Unlike some countries like Fiji and Papua New Guinea, football leagues in Vanuatu still do not have a scheduled date to resume. Despite being cleared to resume since last month, football activities have not resumed yet.
The current situation of the sport in the country begins to annoy the clubs. Ifira Black Bird recently asked for Port Vila Football Association (PVFA) an Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) to state their position about resuming the leagues.
Ifira’s complaining is endorsed by financial reasons. Despite not being a professional club, the players are paid so it is being hard to help them as football does not resume. Ifira Black Bird is the current leader of 2019-20 Port Vila Premier League season. You can check the current standings by clicking here.
Vanuatu has always produced very talented players throughout its footballing history; players such as Richard Iwai, Moise Poida and Etienne Mermer have helped Vanuatu achieve various successes in the past – as their win against New Zealand at 2004 OFC Nations Cup. The three former players mentioned above are still active in football today, but in the coaching field. Iwai recently coached Yatel FC, Poida coached various teams in Vanuatu and is currently associated with ABM Galaxy FC, and Etienne Mermer coached Vanuatu’s U23 side in past OFC U23 Olympic qualifiers and is one of the favourites to take on the senior national team still vacant head coach role.
The past generation has now left room for new players to continue carrying the Vanuatu flag in football competitions. The current captain of the national team, Brian Kaltak, is showing the potential of Vanuatu football in Oceania’s most successful club: Auckland City. The central defender has already represented clubs such as Lautoka of Fiji and Hekari United of Papua New Guinea, but his best time is currently spent defending the colours of Auckland City FC in New Zealand.
After so much success, Kaltak seems ready to follow in the footsteps of another successful islanders in international football, such as Roy Krishna and Micah Lea’alafa, who have played professional football in other confederations; the strong central defender of Vanuatu deserves a chance to demonstrate his skills on a fully professional level.
According to reliable sources, the Ni-Vanuatu international received a number of offers from clubs outside Oceania before the start of the 2019/20 season, but for unknown reasons Kaltak decided to stay in New Zealand – something that proves the player has what it takes to advance to the next level of football.
Only time will tell how the still young central defender’s career will unfold, but it is safe to say that the player is among the best in his current position at OFC level and the scouts around the region are already assessing the skills of Vanuatu’s captain.
Cook Islands football continues to strive for development in football; counting on various players currently based in New Zealand – such as Harlem Simiona and Ishaq Nazeem who repersent the men’s national team – the 17,000 people self-governing island country hopes for better results in the sport. The Cook Islands are well known because of their fantastic tourist attractions and their good performances in rugby sevens tournaments, but their success in OFC-level football could be bigger if they could rely on a well-known attacker who has already represented the country at U-17 level, but he still needs to be covered by the senior national team. His name is Maro Bonsu-Maro.
Maro has played for clubs in the Cook Islands, where his mother comes from, including Puiakura and Tupapa Maraerenga in previous editions of the OFC Champions League. Maro’s father is from Ghana, but he grew up in New Zealand and it gives him the possibility to represent three national teams: Cook Islands, Ghana and New Zealand. Most recently, the striker also played in the OFC Champions League, but in a far more famous side: Auckland City. In the 2019 edition of the regional tournament, Maro met his former club Tupapa Maraerenga and helped his side to in a massive 15-0 win in by scoring four goals coming from the bench.
Maro Bonsu-Maro representing Auckland City – ACFC Media
Maro is a product of Auckland City’s Youth Academy, but he also played for other New Zealand clubs such as Central United. The reigning New Zealand champions currently compete for their tenth continental title as they qualified for the knockout stage of 2020 OFC Champions League.
Bonsu-Maro already represented the Cook Islands on an international level, as mentioned above. It was at the OFC U17 Championship in 2013 that the striker scored two goals for his side and helped the Cook Islands advance from the first qualifying round to the group stage. Although Maro’s only international experience has been representing the Cook Islands, the player is not cap-tied to the green-white team – in return he must be capped for the senior side at an official tournament.
Since Ghana seems to be an unrealistic goal for Maro, he may only have New Zealand and the Cook Islands to choose from, but whether he will represent either side is still uncertain. Recently, the player showed some doubts about his availability for the Cook Islands – ready to wait for a possible All Whites call-up. He is just 23 and he must wait a little more to analyse his career and then decide which side he is going to represent at senior level.
Despite all uncertainties, it is obvious that Maro’s inclusion in the Cook Islands squad would rise the national team’s expectations for the upcoming challenges, and the national football association – CIFA – has an important role to play at this stage on convincing him to represent the islander team.
Solomon Islands rising star Charles Mani is a hard worker. It has been one year since the 18-year-old forward move to New Zealand to pursue his dream to become a successful footballer. He was recently approved to join Hibiscus Coast AFC from NRFL2 Division after impressing the coaching staff during his trial period.
He did not have the opportunity to make his official debut for his new club due to the COVID-19 pandemic that postponed winter football season’s beginning in New Zealand. However he stayed focused during this period to get better and better to fight for his space at his new club – “Practice makes perfect. Anyway because of the lockdown the training of the club and school squad still locked up so I decided to do my own training […] when I do my own training the contact with the ball is bit better,” he said.
Charles also studies at Long Bay College so the young forward has a hard routine. He needs to train with two different teams – the school’s team and Hibiscus Coast. While the football activities are currently suspended in the school, he is already back to training with his new club once Hibiscus’ activities resumed last week – “The club training has started […] Keeping my own training helped me to stay fit and prepare for the winter league,” pointed Mani – “I want to do what I love the most. I keep doing my own and having fun with football, because that is what I love the most,” he added.
He was part of the Solomon Islands youth team that made history by representing Oceania in the FIFA U17 World Cup held in Brazil last year. Charlie is proving his quality day in day out and the combinig talent with hard working will surely help him in his chase to become a professional footballer.
While many countries are slowly resuming their football activities and scheduling dates to resume the local leagues, the situation in Vanuatu remains unknown. The country needs to deal with the COVID-19 threat as they are trying to recover from Tropical Cyclone Harold that devastated some islands.
However it is not a problem for football players from Port Vila keep their training routine to stay fit. One of these dedicated players that are working hard during this “forced offseason” is Erakor Golden Star’s captain Jackson Tasso. The 26-year-old midfielder is following a strict routine of exercises as he waits for the return of 2019-20 Port Vila Premier League season.
Training on sand is a trend for footballers. Beach training is considered ideal for developing not only strength but also proprioception, that is, being aware of the space your body occupies. It also increases metabolic demand of training and reduces muscle soreness.
Erakor Golden Star is currently in the fourth position in the 2019-20 Port Vila Premier League six points behind league leaders Ifira Black Bird. You can check the current league standings by clicking here.
The wait is close to come to an end in Fiji. The Vodafone Premier League is currently scheduled to resume in July. Fiji Football Association (FFA) is still waiting for government’s advisory but it is expected that local schools will open up on June 15 which means that all activities must be allowed to resume from this day on.
FFA has amended the Vodafone Premier League’s calendar to get along the date mentioned above. If there is no surprising scenarios with the COVID-19 pandemic, the next league’s match must take place in July as the national league’s sixth matchweek must begin on July 18.
The 6th matchweek is scheduled to begin on July 18
However the first clash must kick-off before July 18. Current league champions Ba FC have their matches postponed before the COVID-19 pandemic in order to extend their preparation for 2020 OFC Champions League. They played only one match in the current Vodafone Premier League season and they must play all their late matches before July 18.
The Men in Black will face Lautoka, Suva, Nadi and Navua before the sixth matchweek’s beginning. You can check the current standings by clicking here.
Uncertainty still hangs over Fijian football as there is no scheduled date to resume the national football leagues. However it does not mean that everything is stopped outside the pitch – the local teams can look for new players to strenghten their squads.
According to reliable sources, Rewa got his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) right before the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic, so the Brazilian forward might be joining the Fijian side when football actitivies are cleared to resume.
Matheus has some European experience in his curriculum – he has already played in Moldavia and Romania. He has also played for Brazilian clubs at regional level.
While some countries are still facing strict restrictions due to COVID-19 pandemic, other countries are resuming their activities. However both situations converge at a common point: We miss football.
Most football players are trying to stay fit during the pandemic so they could be ready to play as soon as possible and it is not different in Papua New Guinea that the 2019-20 National Soccer League season must resume in July. Players and staff are excited to return to the pitch and work hard as a team, but a legendary footballer is more than ready for the battle: David Muta.
The legendary player from Hekari United kept himself active during this “forced offseason”. Now that the restrictions are getting loose in Papua New Guinea he is finally able to come back to the pitch and train on the sacred ground of footballers –“I feel an endless need to learn and improve. To evolve not only to please the coach or the fans, but also to feel satisfied with myself,” he expressed on social media – “There is no limit to learn […] no matter what our age,” he added.
Despite being 32 years old, he is still a key player for Hekari United and he needs to work the extra mile alongside his teammates and coaching staff to win the National Soccer League. Hekari is currently in the third position with 23 points, two points behind current leaders Vitiaz United. You can check the current league standings by clicking here.
Seiloni Iaruel is one of the most important footballers from Vanuatu. Currently playing for Galaxy FC, the 24-year-old goalkeeper started to show his talent when he represented his country in the 2011 OFC U17 Championship when he was just 15.
His incredible quality for a goalkeeper from a Pacific Island’s country really impressed and he made his debut for the National Football Team at senior level when he was just 17. He was called-up to represent his country at the 2012 OFC Nations Cup held in Solomon Islands. Iaruel played only one match in the tournament – the 5-0 win against Samoa.
While he was making his debut for the National Team, an European club was already watching him closely. Earlier this year Iaruel was part of Vanuatu U23 squad that played the OFC Olympic Qualifier held in New Zealand. The Ni-Van side spent a while in Australia training and playing some friendly matches before departing to New Zealand. The goalkeeper had great performances in these matches which put him on the radar “The last friendly match in Australia, I only played the first half and had to leave with Stoke City representative to go to another stadium for a test,” he said in a talk show back in 2012.
Iaruel called the attention of Stoke City from England
Andrew Parkes was the one who discovered Iaruel for European football. The Stoke City’s agent in Australia also expressed his optimism about taking the Ni-Vanuatu goalkeeper for a trial in England – “I am personally very excited for him and do hope he makes us all very proud,” he told to Vanuatu Football Federation’s media.
Iaruel left his country on August 2. After flying to Australia and Singapore, he finally arrived in Europe to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer. He was received there by Stoke City FC Academy Recruitment Manager Kevin Scott and David Jarvies – “We are very happy to have a player from the Pacific Islands […] He can play in Europe if he do well in his trial with our goalkeeper coach,” said Scott.
Iaruel arrived in England in August 2012 for trials.
He had the opportunity to train and play with the U18 squad of Stoke City. His first challenge was a friendly match against Brentford Youth Team. The Ni-Van goalkeeper had a good performance and helped his side to win by 4-1 – “I enjoyed my first game with Stoke and I think I made some good saves […] I am so glad to be here on trial, it’s a great club and the staff, coaches, volunteers and fans are great. They have made me feel at home even though I am far away from Vanuatu,” he said after the match.
Iaruel really impressed in this match and he was offered an extension to his trial period which meant that he remained in the English club for one more month – “We are happy to have a Pacific Island boy with us and if he works hard enough we will decide if we can sign him,” revealed Kevin Scott.
Iaruel playing against Brentford
Unfortunately Iaruel did not have the opportunity to sign a contract with the English club and he returned to his country. However he surely became a better player after his stint in England as he had the opportunity to have access to good facilities and good staff – “He did really well. He was great size and very athletic goalkeeper […] A player with great attitude and very hard working,” said Kevin Scott to Oceania Football Center. Scott left Stoke City a couple of years ago. He currently works as an independent fit all consultant with clubs from the whole world.
Since then, Iaruel stayed in Vanuatu representing local clubs. He played for Tafea and Amicale and now he is the starting goalkeeper of Galaxy. Despite playing at his homeland, he keeps the good level as one of the top keepers from his country. His last official appearence was a couple of months ago in the 2020 OFC Champions League before the football activities in Oceania have been suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Iaruel was Galaxy’s captain in 2020 OFC Champions League
Iaruel stayed away from the Vanuatu national team from 2016 to 2019. Last year he was called up for a friendly match against Solomon Islands in March. However, he must be included in the upcoming call-up if he keeps his level when football resumes.
Ten years ago, one of the most important moments in oceanic football took place when Papua New Guinea was brought to the top of Oceania by Hekari United. The Port Moresby-based side became the first non-Australian or New Zealander side ever to win the OFC Champions League trophy. Led by Jerry Allen, the team counted on the likes of Henry Fa’arodo, David Muta and Koriak Upaiga on their way to the final.
Earlier in the month, on 2 May to be precise, Hekari United celebrated ten years of their greatest memory, when they lost 2-1 away from home to New Zealand champions Waitakere United, a result that benefited the Papua New Guinea side who had won the first leg in Port Moresby 3-0. Star striker Kema Jack was crucial for Hekari United in both of these matches – Jack scored three of Hekari’s four goals in the finals.
The star Kema Jack – FIFA
While Group A of the 2009/10 OFC Champions League featured two New Zealand representatives – Auckland City and Waitakere United – plus Tahiti’s Manu-Ura and New Caledonia’s AS Magenta, Hekari did not have to play against a New Zealand side to qualify for the finals. The Port Moresby-side had Lautoka’s Fijian side, Ni-Vanuatu champions Tafea and Solomon Islands’ Marist FC in their group. The groups were played in a round robin system with home and away matches – a total of six matches for each team were played to determine the champions of each group.
Both finalists had to fight hard to qualify for the final: Waitakere United had the same number of points of Auckland City int standings, but the red-and-white team came out on top in the goal difference – +9 against +8 from Auckland City. Hekari led the group by just one point over Lautoka, the Papua New Guineans had won four games, drawn once and lost only one – the Fijians were the only team to beat Hekari in the group stage.
David Muta, Kema Jack, Henry Fa’arodo and Tumaisi Manuca celebrate after scoring in the finals – FIFA
After securing a historic title, Hekari travelled to the United Arab Emirates to take part in the FIFA Club World Cup. Although they lost in the play-off match against local champions Al-Wahda, Hekari made Papua New Guinea and Oceania proud of their efforts to represent their region in the world stage tournament.
The current year 2020 also marks the return of Hekari United after a four-year break in the OFC Champions League. The club finished as runners-up in the PNG National Soccer League in 2019 and earned a place in the regional tournament. Unfortunately, Hekari United were unable to advance to the knockout rounds even at home in the year that marks the tenth anniversary of the club’s most important title. The team, which was grouped with Eastern Suburbs of New Zealand, Hienghène Sport of New Caledonia and ABM Galaxy of Vanuatu, finished third in the group to complete their return to the competition.
Hekari United remained the only team from neither Australia nor New Zealand to win the competition until Hienghène Sport, one of Hekari’s opponents in the 2020 OFC Champions League, won the 2019 edition of the regional competition.
Oceania Football Center 