Maki takes over from Toroi Sokomanu, who resigned from the role last month. He will work closely with Lele William, the Just Play development officer for the Malamap Football Association.
The new man charged with running Just Play in Port Vila is no stranger to the development of football at the grassroots level. Maki previously worked for the Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) as the coordinator of junior competition Vanuakids for seven years before leaving the federation in 2006.
VFF chief executive Fabien Hoeppe is delighted to have him back on board.
“I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Kaison and thank him for coming back to VFF to work in the development of youth football again,” Hoeppe says.
“He is not new to children’s football in Vanuatu and I know that kids and teachers are looking forward to working with him soon. He will also work with the competitions department to organise tournaments for children all around both Port Vila and Vanuatu.”
VFF technical director Charles Vatu believes Maki is the perfect man for the job.
“He is one of the best coaches you could meet and the children and teachers will love working with him,” Vatu says.
Just Play is a unique FIFA-approved grassroots programme which promotes physical activity for primary-aged children while encouraging community involvement and healthy living.
Developed by the OFC social responsibility and technical departments, Just Play was launched in Vanuatu last April.
OFC is working closely with UEFA, the Government of Australia – through its agencies the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) – and Football Federation Australia (FFA) to roll out the programme across the Pacific. The Australian Government has shown its support to the project by contributing AU$4million.
In South Auckland, Just Play is supported by OFC’s partnership with the Sir John Walker Find Your Field of Dreams Foundation, Counties Manukau Sport and Auckland Football Federation.
For more on Vanuatu football go to www.vanuafoot.vu