The 12-man line-up was unveiled on Monday and included the surprise omission of established stars Fenedy Masauvakalo, Derek Malas and Fredy Vava.
Several Academy players were instead called up – Yvone August, Brian Kaltak, Lucien Hinge and Pascal Chapod – as Iwai signalled his intention to look towards the future.
Goalkeeper Chikau Mansale, who has been the tournament’s stand-out gloveman for the last three editions in a row, has also been included after showing good form in the O-League and domestically for Amicale. He will fight it out for the No 1 jersey with Tafea counterpart Alfred Malas.
Former Spirit 08 midfielder Seimata Chilia, one of Mansale’s team-mates in the 2008, 2009 and 2010 squads, has also made it back into the fold after rediscovering his best form for Amicale.
Not so fortunate are Tafea duo Namatak Silas and Robert Thomas, both of whom Iwai has opted to leave out.
Iwai says the pair failed to impress enough while on international duty.
“I have to test the players when they are in the national team,” he says. “I also follow their form for their clubs and I have had to make my final selection for Tahiti.”
Vanuatu will be joined by defending champions Solomon Islands, hosts Tahiti and Fiji at the event and each of the sides will be fighting for a place at the 2011 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, to be held in Ravenna, Italy during September.
Iwai is calling on the fans to help his side get to Italy by backing the team, regardless of their thoughts on him as coach.
“I beg the Ni-Vanuatu soccer fans for their support,” he says. “If they don’t like me or any other thing, that’s fine, but I want them to support us from the first game to our last game.”
Vanuatu squad for OFC Beach Soccer Championship
Goalkeepers: Chikau MANSALE (Amicale), Alfred MALAS (Tafea)
Outfield players: Andrew CHICHIRUA (Tafea), Seimata CHILIA (Amicale), Francois SAKAMA (Tafea), Pascal CHAPOD (Academy), Brian KALTAK (Academy), Don MANSALE (Tupuji Imere), Etienne MERMER (Tafea), Lucien HINGE (Academy), Yvone AUGUST (Academy), Nikiau Filiamy (Spirit 08).
Head coach: Richard Iwai
Assistant coach: Toroi Sokomanu
Team manager: Ham Isaie
For more on Vanuatu football go to www.vanuafoot.vu