The money was presented to the team by the Port Vila Football Association (PVFA) with the strict instructions that it should be used to make sure the players are eating the right food and preparing in a profession manner for the OFC championship, which takes place in Papeete, Tahiti from February 22 to 26.
PVFA representative Robert Calvo says it is important that Vanuatu approach the event in the correct way as there is a lot at stake.
Coach Richard Iwai and his men will fight it out with defending champions Solomon Islands, hosts Tahiti and Fiji to win the title and thus book a place at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2011, to be held in Ravenna, Italy during September.
“Without eating good food the players will not have enough energy to play good football,” Calvo says.
“Healthy foods are something they must eat all the time before a big tournament such as this. PVFA has given this money to help our boys eat the appropriate food after their trainings in the days leading up to the tournament.”
Coach Iwai is grateful to have received such a generous donation and says the support of PVFA is a timely boost as the team looks to bring back some positive results from Tahiti.
Vanuatu squad for OFC Beach Soccer Championship
Goalkeepers: Chikau MANSALE (Amicale), Alfred MALAS (Tafea)
Outfield players: Andrew CHICHIRUA (Tafea), Seimata CHILIA (Amicale), Francois SAKAMA (Tafea), Pascal CHAPOD (Academy), Brian KALTAK (Academy), Don MANSALE (Tupuji Imere), Etienne MERMER (Tafea), Lucien HINGE (Academy), Yvone AUGUST (Academy), Nikiau Filiamy (Spirit 08).
Head coach: Richard Iwai
Assistant coach: Toroi Sokomanu
Team manager: Ham Isaie
For more on Vanuatu football go to www.vanuafoot.vu