Members of the squad visited the maternity, medical and surgical wards but were particularly well received in the children’s ward, where they handed out gifts to everyone.
Youngster Bong Aranabat was in the hospital with a broken leg, which he suffered during a kick about with his friends, and was delighted to meet some of his heroes.
“Today is a big day for me because I met all the Vanuatu and Solomon Islands stars of Amicale,” he said.
“I am very happy that they can come to visit me and my sick friends. We love them because they are our football heroes and we respect them a lot.”
Amicale captain Fenedy Masauvakalo says his players also got a lot out of the visit and thinks it has made them realise how lucky they are to be able to play football.
“This is the first time I have visited the people in the hospital and it has really touched my heart,” he said.
“We are happy that we are not sick and can enjoy life by playing sports like football. It’s very hard for the patients to be spending so much time in hospital.”
Amicale president Jean Yves Chapod says the players are very grateful for the support of those fans experiencing poor health and are pleased to have brought them some joy.
“We are very happy to visit the patients and we know that they are all on our side every time we play in the O-League,” he said.
“Football must unite people and we want to unite all the patients with football this Christmas. We thank them all for their prayers for the club and support.”
Dr. Richard Leona, the hospital’s acting director, was delighted to host the team, who lead Vanuatu’s TVL Premier League table after winning all seven of their games.
“This is the first time a football club has come to visit us,” he said. “I want to thank the club management for the idea and I know most of our patients are happy to see some of our football stars.”
For more on Vanuatu football go to www.vanuafoot.vu