The Port Vila-based side will take on New Zealand rivals Auckland City in the first leg of the final at PVL Stadium on April 2 and president Chapod says the supporters and those working behind the scenes have played a key role in helping the team get there.
“I would like to thank all the football fans in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands for the support they have given us,” he says.
“I think we have done well so far and we hope we can keep playing good football until the last stage of the tournament, which is the final against Auckland City.”
The Amicale squad is made up entirely of players from Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands and Chapod is delighted to have had the support of fans in both countries. He believes things might have been much different without the backing of those supporters and others who have got behind the team, such as the Vanuatu Football Federation, sponsors, partners and the government of Vanuatu.
“Without your great support, we would not have achieved this wonderful Vanuatu football dream,” he says.
“We respect you all and thank you for your great support and I want to let the people of Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands know that we will play for them all in the two legs of the O-League final. The club has gone through many changes and challenges in the last few days but we will move forward and the boys are ready to play Auckland City next week.”
Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) president Lambert Maltock has also expressed his gratitude to the team.
“To finish top in the group is not an easy road and I want to extend my personal thanks to each of the players for their participation and great performances,” he says.
“For all the Solomon Island players, it is not easy to leave your wives and children back home and come to play for Amicale in Vanuatu. There is always room for improvement so keep your eyes on the target and be strong and faithful in your training for the two finals.”
For more on Vanuatu football go to www.vanuafoot.vu