The teams are using the matches to finalise their preparations for the upcoming Pacific Games and the first game takes place today at PVL Stadium in Port Vila. The second clash will be held on Saturday at the same venue to coincide with Vanuatu’s Independence Day celebrations.
The Vanuatu squad is without the services of several experienced strikers so the coaching staff have decided to continue their recent policy of investing in youth by calling up Kaltack.
The talented 17-year-old has already appeared for his country at U-15, U-17 and U-20 level but is yet to make his senior debut. His progression into the top ranks has seemed inevitable for some time though as he has starred for each of the age-group sides.
Kaltack came to New Zealand twice earlier this year to take part in OFC tournaments – the U-17 Championship in January and the U-20 equivalent in April – and caught the eye at both events.
He notched five goals in January to be amongst the leading scorers and went one better three months later, finding the net six times to receive the tournament’s Golden Boot award.
His physical presence and clinical finishing proved a constant menace to opposing defences throughout his time in Auckland and Vanuatu assistant coach Philemon John is confident the youngster can make the step up to senior level.
“We cannot wait for our top strikers to come back and life goes on so we need to start using young players like Jean,” John says.
“We are very proud of him and look forward to seeing him in action for the national side for the first time.”
The going will not be easy against a strong-looking Solomon Islands side though. The Bonitos, who touched down in Vanuatu yesterday, have had the edge over their Vanuatu counterparts in the friendly series so far and will be looking to maintain their slight superiority.
The first two matches of the four-game series took place in Solomon Islands earlier this month and it was the home side who emerged with marginally more credit, posting a 2-1 win and scoreless draw at Honiara’s Lawson Tama Stadium.
But Vanuatu bounced back during their subsequent trip to Fiji, notching a 2-1 victory over the national side for a timely confidence boost ahead of the Pacific Games, which take place in New Caledonia during August and September.
Coach Saby Natonga and his men will look to keep increasing those confidence levels against the Bonitos this afternoon but their opponents will also be mindful of the need to maintain form and fitness going into the Games.
Bonitos coach Jacob Moli has brought several key players with him in a 17-man squad, including the likes of defenders George Suri and Samson Takayama, and midfielder Henry Fa’arodo.
“We are happy to be in Vanuatu to celebrate the 31st anniversary of their independence with the people,” Fa’arodo says. “I am sure all Vanuatu football fans will enjoy the games.”
International friendly
Vanuatu vs Solomon Islands
Wednesday 27 July
PVL Stadium
Port Vila, Vanuatu
Local kick-off: 3pm
Vanuatu: Ernest Bong (GK), Selwyn Sese, Alphonse Bongnaim, Meren Tambe, Saimata Chillia, Robert Yelou, Eddison Stephen, Daniel Michel, Robert Tasso, Kensi Tangis, Jean Kaltack, Kempes Vaharu, Michel Kaltack, Andrew Chichirua, Yvong August, Richard Garae,Tari Rickson, Jimmy Nakapue, Didier Kalip, Altred Malas (GK).
Solomon Islands: Shadrack Ramoni (GK), George Suri, Samson Takayama, Hadisi Aengari, Nelson Sale, Aleck Wickham, Tome Faisi, Henry Fa’arodo, George Lui, Joachim Waroi, Michael Fifi’i, Jeffery Bule, Seni Ngava, Joses Nawo, Abraham Iniga, Joe Luwi, Samson Koti (GK).