The games are part of a day-long beach soccer festival held at the Jardins de Paofai, the venue where the Tiki Toa qualified for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Italy by pulling off an upset win in the OFC Beach Soccer Championship.
This weekend’s tournament offers the last opportunity for fans to meet the players and watch them in action before they head to the golden sands of Ravenna for the World Cup, which runs from September 1 to 11.
To help them prepare, a total of 16 local youth teams will take on the Tiki Toa on Saturday in an competition made possible by the Papeete Council and the Papeete Nui Youth organisation. The concept of the tournament is to stage a mock World Cup with each side representing one of the countries that have qualified for Italy 2011.
Tahiti will be staging a World Cup of its own for real two years from now when it plays host to the 2013 FIFA event.
But the national side has this year’s edition to focus on first and will be hoping the support of the locals on Saturday will give them a welcome confidence boost ahead of the tournament.
“We have nothing to lose,” says captain Naea Bennett of the Tiki Toa’s World Cup campaign.
“We will not have to remind ourselves to honour the jersey and make our country proud. We will play for our supporters because we would not be going to Italy if it wasn’t for them. Anything is possible in one tournament.”
The Tiki Toa, which translates as Warrior Men, have avoided the likes of heavyweights Brazil and Portugal in the World Cup draw but will still be in for a tough challenge after being placed in a group featuring Russia, Nigeria and the yet-to-be-determined third-place finisher from Conmebol, the South American confederation.
Bennett has great belief in his side but admits the Tiki Toa will have to peform to their maximum capabilities in Italy.
“I think we have all the qualities to win a game and qualify for the quarter-finals. But this result will depend on us, our preparation needs to be good so we are ready to give our best.”
‘World Cup’ beach soccer festival
Jardins de Paofai
Papeete, Tahiti
Saturday 30 July
9am Introduction to beach soccer
10am Group stage matches
3pm Quarter-finals
4pm Semi-finals
4.45pm Grand final