014, Figueira was again keen to seek out new challenges, so when the national U-17 role was advertised he put his hand up — and was successful.

He says each of those stages of his career and the different levels of football he’s experienced over the years have led to the point he is at now.

“ I’m only 33, and I say only because I could probably still be playing. But I made a decision when I came to New Zealand that the coaching pathway was what I wanted to invest my time in.”

“ My personal coaching development matched with that handson, coach-smart experience is probably invaluable so I don’t regret the path or the rigorous journey that I’ve had.”

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FORTHCOMING EVENTS

NEWS FROM MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

COMPETITIONS OFC Champions League 11 – 26 April / Ba & Suva, Fiji FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015 30 May – 20 June / New Zealand XV Pacific Games Port Moresby (OFC Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers/OFC Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifier – Stage 1) 4 – 18 July / Papua New Guinea OFC President’s Cup August / TBA FIFA World Cup™ Oceania Preliminary Qualifiers 31 August – 8 September / TBC OFC U-20 Women’s Championship 10 – 24 September / TBC FIFA U-17 World Cup 2015 17 October – 8 November / Chile FIFA Club World Cup December / Japan

AMERICAN SAMOA

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

The Football Federation American Samoa donated a sizeable sum in contribution to the construction of a new gym which will service Pago Pago. The federation hopes to launch a futsal league once the building is complete. Pago Pago played joint-host to the 2015 OFC U-17 Championship, with Group B and the knock-out stages held there.

Just Play continued its upward trajectory in Oceania with a Train the Trainers workshop held in Port Moresby in January. Nine coordinators from seven provinces attended the four day workshop with the objective of equipping attendees with the basic skills to conduct a teachers and volunteer’s course.

COOK ISLANDS

SAMOA

Cook Islands trio Dwayne Tiputoa, Kimiora Samuels and Owenne Matapo are the 2015 CIFA Scholarship recipients and will attend Mount Albert Grammar in Auckland, New Zealand. Referee Tupou Patia made it on the list of referees vying for a spot at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada™ and spent a week in Portugal at a seminar February. The first Just Play workshop and Village Festival were held in late-February.

FFS successfully oversaw all 15 Group A matches during the 2015 OFC U-17 Championship as it played co-host to the competition with neighbouring American Samoa.

FIJI Fiji U-20 learned their fate following the FIFA U-20 World Cup draw on 10 February and will face heavyweights Germany in their opening match in Christchurch. Following the draw the side headed on a five match Asian Tour taking in Myanmar and Malaysia where they notched up two wins, a draw and two losses. The Galaxy Premier League got underway with Nadi taking an early lead after five rounds.

NEW CALEDONIA Thierry Sardo was named national coach and has brought former captain of Les Cagous Pierre Wajoka on board as his assistant.

Fédération Française de Football president of training and development of referees Lucien Kaiser ran three referee workshops in the Northern, Sourthern and Island Provinces ahead of kick-off in the national Super Ligue.

SOLOMON ISLANDS The Commins Menapi coached Western United took out the national S-League with a match to spare, ahead of defending champions Solomon Warriors, to claim the final berth in the 2015 OFC Champions League. Solomon Islands were the only national team in Oceania to experience any positive movement in the latest Coca-Cola/FIFA World Rankings.

TAHITI Finished runners-up to defending champions New Zealand at the 2015 OFC U-17 Championship. After holding the Kiwis to a 1-1 draw in normal time, they came devastatingly close to victory but lost 5-4 in the penaltyshootout.

TONGA The annual Club Seminar was held to great success with TFA technical director Kilifi Uele outlining the events and competitions scheduled for the 2015 season.

NEW ZEALAND

VANUATU

The Football Ferns played six internationals over January and February including a tri-series on home soil involving Korea DPR and Australia.

They played 15th ranked Spain in March earning 2-2 and 0-0 draws as they ramp up preparations for Canada 2015. The Jose Figueira coached U-17 side successfully defended their OFC U-17 title defeating Tahiti 5-4 on penalties in the final. Two squad members, Golden Ball winner Logan Rogerson and Billy Jones were members of the invitational Aspire International team at the Al Kass Cup tournament. They took on agegroup sides from some of the biggest clubs in world football including Real Madrid, Arsenal and AC Milan. Rogerson scored in his side’s 2-0 win over Schalke.

Former Vanuatu international turned coach Moise Poida was announced as a member of the Technical Study Group for the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand. Vanuatu finished third at the OFC U-17 Championship and two members of the squad, Sylvain Worworbu and Joseph Iaruel, have been offered scholarships to attend St Peter’s College in Auckland, New Zealand. 2014 OFC Champions League runners-up Amicale FC have been strengthening their squad ahead of the 2015 edition in April, and won their first piece of silverware folllowing a 1-0 victory over Erakor Golden Star in the Port Vila Shield final.

*All dates correct at the time of publication

NOTICES Moise Poida of Vanuatu has been appointed to the FIFA Technical Study Group for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand from 30 May – 20 June.

Gordon Glen Watson has departed from OFC and his role as Head of Media and Communications following a tenure that saw the successful introduction and implementation of new communication mediums and tools.

Chris Kemp has been appointed OFC Competitions Manager, joining the Confederation from New Zealand Football where he held a similar role.

Obituaries Life Member of New Zealand Football Joe Bartle passed away on 4 February aged 97. A former president and senior vice-president of New Zealand Junior Football Association, Bartle was made a life member in 1985. He was also a life member of Mainland Football and received the Queen’s Service Medal honour in 1989.

The tragic death of Fiji U-17 representative Shalit Muni Reddy cast a long shadow over the OFC U-17 Championship in January. The Nadi Muslim College drowned while on an excursion in Samoa with his teammates following the competition.

UNICEF Vanuatu chief of office Diane Araki unexpectedly passed away in February aged 57. She was committed to improving the lives of children and building a better and safer world for all. She was a strong supporter of the Just Play Programme and worked closely with Vanuatu Football Federation and its Just Play Project Manager.