Poida will be leading Vanuatu’s U-15 team at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China next month.
Nanjing 2014 will be the second appearance at a Youth Olympic Games by a Vanuatu team, after they made their debut in Singapore in 2010. The side, then coached by Etienne Mermer, finished fifth after beating Zimbabwe in their final match.
This time around Poida is hopeful the development going on behind-the-scenes in Vanuatu will help boost the squad to an improved finish this time around.
“Firstly I would like to thank VFF for appointing me as the head coach and also thank you to OFC for choosing Vanuatu to participate in this important youth tournament,” Poida says.
“My boys have been working really hard in training for the last few months because we want to play good football and represent Oceania well in China.”
Vanuatu have been drawn alongside Cape Verde and Korea Republic in Group D, and Poida believes his sides’ preparations will put them in good stead to be strong competitors for their opponents.
“We have had five friendly matches so far with the Vanuatu U-17 team and the school teams and lost three, won one and drawn the other.
“The China tournament will be tough, but we are ready to play against Korea Republic and Cape Verde,” Poida says.
“Our main objective is to play well and score goals if we have the chance in front of their goal mouth. If we win one of the matches it will be good news for Vanuatu and Oceania football.”
The Vanuatu U-15 squad leaves for China on 11 August.
Match Schedule
Korea Republic vs. Vanuatu
Monday 18 August
8.45pm (local time)
Jiangning Sports Centre Stadium
Vanuatu vs. Cape Verde
Thursday 21 August
8.45pm (local time)
Jiangning Sports Centre Stadium
Squad list
1. Jelson TOARA (GK)
2. Benson RARUA
3. William KAI
4. Brian TAUT
5. Zolostino TANGHWA
6. Micah TOMMY
7. Samuel NAMATAK
8. Waiwo KALMET
9. Terrence ROBERTS
10. Ronaldo WILKINS
11. Leo RAU
12. Rene KUSE
13. Dick SETH
14. Johnny IWAI
15. Jules BOROROA
16. Rufare KALSAL
17. Lauren SAUREI
18. Vira WOMAL
Team officials
Coach: Moise Poida
Assistant Coach: Joel Rarua
For the full match schedule click here
For more on Vanuatu football go to www.vanuafoot.vu

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