In a heartfelt interview to Oceania Football Center, Brian Kaltak, the esteemed captain of the Vanuatu national team and defender for the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, expressed his admiration for Ifira Black Bird’s remarkable display in the semifinal of the OFC Champions League against Auckland City. The match, which ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw after extra time, saw Ifira Black Bird’s valiant efforts fall short as they lost in the penalty shootout to Auckland City.
Hailing from the Erakor village, Kaltak turned into a national hero in Vanuatu. Known for his exceptional leadership skills and defensive prowess, Kaltak’s words carry significant weight within the football community. As he prepares to lead the Central Coast Mariners in the upcoming A-League Grand Final against Melbourne City on 3rd June, Kaltak took a moment to share his thoughts on the incredible match between Ifira Black Bird and Auckland City, offering inspiration and praise to his fellow countrymen.
Kaltak spoke passionately about the determination and resilience demonstrated by Ifira Black Bird throughout the match: “They played their best game, they should be all proud of themselves“, he stated. He highlighted their unwavering spirit, as they fought toe-to-toe against a formidable opponent like Auckland City, showcasing the talent and potential of Vanuatu football on a grand stage.
Recognizing the significance of the match, Kaltak commended Ifira Black Bird for their relentless pursuit of victory and their ability to hold their own against a strong Auckland City side: “The hard work and effort they gave is exceptional“, said Kaltak. He praised their skillful gameplay, teamwork, and discipline, which kept them in contention until the very end.
“Ifira made history! I feel really proud of them all“, Kaltak expressed, confirming the fantastic effort put by the local side against the ten-time champions of the OFC Champions League – competition Brian Kaltak had played multiple times.
With the A-League Grand Final approaching, Kaltak is determined to make his country proud and build upon the inspiration provided by Ifira Black Bird’s heroic efforts. His Central Coast Mariners side match will be covered by national TV corporation back in Vanuatu as the decisive encounter against Melbourne City will take place at CommBank Stadium, Sydney.
Oceania Football Center 