OFC Champions League: Ifira Black Bird will have only 12 players available for their debut match against AS Pirae

Ifira Black Bird Football Club, Vanuatu’s national champions, is facing significant challenges as they prepare for their opening match in the OFC Champions League against Tahiti’s AS Pirae. The match is scheduled for Friday, May 17, 2024, at 2:45 PM Vanuatu time. Despite their determination, logistical hurdles have severely impacted their preparations and squad availability.

The club’s management announced that all 19 players and two coaches initially arrived in New Zealand. However, due to limited flight availability from New Zealand to Tahiti, only seven players and Head Coach Robert Yalou could proceed to Tahiti, arriving on Wednesday, May 15, at 11 PM Tahiti time – some of the players that just reached Tahitian soil are key for Ifira as the striker Jonathan Spokeyjack, the midfielder John Wohale and the defender Samuel Kaloros. Five eligible players who were already in Tahiti will join them, bringing the total to 12 players, including one substitute, available for the crucial first group match.

The remaining 12 players and the assistant coach are currently stranded at the OFC Academy in New Zealand, awaiting the next available flight to Tahiti. This situation arose following the cancellation of Air Vanuatu flights, a setback that was beyond the club’s control.

The Ifira Black Bird team, known for their strong performance last year when they reached the semifinals of the OFC Champions League, now faces a daunting task with a significantly depleted squad. The reduction in available players is a severe blow to their campaign this year, raising concerns about their ability to compete effectively against strong opponents like AS Pirae.

Despite these challenges, the team’s spirits remain high. Coach Robert Yalou and his players are focused and determined to give their best performance under the circumstances. The club’s management has expressed their gratitude for the support from fans and families back home in Vanuatu, acknowledging the difficult journey but emphasizing their commitment to representing their nation with pride.

The logistical complications and the resulting impact on the team’s readiness highlight the broader issues facing clubs from smaller nations in international competitions. Travel constraints and resource limitations often put them at a disadvantage, underscoring the need for more robust support systems to ensure fair competition.