Both coaches were emphasising quality of performance instead of results on the eve of Tahiti U-17 clash with New Zealand U-17 at Waikaraka Park, Onehunga, in Auckland today.
The first of which will get underway at Waikaraka Park tommorrow night at 6:30pm. The next two games are scheduled for Tuesday 19th December and Thursday 21st December.
The three international friendlies help form the build-up programme for both nations ahead of the OFC U-17 Championship in March 2007.
Tahiti coach Eddie Etaeta said for his team the training camp in Auckland heralded a first with the Federation Tahitienne de Football sending a team of any age into a professional environment.
“From a human perspective this is a valuable journey for the team. For many of these players this is their first trip to New Zealand and their first time outside of Tahiti.”
Etaeta said he was happy with the training the team had achieved in the camp so far but said the aim was to peak for the tournament in March.
“I don’t feel negative or positive ahead of these games with New Zealand; rather, I am neutral about them. Our key will be our own performances and developing the strength and spirit of our group rather than individual players.”
When asked what he thought of New Zealand Etaeta said he was suprised to see the Kiwis playing the ball on the ground rather than aerially.
“The technical quality of New Zealand is very good and they look like a team that wishes to play at every opportunity and on the ground. Previously New Zealand has played the ball in the air so to see a change to this style is a suprise.”
New Zealand coach Colin Tuaa echoed Etaeta’s comments about performance over results but admitted he knew little about Tahiti.
“The main point of these games is to see where we are at. It will be an important exercise for a few reasons – players wanting to stake a claim for the squad in March, it will be interesting to see how we deal with being favourites as the home side, and there is the psychological advantage of getting on top of an opponent before the OFC U-17 Championship”.
Tuaa’s side takes on a battle-hardened appearance given their relatively successful tours of the USA and South America when compared to the Tahitian side but goalkeeper Michael O’Keeffe said this would prove one of the series more interesting points.
“Our preparation has been quite good but I’m not sure of quite what to expect. We’re not underdogs for once and it will be interesting to play a team with South Pacific qualities.”