Wynton Rufer – Oceania Player of the Century- who takes charge of the young Papua New Guinea side is aware that the Solomon’s outfit is a tough opponents but he is far from ready to concede defeat.
“Solomon Islands are a very strong team but we just have to try our best and we might get lucky on the day,” he said.
“I would have preferred American Samoa in the first game to hopefully win and for the players to gain some confidence but the U-20 championship will be tough as all other teams are going to be strong.”
Rufer says his side needs to be focused on the task which lies ahead of them rather than get too caught up in the order of fixtures.
And he says his defenders will need to be at their best during the OFC Championship.
“Solomon and Vanuatu have quick players and they are very skilful and will be tough to contain. These matches will be derby games for us and who know maybe the boys can step up and pull off a surprise,” he said.
As hosts of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, New Zealand has earned an automatic spot as tournament hosts, leaving six of Oceania’s Member Associations attempting to join the Junior All Whites next year.
But while Rufer prepares for tomorrow’s big kick-off, he spared a moment to remember former All Whites team-mate Duncan Cole who passed away suddenly yesterday aged just 55.
“This is very sad news. Duncan was one of the younger members of the 1982 All Whites side and I always remember his trademark shell necklace that he wore during the campaign.
“I was young and impressionable back then and wore one of those necklaces, too.
“I would’ve been 17 or 18 when I made the side and Duncan was in his early twenties. Life is a precious gift and so fragile,” Rufer says.
Cole played 58 times for the All Whites including every match of the qualifying campaign and the three matches in Spain with Scotland, USSR and Brazil.
“Duncan was a physically strong player and very reliable. My first reaction to the news is one of shock as he was only 55 years old which is too young.
“I remember him as a fierce competitor and a key figure for the All Whites during the Road to Spain,” Rufer says.
Cole made his full New Zealand debut on June 7, 1978 against an England B side in Christchurch, and his playing career for the All Whites spanned 10 years and 92 appearances.
Rufer made a scoring All Whites debut against Kuwait on 14 December 1981, a match the New Zealanders drew 2-2 and he remembers Cole as a key figure that day.
“Duncan was in the team that day and we managed to get a very important draw. I extend my condolences and prayers to Duncan’s friends and family,” he says.
Ends

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