Englishman James Pamment has agreed to help New Zealand Soccer navigate the uncharted "Road to Rio de Janeiro" and the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

Pamment has been appointed coach of the first New Zealand team eyeing FIFA's newest World Cup on Brazil's famous Copacabana in early November.

NZ Soccer are making their first play in the world's fastest growing beach-based sport by sanctioning the inaugural New Zealand Community Trust Beach Soccer Championship in Mt Maunganui on Friday and Saturday.

Pamment and NZ Soccer High Performance Manager Ricki Herbert will select a 10-man squad from the two-day, six-team nationals to contest July's Oceania Championship in Tahiti.

New Zealand would then have to beat Tahiti, Vanuatu and reigning Oceania champions Solomon Islands on Papetee's Mahina Beach to qualify for the World Cup.

Pamment is hurriedly attempting to arm himself with beach soccer resources as New Zealand attempt to get up to speed internationally.

Story courtesy NZS Media...

Pamment's Plum Posting

Utility Peni Finau was phenomenal in Ba's central midfield as the hosts overwhelmed Marist FC 3-2 in the O-League here Monday.

"He was very impressive in the new role but I wasn't surprised because Peni (Finau) is a quality player who loves going forward,'' said Fiji coach Juan Carlos Buzzetti.

"He is very skilful and used it to create a lot of attacking opportunities for Ba.''

Finau took control of the Ba midfield after ace Roneel Kumar failed to join camp from New Zealand.

Buzzetti said the Wailotua, Tailevu native who is also vice-captain of the national team tour to USA next month was committed and strong in tackles.

However Buzzetti does not have immediate plans to use Finau in the national team midfield.

"We must not forget that he is among the best defenders in the country but it is always good to have a utility like him in the squad.''

He said Ba needs to work on improving its tactics before playing Tahiti club AS Temanava on Monday.

"Tahiti plays French style of football and Ba should expect to be attacked lot more by AS Temanava because they will be running more with the ball than putting together passes.''

Ba missed four regulars Osea Vakatalesau, Kiniviliame Naika, Shalen Lal and Roneel Kumar in the win.

"Yet Ba performed to the same level and it shows the depth they have on the bench which is important,'' Buzzetti said.

Ba led 3-0 early in the second half after goals from Keni Doidoi (2) and a Laisenia Tuba penalty.

Striker Joe Luwi put Marist on the score sheet five minutes before time followed by an own goal by Ba defender Robert Wise.

Momentum to strengthen Oceania Football Confederation's (OFC) links with German football gained some traction following OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas visit with German Ambassador Jorg Zimmermann today.

Tai Nicholas met with Jorg Zimmermann in Wellington to discuss German Government support for developing a closer relationship with the Deutscher Fussball Bund (DFB), the German Olympic Sports Foundation (DOSB) and OFC.

The OFC has already established links with The FA, French Football Federation and Football Federation Australia (FFA) for technical development and assistance and the desire to explore a relationship with the DFB existed in the South Pacific Nicholas said.

Ambassador Zimmermann said undertaking the football challenge in this part of the world might appeal to young and upcoming technical coaches or a coach who desired a challenge far from the stressful environment of Bundesliga and European football.

"I had the experience of witnessing a football tournament in Tuvalu some years ago and the reaction to my presence there was extremely positive. Tuvalu has a population of about 12,000. I am aware that the country is not a full member of the Oceania Football Confederation but the excitement for football was clear, "Zimmermann said.

Mr. Zimmermann told the OFC General Secretary to bring forward a proposal and budget to encourage closer discussion.

"Nations such as Kiribati, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu are of interest but any projects undertaken in Papua New Guinea would require discussion with my colleague in Canberra to make responsibilities are clear," Mr. Zimmermann added.

Tai Nicholas said the success of Wynton Rufer in German football with Werder Bremen and Kaiserslautern ensured that ties with Germany and German in sport in general would guarantee a solid base for any future discussions about technical assistance from the DFB.

A preventative injury programme that can cut sports injuries by up to 33% and have significant long term economic benefits has been presented to SPARC CEO Nick Hill, New Zealand Minister of Health Peter Hodgson and Minister of Sport Trevor Mallard.

FIFA Medical experts Professor Jiri Dvorak and Dr. Tony Edwards joined Oceania Football Confederation General Secretary Tai Nicholas in Wellington yesterday to help promote football as vehicle for improved health in New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Professor Dvorak said the programme - first implemented in Switzerland- had been approved at the FIFA Congress in 2005 and had now been implemented worldwide.

"The potential and power of football to reach people from all walks of life to promote healthy living and a healthy lifestyle in the Oceania region is big. This Preventative Injury Programme would be much easier to implement in a region such as the South Pacific as it is relatively smaller and has a better infrastructure than Africa in some respects, "Professor Dvorak said.

Professor Dvorak added that the simplicity of football and its rules ensured that the cost of implementing programmes such as OFC's `Just Play' initiative would be relatively low.

Dr. Edwards and Professor Dvorak said FIFA's Medical programmes had experienced considerable success internationally and that all that was sought after in New Zealand to boost any potential project was Government support.

"Financial support from the New Zealand Government would not be necessary, but endorsement and backing in marketing the concept would be useful. I envisage a one or two year lead in for the initiative to be underway by 2009/10," Professor Dvorak said.

"I am pleased with any initiative that promotes physical activity and soccer is a sport that is of relatively low physical contact," Minister of Health Peter Hodgson said.

OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas said football had already played a major part in addressing a raft of social and health issues in the region such as anti-Malaria messages in Solomon Islands, AIDS/HIV in Papua New Guinea and obesity in Polynesia and encouraging education throughout the region.

"We know that 46% of our region's children stop going to school from the age of 13 and we believe that football can help deliver the message that education and sport - not just football - can be a massive benefit to our youngsters," Nicholas said.

The Oceania Football Confederation's (OFC) search for a new headquarters gathered pace with OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas travelling to Wellington to gauge New Zealand Government interest in a proposed move to North Harbour.

OFC has already investigated the possibility of moving it's headquarters to New Caledonia with OFC President Reynald Temarii and FIFA Ambassador Christian Karembeu recently leading an OFC delegation to the French Overseas Territory to meet Government officials about a new base located in Païta.

Nicholas is keen to see the Oceania Football Confederation secure the best possible proposal - whether that is in New Caledonia or New Zealand.

"What is clear is the need for the Oceania Football Confederation to relocate its premises to somewhere other than our current headquarters.

The current OFC Academy at Mount Smart Stadium has served us well but we're growing quicker than our facilities can comfortably allow," Nicholas said.

During two days of meetings at the Beehive, Nicholas met with Minister of Sport Trevor Mallard, Minister of Health Peter Hodgson, Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters, the Ministry of Pacific Islands Affairs Director of Policy and Communications Su'a Kevin Thomsen, the German Embassy and its ambassador Jorg Zimmermann.

"OFC pumps tens of millions of dollars into the New Zealand economy each year and the officials we met expressed an interest in discussing the retention of an OFC headquarters in this country."

Minister of Sport Trevor Mallard said any OFC initiative that centred on women's health and capturing the growing numbers of young women now playing football in New Zealand and the South Pacific was of considerable merit.

Minister of Health Peter Hodgson was equally supportive. "I'm pleased with anything that promotes physical activity and soccer and the programmes OFC and FIFA have proposed certainly reflect those values."

However, both Ministers urged caution around securing potential sponsors where there was conflict between OFC's central health messages and promoting physical activity, such as with fast-food chains.

OFC spends nearly $100,000 per year on transit visas. Nicholas and Peters discussed the possibility of visa waivers for transiting teams and the response was positive.

"OFC will prepare a paper which we will present to Associate Minister of Immigration. I'm sure we will get ample Ministerial support as the process unfolds," Nicholas said.

Ba took a massive step toward the 2007 O-League Final this evening following a 3-2 home win over Solomon Island champions Marist FC. Marist FC required at least a point from the fixture to keep their O-League hopes alive but got off to a disastrous start when Ba goalkeeper Laisenia Tuba opened the scoring from the penalty spot as he did in the first match in Honiara after just 15 minutes.

Tuba's team-mate Keni Doi Doi then blasted two goals for Ba in the 32nd and 48th minutes to see the home side apparently cruising to victory.

However, Marist FC staged a late rally and bounced back with 5 minutes remaining after Joe Luwi netted for the Solomon Islanders. Keni Doi Doi became a hero turned villain when he scored an 87th minute own goal to inadvertently set up a dramatic late finish to the Group B fixture. Ba managed to hang on for the final few minutes and secure the three points that gives them a six point lead over AS Temanava.

Marist's defeat eliminates the Solomon Island club from the O-League after just two rounds despite the club drafting national team coach Airton Andrioli in to help prepare the team for this fixture last week.

If Ba win their final group match against AS Temanava they will seal Group B honours and claim one of the 2007 O-League Final berths as their own.

2007 O-League (OFC Champions League)

Match Day 3 - Group B

Govind Park, Ba, Fiji

12 March 2007

Result - Match 3 - Group B

Ba 3 (Tuba 15' pen; Doidoi 32', 48')

Marist FC 2 (Luwi 85', OG 87')

Ba - 1. Laisenia Tuba; 2. Avinesh Swamy; 6. Jone Vesikula; 7. Tuimasi Manuca (10. Ronald Chandra 64'); 8. Keni Doidoi; 9. Josaia Bukalidi (13. Semesa Doidoi 79'); 11. Robert Wise; 12. Peni Finau (c); 14. Luke Vidovi; 16. Malakai Tiwa; 17. Malakai Kainihewe (4. Leone Vurukania 70')

Subs not used - 15. Niumaia Tagi; 18. Epeli Codro

Cautions - None

Red Cards - None

Marist FC - 1. Francis Aruwafu (18. Lucian Sikwaae 41'); 3. Tome Faisi; 5. Samson Takayama; 6. Jerry Sam; 9. James Naka; 10. Michael Misitana (8. Timothy Joe 46'); 11. Sebastian Misiga; 12. Benjamin Mela (15. Mostyn Beui 71'); 14; Joe Luwi; 16. Martin Ruhasia (c); 17. Gideon Omokirio

Subs not used - 2. David Houpere; 4. Alphonsus Danny; 7. Joseph Lani; 13. Simon Sau

Cautions - None

Red Cards - None

Referee - Lencie Fred (Vanuatu)

Assistant Referee - Nawen Hopken (Vanuatu)

Assistant Referee - Michael Joseph (Vanuatu)

Fourth Official - Harry Atisson (Vanuatu)

Standings Match Day 1 - Group A

Played Won Drawn Lost GF GA Points

Auckland City (NZL) 3 2 1 0 8 2 7

Waitakere United (NZL) 2 1 1 0 8 3 4

AS Mont Dore (NCL) 3 0 0 3 1 11 0

Standings Match Day 1 - Group B

Played Won Drawn Lost GF GA Points

Ba (FIJ) 3 2 1 0 6 3 7

AS Temanava (TAH) 1 0 1 0 1 1 1

Marist FC (SOL) 2 0 0 2 2 5 0

GOALSCORERS:

3 - Paul URLOVIC (Auckland City), Commins MENAPI (Waitakere United), Grant YOUNG

(Auckland City)

2 - Daniel KOPRIVCIC (Waitakere United), Bryan LITTLE (Auckland City), Laisenia TUBA (Ba FC), Keni DOI DOI (Ba FC)

1 - Osea VAKATALESAU (Ba FC), Danny HAY (Waitakere United), Allan PEARCE (Waitakere United), Hoani EDWARDS (Waitakere United), Patrick DIAIKE (AS Mont Dore), Roneel KUMAR (Ba FC), Jean Francois KABEU (AS Temanava), Joe LUWI (Marist FC), own goal.

He helped France sweep all before them on the world football map and was part of the Real Madrid `Galacticos' that won two UEFA Champions League titles at the turn of the century.

The inimitable Christian Karembeu arrived back in his home country of New Caledonia to celebrate the Ground Breaking ceremony at the FIFA Goal Project in Paita and his trademark charm and humour wooed hundreds of fans as they clamoured for a glimpse of their Lifou-born super star.

Karembeu arrived to support the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) delegation in their bid to move the confederation headquarters to New Caledonia by 2011. Karembeu's presence has helped smooth the path for any potential move with local community leaders giving the proposal their full support.

The Ground Breaking ceremony held by the Senat Coutumier was witnessed by hundreds of enthusiastic fans whilst youngsters cheered from a vantage point nearby. The New Caledonian government was represented by Southern Province president Phillipe Gomes and Vice-president Philippe Michael, and Païta Mayor, Harold Martin. Martin's administration has committed 50% of the finance toward the relocation project as well as gifting land toward the total cost of the project.

This ambitious first stage project comprising of a national headquarters and technical centre with accommodation and a football turf playing field has received the full support from the community and we are delighted to be involved with it," Martin said.

Karembeu was equally optimistic "This is a worthy project and I am happy to be involved with it. The plans and details of the proposal look excellent and with the co-operation of local and state governments I am sure it will fulfil its initial promise."

OFC President Reynald Temarii was delighted with the outcome of the OFC delegation meetings with all local stakeholders and said any new development initiative based in New Caledonia would hold highly significant benefits for the wider region.

"The facilities being proposed include 3 full-sized pitches, a beach soccer pitch, futsal pitch and full administration block. I believe this will be a tremendous addition to OFC and a boost for the development of football throughout the South Pacific," Temarii said.

How does it feel to be part of the first New Zealand team to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup?

It's a brilliant feeling. We're extremely proud of the fact that we're going to Canada - and we're all extremely excited about it. Playing in a World Cup at any level is something special.

What did you make of Saturday's draw?

It's a very interesting draw. I actually followed it live on FIFA.com on Saturday evening and I'm really looking forward to playing Mexico, Portugal and Gambia. It will be a great experience. We're going to come up against a team from Central America, Europe and Africa, so there will be a great contrast in styles for us. Hopefully, we'll learn a lot.

Do you have any experience of playing any of those sides before?

I've faced Portugal before when I was playing with England's youth team. I've got a good idea of what they're like and I know a few of their players as well.

Are you confident that you can cause an upset?

I'm sure we can. We're not going over there just to make up the numbers. We're going over to represent Oceania and New Zealand. We're quietly confident that we can cause an upset - and perhaps get past the group stages.

You mentioned there about representing Oceania - the standard of football in the region, particularly among the island teams seems to be getting better and better...

It certainly is. During qualification I was quite surprised by the standards of the teams we faced. People underestimate how good they are. I think people look at Oceania and expect New Zealand to easily win every competition we enter, but that is not the case - and I'm sure it will get harder in the future. It's good for the region.

The Solomon Islands gave you a shock in the opening game didn't they?

Yes. That was a tough game for us. Everyone expected us to win the tournament comfortably, but it was not easy. Because of the expectation placed upon us, we were very nervous going into that match. We had a man sent off, which gave them a good advantage as the game wore on, but we stuck together as a team and managed to get a draw, which was a good result. But I have every respect for the Solomon Islands team - they played good football and did very well throughout the tournament.

The Fiji match looked like an interesting contest, especially as you were given a police escort off the pitch at the final whistle. What was your take on the situation?

It was a fiery football game - one that we expected and one that we talked about beforehand. We knew that they would try and get at us and we had to match them. It happens in football sometimes; tempers can flare and people can get a little bit over excited. But it was a good game to compete it. I enjoyed it and so did the team. To actually win the match was the most important thing for us.

People seem to look to you on the pitch for a little bit of inspiration. Do you feel any pressure on yourself?

I didn't feel that I had any pressure on my shoulders from the coaching staff or from Stu Jacobs. I was happy to join up with the team - and it was a great experience for me. I probably put a bit more pressure on myself, as I'm playing with a Premiership club - and I set myself extremely high standards. At the end of the day, we knew that we had to get through - and that was our main priority.

That pressure was visibly relieved when you scored against New Caledonia after missing the two penalties!

(He laughs).

Yes, I was pretty disappointed with myself and I apologised to Stu afterwards, but he told me that it was just one of those things. I tried to keep my head down and keep working hard in the match. I knew of I did that then something would go right for me, so I was delighted when I finally scored the goal to win the game.

Are the lads in the squad going to allow you to be on penalty duty now?!

There might be some discussions when we come together again (he smiles), but I won't be afraid to take another one. I won't shy away from it. I'm sure we'll talk about that when we get there.

You mentioned Stu Jacobs there. What's he like as a coach?

He's a great coach: a real motivator. He's a tactician too - and he's the type of person that can make a squad bond together. I think that was important, especially for the type of tournament that we were involved in for the U-20 qualifiers. We were together for three or four weeks beforehand, so that the team could get - and we did just that. I'm delighted that he's managed to guide us to the World Cup. All the lads are looking forward to seeing him and working with him again.

The people surrounding New Zealand Soccer are very passionate about the direction they want to take aren't they?

They are indeed. Football in the country is progressing all the time and especially with the opportunities that we have now that Australia have moved into Asia, a lot of doors have been opened. We now have a realistic chance of securing places in tournaments. I think, at the moment, the plan is looking extremely good for the next ten years.

You were born in New Zealand, but you've been in England for a long time. What's your story?

I was born in New Zealand, but my mother is English - my father is a New Zealander. I lived there until I was 13 and then moved to England for family reasons. I managed to get a chance with Fulham following a trial - and I have stayed there ever since. I played for England's U-13, U-16, U-17 and U-18 sides and then I managed to get in contact with Ricki Herbert. He spoke to me about the direction that New Zealand Soccer was taking in terms of what their plans were in terms of qualification for South Africa. A couple of months later we spoke again - and that's when I made the decision to play for the country of my birth, New Zealand.

That game against Brazil must have been an awesome experience for yourself?

It was. I was lucky enough to get on the pitch for the last seven or eight minutes. I joined up with the team two or three days before the game because I had to wait for international clearance, because of my appearances for England. But to get on the park and be part of the team was magnificent - a debut that you could only dream about.

Whose shirt did you get at the end?

I actually made a decision before the game that, no matter what, I would keep the shirt I made my debut in. However, at the end of the game, I headed into Brazil's changing room and managed to get the squad to sign my shirt, I've actually got that mounted on my wall at home.

Are there any players you look up to?

I try to learn from the best - and take points from their style of play. David Beckham is someone I have admired for a long time, so he's probably been my most influential footballer.

OFC's relationship with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community was strengthened today when the OFC delegation led by Reynald Temarii met with Dr. Jimmie Rodgers of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community prior to the opening ceremony of the celebration of the International Day of Women on Thursday 8th March.

Dr Rodgers was eager to reiterate his strong will to sign the MOU with the OFC in regards to the common objectives at the core of the project development at stake.

He expressed his congratulations on the goals of the confederation for its strategic plan " OFC Vision 2007-2018" and its first phase " Win in Oceania with Oceania 2007-2010" especially in terms of programmes implemented in the field of youth development and promotion of women, two key issues for the SPC Director General.

Rodgers acknowledged the key position of OFC in education and its concern for youth and women and the issues facing the implementation of its programmes particularly in the remote areas of the region. Rodgers issued his support to help solve the barriers of distance through new technologies and SPC expertise and services was tremendous.

OFC President Reynald Temarii welcomed Dr. Rodgers statement that the OFC network of partners was clearly attractive to the development of the South Pacific and the need to deepen and enhance every aspect of the cooperation between OFC and the SPC to discuss further projects was essential.

SPC and OFC's matters will reach a new step with the participation of Dr Rodgers at the FIFA Com-Unity course that will be held in Noumea from 18-20 June with the SPC to host the next OFC Executive Committee meeting at the end of 2007 where an agreement between the two organisations will be signed and ratified.

Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) President Reynald Temarii and FIFA Ambassador in Oceania Christian Karembeu have arrived in New Caledonia on a diplomatic mission that could see OFC relocate to the French Territory by 2011.

Temarii and Karembeu are currently touring New Caledonia as part of the groundbreaking ceremony celebrations of the first phase of the Goal Project for the New Caledonian Football Federation that will take place on Friday 9th March in Paita.

The FIFA Goal Project will provide the New Caledonia Football Federation with an academy and technical centre but it has reached a new dimension with the advent of the "Win in Oceania with Oceania 2007-2010" programme as it encompasses the construction of a regional technical centre that will help the confederation better service its member associations.

The proposal to move the OFC Headquarters from Auckland to New Caledonia is still in its preliminary phase but it is hoped that meetings held with various branches of the local government and the French State to guarantee OFC the maintenance of the same advantages it currently enjoys in New Zealand will bear fruit.

This OFC delegation of Reynald Temarii, Christian Karembeu, the President of the Caledonian Football Federation (CFF) Mr Claude Fournier, the OFC Deputy General Secretary, Mr Frederic Guillemont and the OFC PA Noelline Parker met the President of the Government of New Caledonia, Ms Marie NoÃf«lle Themereau at her headquarters in Noumea in a bid to finalise in principle agreements.

One such agreement could involve the local Department of Customs and Tax allowing exemptions in return for the OFC's continued support for the development of football in New Caledonia and through programmes such as the Goal Project that will be implemented either in terms of finance, technical or human support.

Any move to the French Territory is also viewed as the ideal way to secure and tighten up the relationship between New Caledonia & French Polynesia though football.

The OFC President and his delegation also met the President of the South Province, Mr Philippe Gomes, its Vice president Mr Philippe Michel and the Mayor of Paita Mr Harold Martin, local politicians of the area OFC hopes to move its operations too.

OFC President Reynald Temarii said the impact of the proposed move of the OFC headquarters from New Zealand to New Caledonia in terms of economic, social and international development and the opportunity for the French Territory - and the possibility of hosting a FIFA event - were huge incentives for the government to ratify the proposal.