The 26-year-old says he is looking forward to representing his country and with less than a week to go the excitement is building.
“This is the realisation of a dream I have had since I was a child,” John says of representing Vanuatu on the international stage.
“I don’t doubt that being named in the final 12 is one of the happiest days of my life.”
The left-footer remains modest about the part he will play when the side travels to compete in New Caledonia, but knows he will be doing his best to keep the team in the mix.
“I am emotional, anxious and nervous just waiting for the day we depart for New Caledonia,” he says.
“It’s up to me and my team mates to wear our hearts on our sleeves and give the fans some happiness. Who knows, we might upset some top teams in the competition.”
John was one of the key players in the national team when they beat Huka Futsal Club in a friendly on Saturday.
Dominique will be counting on veterans of the squad like John and captain Ben Hungai to lead them on the court against more fancied opponents.
“I believe the competition in New Caledonia will be tough,” Dominique says.
“Even if the Solomon Islands won’t be taking part, New Zealand, Tahiti and New Caledonia will be hard to beat – but I believe in my boys to come home with a good result.”
“As I mentioned last year, when we competed in Auckland, I have young players and we are ultimately preparing for the OFC Futsal World Cup qualifer next year,” he concludes.
Vanuatu will depart for New Caledonia on Friday 8 August. Their first match will be against Tahiti at 8pm on Tuesday 12 August.
For more on Vanuatu football go to www.vanuafoot.vu

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