This weekend they get their campaign underway with two international friendlies against the England national beach soccer team.
Tiki Toa captain Naea Bennett says the date for this friendly series is timely.
“These two matches allow us to celebrate the anniversary of the Beach Soccer World Cup held in Tahiti a year ago,” Bennett says.
“It was a magical moment because the fellowship we had with our people was exceptional.
“It’s good to take a glance at this period in our history because our country needs its people to be united in confronting the many challenges the Fenua faces including providing jobs for our youth.”
Player-coach Teva Zaveroni notes the importance of the matches as the starting point for the team’s preparations for the Oceania qualifiers.
“These two matches are a chance for the Tiki Toa to officially launch their preparations with sights on the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup scheduled for July or September in Portugal 2015,” he says.
“To get there we need to win the OFC Championship scheduled for the beginning of the year.”
While the future is on the agenda Zaveroni says the side remain as close, and as focused, as ever.
“It’s true that we have been less visible, but we haven’t lost our solidarity, we haven’t let go,” he says. “At times, we have gotten together three times a week and sometimes in local touranaments.
England are currently ranked 43rd in the world rankings compared with Tahiti’s fourth, but after some promising results the locals are expecting a tough hit out against their visitors.
England have beaten Hungary, Azerbaijan, and Greece as well as recording wins against Uruguay and draws against Germany and Costa Rica.
For the Tiki Toa the international scene has been somewhat quieter with this weekend’s matches their marking their first friendlies for 2014.
However a number of players have been busy taking part in the OFC Champions League earlier in the year, before heading off to Switzerland where they helped the Sable Dancers successfully defend their Swiss Beach Soccer League title.
Among them was Zaveroni, who spent a month in Switzerland checking out the talent, and saw the progress the various European sides have been making.
“I know a few English players who are playing in the Swiss League. I also have an English friend who won the cup with the team from Zurich,” he explains.
“The English know how to play beach soccer. They maybe don’t have the same level as the Swiss, but they shouldn’t be taken lightly.
“The European teams are becoming more and more competitive, especially the countries in the East. It’s up to us not to get too far behind them.”
Swiss national team player-coach Angelo Schirinzi led the Tiki Toa at Tahiti 2013 and made a welcome return to the shores of Tahiti for their upcoming friendlies.
“I am very pleased to be here so we can celebrate our World Cup together,” he says.
“Although I am Swiss, I am Tahitian in my heart. At the same time, I am also here to prepare the Tiki Toa for the next World Cup.
“The Swiss have already qualified and the Tiki Toa also need to be present in Portugal next year.”
Schirinzi says while some of the players may have been out of the beach soccer scene for some time, it wasn’t too noticable as he put them through their paces.
“After three training sessions, I can see that the individual technique is still there. However, the Tiki Toa need to regain their fitness levels for the top level.”
The Tiki Toa play two friendly matches against England on Friday 26 September and Saturday 27 September at Jardins de Paofai.

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