Italian Mauro Bertoni is hoping to lead his new side to their first title in Oceania’s premier international club competition.
“I am very excited and looking forward to my first OFC Champions League with Amicale FC,” Bertoni says.
“Life is not the same here in Vanuatu as in Italy but I have to accept it and continue to help the Amicale players.”
Bertoni has spent the past seven months coaching youth football in Sydney at the Football Mundial soccer school, with his new role his first in the Oceania Confederation.
“I have seen some footage of Auckland City and other clubs in Oceania and I have a lot of respect for them.
“My job now is to work hard with my coaching team and put a good team together before the Champions League starts in April.”
The recruitment drive has already begun for Amicale as they look to assemble a strong side capable of unseating the current champions.
Club president Andrew Leong recently welcomed three Italian players; midfielder Giorgio Bertacchi, defender Giannario Liburdi, ands striker Michele Ganz.
A member of the 2014 semi-final reaching squad is Scot Colin Marshall who will be joined by New Zealander Ian Hogg who has also previously turned out for the Vanuatu club, during the 2014 OFC President’s Cup.
Leong also has four Solomon Island players lined up to join the side and today the signing of Argentinan striker Deigo Nadaja was announced.
“Diego will be a welcome addition to our strike force which also includes James Naka, former Auckland City striker Adam Dickinson and exciting young Italian striker Michele Ganz.”
Amicale FC will open their 2016 OFC Champions League campaign against newcomers Lae City Dwellers of Papua New Guinea on the opening day of competition at QBE Stadium in Auckland.
For more on Vanuatu football visit www.vanuafoot.vu.

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