The 17-year-old left Port Vila on Wednesday accompanied by his father Ivoky Kaltack, a former national team striker who played in Tahiti for nearly four years with Centrale Sportive.
The proud parent is delighted to see his son follow in his footsteps and is grateful for the support of those who have helped in the talented teen’s career so far, particularly the coaching staff at the Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) academy.
“I don’t know what to say but to thank the VFF academy and everyone who has helped my son to play quality football at an early age,” Ivoky says.
“He has made our family and village proud and we will continue to support him in his football career with Hekari United.”
Ivoky believes Jean has been given a exciting opportunity to further his development by signing for Hekari, who won the 2010 O-League and went on to take part in the FIFA Club World Cup in December of that year.
The side is looking to re-establish itself as a force in the O-League after failing to defend its title in the 2011 campaign, posting only one win in its six matches to finish bottom of Group A.
“I thank Hekari management for putting their trust in my son and hope he can perform well during the O-League competition.”
Hekari president John Kapi Natto was in Noumea last week to take in the action at the Pacific Games, a tournament Kaltack starred in by finishing as Vanuatu’s top scorer with five goals, and announced the signing of the teenage sensation soon after.
He will be one of a batch of new faces at the club, the other major signings being Fijian Isoa Simeoni, and Lae Besta United pair Raymond Gunemba and Nigel Dubunayaba.
It is the signing of Kaltack that is likely to cause most excitement amongst the Hekari faithful though as he has enjoyed a remarkable run of form and is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Oceania football.
He first caught the eye at the OFC U-17 Championship in Auckland in January, scoring five times for Vanuatu as they finished fourth. He and his country both went one better at the OFC U-20 Championship three months later in the same city, Kaltack notching six goals to win the Golden Boot as Vanuatu earned bronze.
His feats at the age-group tournaments were enough for the rangy forward to then to be included in the senior side during the preparations for the Pacific Games.
He impressed enough in the friendly lead-up matches to be included in the squad for the Games, which took place in New Caledonia during August and September, and continued his progress in Noumea by being among the top-scorers with a six-goal haul.
Hekari have been drawn in Group B for the 2012 O-League and will face Amicale, Koloale and Auckland City. Kaltack will not have to wait long for a trip home as Hekari’s first match is away to Vanuatu club Amicale on October 29.
For more on Vanuatu football go to www.vanuafoot.vu

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