OFC News

The Cook Islands have been invited to compete in the FIFA qualifying round of the beach soccer cup, in Dubai. The tournament in the third week of May will see players from the Solomons, Vanuatu and New Zealand who are all first timers.

The Cooks as minnows will be preparing to take on the might of more established beach soccer countries.

Cook Islands Football Association president Lee Harmon says the experience will undoubtedly be a steep learning curve, but one, which the association takes into account as part of FIFA's development of the world game.

Costs will be fully funded by FIFA. The locals will be organising a programme to look at the best players to compete in the tournament. The trials will narrow the selection for the national team and will be held at the CIFA academy in Matavera tomorrow at 5pm.

The following players are requested to attend the trials and others who may want to give it a shot are welcome;

Aturangi Putere, Teiva Tauira, John Pareanga, Tamore Tangata, Tuku Samuel, Ngatamaine Sila, Romeo Keu, Rouru Akarare, Anonga Tisam, Teariki Mateariki, Junior Rubena, Tuka Tisam, John Bataillard, Kunda Tom, Jack Sheik, Ngatama Tapena, Rua Henry, Eddie Brogan, Chris Dyer, Romano Moetaua, David Angene, Apii Angene, Roger Manuel, Eugene Tatuava, Geoffrey Strickland, Tyson Tekeu, Eddie Drollett, Grover Harmon and James Nand.

VFF to call extra-ordinary congress to review Article 20 of constitution

The Vanuatu Football Federation has announced it will be calling an extra-ordinary congress to consider a proposal to ammend article 20 of its five month old constitution.

The announcement was made by VFF Acting Secretary General Jimmy Nipo at a media conference held at the VFF Haus today.

The VFF decision came following continued pressure from the Port Vila Football League and Luganville Football Association argueing that they wanted to maintain their direct membership status with VFF. Under Article 20 of the VFF constitution, only six provincial associations are mentioned as member associations of VFF. The associations are Tafea FA, Shefa FA, Malampa FA, Penama FA, Sanma FA and Torba FA.

The constitution was passed at the 2005 VFF congress and had became effective as of 1 October 2005. In effect PVFL and LFA lost their direct membership with VFF. PVFL and LFA were advised that they were to affiliate with Shefa FA and Sanma FA respectively as sub-leagues. Only associations can be members of VFF and not leagues.

The two urban leagues have argued their case that being the two major leagues in the country, they should maintain their direct membership status with VFF. However VFF said in order for them to have direct membership status, they must upgrade their structure to becoming an association with their own leagues (minimum of four).

VFF SG Mr. Nipo declared at the media conference that after consultations with the named leagues and associations, VFF has come to see that it was necessary to call an extra-ordinary congress to discus the proposed ammendment to Article 20.

"In the meantime, we will play football. Port Vila Football League and Luganville Football Association can continue with their programs. South Efate League can go ahead with its program. And VFF will call an extra-ordinary congress in the next few days to consider the matter at hand", Mr. Nipo declared.

Mr. Nipo also announced that following the current situation VFF has decided to exempt all its member associations from this year's affiliation fees.

"Those associations that have paid will be reimbursed", Nipo said.

Shefa Fa and Tafea FA were the first to pay their affiliations with VFF this year.

Nipo explained that according to Article 57(3) of the VFF constitution, the executive can exempt members or applicants from paying their membership fee. The said article reads:-

"...the Executive Committee for good cause shown may exempt an applicant or membership or a member from payment of all or part of".. the membership fees.

Mr. Nipo said the date and venue of the extra-ordinary congress will be announced in the "next few days", though he did not give a clear hint on how long that would be. But Article 22(3) says "The Executive Committee may convene an Extraordinary Congress at any time".

Article 22(5) says; "The Members shall be notified of the place, date and agenda at least two months before the date of an extraordinary congress.."

Meanwhile PVFL has welcomed the decision by VFF. PVFL President who is also a member of VFF executive George Iapson went on further to call on VFF to ask members of the football family to refrain from making public statements with negative implications, or with the motive to cause public disorder and disunity among members.

PVFL has already kicked off a tames preparations tournament in the capital on Thursday 16 February.

The South Efate Football League will be holding its first general meeting with its affiliate clubs, coaches and referees on Monday 20 February. A number of football clubs have left PVFL and have registered with the SEFL which was re-actuvated by Shefa FA following a restructuring of the association in December.

VFF SG Mr. Nipo has called on everyone on put the past issues out of the way, and let the games begin. And he called on leaders of the leagues and associations to go to his office should they have any questions and to avoid going to the media.

Nipo also expressed disappointment at the amount of "irresponsible reporting" by one particular newspaper. He called on the reporters to carry out their duties professionally and responsibly.

Those media outlets present were The Vanutu Daily Post, The Indepndent and The ni-Vanuatu. VBTC did not show up. Also present were officials of Shefa FA, PVFL and SEFL.

A Summary: 'Striking' Soccer Action From The Ashsaa Boys' Soccer League

The American Samoa High School Athletic Associations (ASHSAA) boys' soccer league started The three venues for the soccer league are the Pago Pago Park, Leone playing field and the Veterans Stadium.

The Samoana Sharks are the defending champions from 2005.

Last Week's Games

There were seven games last week because some were cancelled or put on hold because of the rains and poor conditions of the fields.

Sharks edged the Lions (1-0)

The Sharks edged the Lions (1-0) in a thrilling game that showed just how the Samoana team will be able to match any challenger in this year's season. They are very confident and sure of themselves and with skillful players in all the key positions, they showed no weaknesses whatsoever. Their skill in passing and ball control left the Leone team at a loss.

The Sharks are likely to remain one of the strongest contenders to this year's title if they keep it up.

SPA Marlins win over Faga'itua Vikings (3-1) The South Pacific Academy `Marlins' won over the Faga'itua Vikings (3-1). They tied with the Leone Lions two, Wednesday, (2-2). This puts them in the position of making it into the final four (playoffs).

This team is excellent in all positions, especially their strikers.

With their remarkable skills, accurate passing, superb dribbling (nudging the ball ahead with the feet while running down the field) & ball control, this is definitely another team to reckon with this year.

The Tafuna Warriors lost to Kanana Fou (2-1) Kanana Fou ties with Sharks (0-0) Kanana Fou wins over Fa'asao/Marist The Kanana Fou `Stallions' are definitely a threat to the soccer league champions this year. First they demolished the Fa'asao/Marist team with a win of (3-1), then kept the game scoreless against the Samoana `Sharks' on Wednesday. The Stallions are the team to watch out for this season. They just might be the ones to de-throne the `Sharks' and run away with the shield.

The lack of players on the Fa'asao/Marist team really limited their field of selection. Their loss against Kanana Fou (3-1) reiterated the fact that they definitly need new energy injected into their game.

Wildcats win over Tafuna Warriors (2 -1) The Nu'uuli Poly Tech Wildcats has some of the best players in all the high school teams this year. Now if they could just step up their game plan and concentrate on uniting the offense and defense, the soccer stars on this team just might surprise the league this year and come out fighting.

Their win over the Tafuna Warriors (2-1) on Tuesday is perhaps a good sign of future games to come.

The Tafuna Warriors need to conserve their strength throughout the whole game. Their skills are just as good as any team. Their midfielders, connect the offense and defense. These players have a role in every play and require exceptional physical endurance. Midfielders sometimes score goals, but they must always be in position to help the defense. They need to improve their mentality and stick with the game plan. If they could stay consistent and improve on conserving their energy until needed, they definitely still have a chance.

Lions tie with the SPA Marlin (2-2)

The Leone Lions tied with the South Pacific Academy `Marlins' , Wednesday. This keeps The Lions in a very fragile situation, because they must win all their remaining games, in order to keep up with the leaders.(See standings) Hopefully the Leone and Pago Pago Park fields will be back in good playing condition after all this sunshine has soaked up the rains from the last couple of weeks which have put the fields in terrible condition.

Free Futsal Clinic draws future soccer stars

More than 50 youngsters showed up at the Kanana Fou field Saturday morning to take part in the Free 'Futsal' Junior Development Program held by the local American Samoa Football Association. Despite the heat in the early morning hours, these kids were running around laughing and having fun while learning the skills of the most popular sport in the world, football.

Boys and Girls ranging from age 6-13 were at the field showing the coaches that they do have the spirit & skills to play futsal, the FIFA 5 aside game.

Today, amateur soccer/football is one of the fastest growing team sports in U.S. high schools. And what better way to start off our youngsters than to start training them young in Futsal?

A team of almost 10 volunteers coached and officiated the impromptu games that were held.

The youngsters were arranged into 3 different age groups and were trained in the different skills that are required in Futsal. These include: Passing - the most important skill in the game, ball mastery - dribbling and faking, and goal tending.

After the technique training the youngsters were teamed up against each other in their respective age groups for a game of 5 on 5 which is the futsal regulation, so that they can showcase what they had learned.

Played on the small court or field, Futsal is FIFA's small sided game which was developed in South America, blossomed in Brazil and is now played across the globe.

This reporter was able to talk to a couple of youngsters and get their comments on the clinic.

Teuila, a student at Leone Midkiff Elementary gushed that futsal was 'fun!' "I have watched the game being played at our school and was never interested because I did not understand the rules and the point of the game. Now that I know what the different positions are, and the skills that are needed. I am definitely trying out for my school's soccer team next year."

Six year old 'A.J.' from Pava'ia'i Elementary groaned in disappointment when he was told that the clinic was over. He said he wanted to continue playing until dark!

David Brand of the football association was very happy with the outcome of the clinic. He said, that it was great to see the interest that the kids now have in the sport and Futsal has a major role to play in the development of the 11 side game.

This has been seen in Brazil for decades where the Brazilian Super Stars such as Ronaldo and World Player of the Year Ronaldino all learnt their trade before moving to the big field as teenagers.

The last Free Futsal Clinic for this month will be held again this Saturday at 9:00 in the morning until 11:00 at the Kanana Fou Seminary Grounds. Participants are asked to please bring a bottle of water with you.

The American Samoa Football Association wishes to thank all at the Kanafou Seminary for their support in providing the facility.

The groups for the 2006 Solomon Islands National Club Championships have been finalised upon the completition of the Honiara Football Association competition...

Pool A - Marist (Honiara), Uncles (Honiara), Tematangi (RenBel), Kuara FC (Guadalcanal), New Jersey (Makira), Mafi United (Isabel)

Pool B - Koloale FC (Honiara), Aimela FC (Malaita), Mobile Cools (Central), Ngaube FC (Temotu), Camp United (Western)

The winner will advance to the 2006 OFC Club Championships, New Zealand

NEW ZEALAND LEAVE IT LATE AGAIN

Last gasp goal secures win

For the second time in a week New Zealand scored victory in the dying stages of the match as they defeated Malayisa 2-1 at North Harbour Stadium, with a late goal from Andrew Barron, after debutant Campbell Banks gave the All Whites an early lead. Safee Sali equalized for the visitors after 24 minutes before Barron rifled home to ensure victory.

New Zealand handed debuts to James Pritchett and Banks, with Jeff Fleming starting his first match in the All White shirt, in all coach Ricki Herbert made four changes to the eleven that started in Christchurch.

As with the first encounter, New Zealand started brightly with Leo Bertos again in the thick of the action. And it was Bertos who engineered the opening goal with a deft chip, which was flicked into the path of Banks, who controlled and coolly slotted past Shamsuri in the Malaysian goal.

Straight from the kick off Bertos was in action again and his teasing cross was punched off the head of the onrushing Banks, as the two looked to double the lead. In fact, Shamsuri was peppered with crosses for the duration of the first half, but dealt comfortably with all.

Noah Hickey's pace allowed him to break through the Malaysian rearguard, after a clever through ball from Shane Smeltz, himself a busy figure up front for the All Whites. Hickey was unable to find the net however, his shot sliding past the right hand upright.

At the other end the largely unemployed Glen Moss soon found himself picking the ball out of the back of the net, after Sali wrong footed Danny Hay, and then unleashed a shot that swerved late and was parried into the net by Moss who should have done better.

Neither team settled in the first half, with New Zealand playing a variation on the 4-3-3 with a traditional flat back four, three central midfielders, Bertos in an advanced role wide on the right, and a strike pairing of Smeltz and Banks. The teams entered the break locked at 1-1.

The All Whites emerged from the interval with a more traditional 4-4-2 formation, freeing Bertos and Webster in more familiar wide roles. Not surprisingly Bertos was at the centre of most of New Zealand's attacking chances, running at defenders and creating several half chances with his delivery from the right.

Bertos switched flanks in the 65th minute as New Zealand made a double substitution with Jeremy Brockie and Barron entering the match, the latter nearly opening his account with his first touch of the ball, an ominous drive from 25 yards.

Minutes later the Malaysian defence scrambled to clear after Shamsuri failed to claim a lofted ball from James Pritchett at the edge of his area. The ball fell invitingly for Bertos whose first effort was saved by the `keeper before the ball was booted to safety.

The Malaysians barely had time to rest before Smeltz wriggled his was into the penalty area only to see his shot cannon off the legs of Shamsuri. Smeltz, still with hands on head from the missed chance, was offered another opportunity as the ball was played back in at his feet, but the ensuing shot went wide.

It was then the chance of another debutant - Jarrod Smith - to test the `keeper, his snap shot from 18 yards was well held by Shamsuri. Brockie also forced Shamsuri into a good save with a dipping volley from similar distance, which was palmed away to safety.

The second half was not all one-way traffic however, but Malaysia was restricted to only a handful of shots on Moss' goal. Their fluid interplay often troubled the All Whites and in the 79th minute the visitors were nearly on the score sheet again, as a sweeping move was nearly finished by left back Chan Wing Hoong.

In the 84th minute Brockie was again denied by the impressive Shamsuri, this time from point blank range. Hickey's longball was flicked on to Smeltz into the path of the young striker, but his diving header was miraculously blocked by the `keeper. A couple of minutes later Brockie had a chance to make amends but he blasted his shot over the crossbar.

In the 88th minute Malaysia finally cracked, as they had in Christchurch, with the winner coming in similar circumstances from a set-piece. The ball broke for Barron on the left of the 6-yard box and although his first effort was blocked, the 25-year-old made no mistake with his follow up, lashing the ball in at the near post to the delight of the 9,000 spectators.

After consecutive victories over Malaysia, New Zealand will now look forward to a trip to Chile in April, before embarking on a European tour culminating in a match with Brazil in Switzerland in June.

Match Facts

Result

New Zealand 2 (Campbell Banks 18', 16. Andrew Barron 88')

Malaysia 1 (Safee Sali 24')

New Zealand - 1. Glen Moss; 2. Steven Old; 5. Danny Hay (c); 6. Jeff Fleming (16. Andrew Barron 65'); 7. Adrian Webster (19. Jeremy Brockie 65'); 8. Tim Brown; 9. Shane Smeltz; 11. Leo Bertos; 14. Noah Hickey; 15. James Pritchett; 17. Campbell Banks (12. Jarrod Smith 70')

Subs not used - 3. Jeremy Christie; 4. Cole Tinkler; 10. Brent Fisher; 13. Craig Wylie; 18. Andrew Boyens; 20. Ross Nicholson

Cautions - none

Malaysia - 22. Shamsuri Mustafa; 4. Ronny Harun; 5. Zamani Misbah; 6. Thiru Veeran; 7. Fadzli Saari (16. Azi Shahril Azmi 75' / 19. Azlan Zainal 87'); 8. Safee Sali; 9. Amri Yahyah (10. Rasiah Surendren 59'); 11. Rudie Ramli; 14. Hardi Jaafar; 17. Nantha Kalliappan; 18. Chan Wing Hoong

Subs not used - 1. Faizal Abd Rashid; 2. Saiful Mohammed; 15. Saramsak Kram

Cautions - 14. Hardi Jaafar (48'); 8. Safee Sali (88'); 10. Rasiah Surendren (90')

Referee - Neil Fox (New Zealand)

Assistant Referee - Paul Dunham (New Zealand)

Assistant Referee - Steve Budai (New Zealand)

Fourth Official - Kevin Stoltenkamp (New Zealand)

ALL WHITES LEAVE IT LATE AGAINST MALAYSIA

Old snatches victory

Steven Old opened his international goal scoring account against Malaysia to the delight of the 10,000 spectators at QEII Park in Christchurch, New Zealand. The friendly between New Zealand and their Asian neighbours looked to be heading to a goalless draw, before the 20-year-old defender blasted home a loose ball from point-blank range in the 87th minute.

Spectacular goalkeeping from Mohammed Syamsuri, and the crossbar came to the Malaysians rescue at multiple stages during the match as the All Whites piled on the pressure. The Malaysian defence also struggled to deal with New Zealand's centre-back pairing of Old and skipper Danny Hay who proved a constant threat in the air from set-piece.

The All Whites handed debuts to Glen Moss and hometown hero Andy Barron, with Jeff Fleming and Jeremy Brockie also earning their first caps of the bench. New Zealand opened brightly with Barron whistling a shot past the right-hand upright after just 20 seconds, with Old and Hay heading over with two quickfire chances.

At the other end of the field Mohammed Safee Mohammed Salj looked dangerous on the break with his pace, but miscontrolled at crucial stages. Malaysia were unable to register a shot on target in the 90 minutes.

UK-based Leo Bertos began the match brightly and in the 18th minute shot just wide, he later played Brent Fisher into the 18-yard box but his effort shook the sidenetting. Bertos exploded into life in the second spell with a mixture of pace and dazzling footwork creating many of the All Whites' best chances.

Tim Brown was first to rattle the woodwork just after the hour with a rasping drive, four minutes later Vaughan Coveny brought the best out of Syamsuri who palmed his header the crossbar, his follow-up also cracked the frame. Coveny needs one goal to overtake Jock Newell as New Zealand's all time leading international scorer.

The Malaysia defence finally cracked three minutes from time, Barron's inswinging free-kick causing chaos inside the six-yard box, before the ball fell invitingly for Old who dispatched the ball into the roof of the net. In stoppage time Barron was denied by Syamsuri at full-stretch in the last meaningful attack of the match.

The teams now head to North Harbour Stadium for a second clash on Thursday night (23 February).

Match Facts

Result

New Zealand 1 (Steven Old 87')

Malaysia 0

New Zealand - 1. Glen Moss; 2. Steven Old; 3. Jeremy Christie; 5. Danny Hay (c); 7. Adrian Webster (19. Jeremy Brockie 68'); 8. Tim Brown (6. Jeff Fleming 77'); 10. Brent Fisher (9. Shane Smeltz 68'); 11. Leo Bertos; 14. Noah Hickey; 16. Andy Barron; 21. Vaughan Coveny

Subs not used - 4. Cole Tinkler; 12. Jarrod Smith; 13. Craig Wylie; 15. James Pritchett; 17. Campbell Banks; 18. Andrew Boyens; 20. Ross Nicholson

Malaysia - 22. Mohammed Syamsuri; 4. Ronny Harun; 5. Norhafiz Zamani Misbah; 6. Thirumuruhan Veeran; 8. Mohammed Safee Mohammed Sali; 9. Mohammed Amri Yahyah (7. Mohammed Fadzu Saari 60')10. Rasiah Surendran; 11. Rudie Ramli; 14. Mohammed Hardi Jaafar; 17. Nantha Kumar Kalliappan; 18. Chan Wing Hoong; 19. Ahmad Azlan Zainal; 20. Zairo Anuar Zalani

Subs not used - 1. Mohammed Faizal Abd Rashid; 2. Mohammed Saiful Mohammed; 12. Mohazim Shah Dawood Shah; 19. Ahmad Azlan Zainal; 20. Zairo Anuar Zalani

The Oceania Football Confederation has appointed Jim Selby to the new role of Technical Director, predominately heading the coach education and player development programmes around the region catered from grassroots to elite. Selby will also create and implement plans for women's football in Oceania encompassing junior, youth and senior levels.

The new role will come as no shock to the Australian who has over 25-years practical experience within the world of football.

Selby has undertaken a variety of roles in his football career, most recently as the National Coaching and Development Manager for the Football Federation Australia (FFA), where he was responsible for coordinating, implementing and delivering national programmes, as well as overseeing and maintaining the FFA coach education and player development programmes at all levels.

Selby also established FFA as a coach accreditation leader in Australian sport with over 20,000 accredited coaches currently resisted and a six level accreditation scheme along with an accredited instructors licence program. He has recently introduced a new modern innovated method of delivering coach education programs to community coaches that the Australian Sports Commission has embraced as a best practice model.

His talents have been recognized by the world governing body for football FIFA where he has been an instructor on coaching and management courses such as the FIFA FUTURO I, II, and III throughout Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

Selby has also been a member of a select group comprising FIFA's Technical Study Team at several world events, reviewing playing and coaching trends, and producing technical reports which are distributed to all 207 FIFA members. Most recently he attended the 2005 FIFA Under 17 World Championships in Peru.

"This is another key appointment within our organisation. The OFC Executive is committed to ensuring the very best personnel work for the Confederation" noted OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas.

"Jim has a very long and decorated CV and we are very happy to welcome him on board" he continued.

Selby's appointment is part of wider changes to the administration of football within the region as the Confederation moves into a bright new era. The confederation also recently welcomed Richard Otter as Assistant Accountant taking over from Alice Banks who has retired.

Career Highlights - Jim Selby

* Football Federation Australia

* National Coaching and Development Manager

* National Instructor Coach

* National Licence Coach

* National Coach - Women's Football

* Chairman of Technical Committee

* FIFA

* FIFA Instructor Olympic Solidarity

* FIFA Instructor FUTURO I

* FIFA Instructor FUTURO II

* FIFA Instructor FUTURO III

* FIFA Technical Study Group

* 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship - Nigeria

* 2000 Olympic Football Tournament - Australia

* 2001 FIFA U17 World Championship - Trinidad & Tobago

* 2003 FIFA U17 World Championship - UAE

* 2004 Olympic Football Tournament - Greece

* 2005 FIFA U17 World Championship - Peru

New Zealand has begun their buildup to April's under-20 women's World Cup qualifiers with a 1-1 draw and 2-1 win over the NSA Institute of Sport side in Sydney, Australia.

Match reports courtesy NZ Soccer media,

Match 1: Captain Yallop on target in 1-1 draw with NSW Institute of Sport

Match 2: Yallop's break tempers win delight for Under-20 Women

Match 3: Young Matildas 3 New Zealand 1

Match 4: Young Matildas 4 New Zealand U20 Women 0

Hot on the heels of the reintroduced Solomon Cup, the football family of Honiara will again be treated to a week soccer festival when the National Club Championship kicks off next week (February 20).

Eight champion clubs from the Solomon Islands provinces of Guadalcanal, Rennell and Bellona, Western, have confirmed their availability with a further three clubs from Honiara to be confirmed.

Mobile Cools (Central FA), Kuara FC (Guadalcanal FA), Maffi United (Isabel FA), New Jersey (Makira Ulawa FA), Aimela (Malaita FA), Tematangi (Renbel FA), Ngaube FC (Temotu FA), Camp United (Western FA) plus the three Honiara FA clubs will vie to see who will represent the Solomon Islands at the 2006 OFC Club Championships, New Zealand in Auckland from 10 - 21 May.

Honiara FA will confirm its three top clubs after the completion of the HFA Telekom Super Challenge this weekend.

The champion Solomon Island club will form one of the eight sides in New Zealand, and will join AS Pirae (Tahiti), Sobou FC (PNG), and United Eagles (Fiji) as confirmed starters at the final competition.

The Solomon Islands has been drawn in Group A with the New Zealand club champion, Sobou FC (Papua New Guinea), and AS Pirae (Tahiti). Group B features, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Vanuatu and United Eagles (Fiji).

The top two clubs from each pool will go forward to the semi finals. The winner of the OFC Club Championship will qualify for the FIFA Club World Championship in Japan in December 2006.

From 2007, the competition will move to a home and away format, with matches played around the region.

Honiara's Makuru FC represented the Solomon Islands in Tahiti in 2005.