The Solomon Islands beach soccer team defeated international newcomers New Caledonia 6-0 to secure passage to the event which is being held in their backyard this year, in Papeete, Tahiti.
Omokirio says not knowing much about their opponents New Caledonia meant they were apprehensive to begin with but were fortunate to have been able to watch their encounter against Vanuatu a day earlier.
“This is our first time playing against New Caledonia and we don’t know their strengths. But having watched their game yesterday and looking at their statistics we knew that if we used our strengths, which is speed and endurance, we could outlast them,” he says.
“We knew that if we could outrun them and in the end that is what we did.”
Omokirio says with the Beach Soccer World Cup at home in Oceania, he is certain his side will hold a slight advantage over their opponents.
“Actually, that’s why we really wanted to go to this World Cup. It’s the same weather as in the rest of Oceania and we will be trying to do our best,” he says.
“Also, we will be trying to get to the second stage. We’ve always gone out in the group stage so we’ll be trying to get to the second stage.”
A veteran of the squad and one of the standouts during the 2011 qualifiers, Omokirio says it is a very different feeling leading the side as a coach, as opposed to being out on the pitch as a player.
“Looking from outside, I used to play, but now from outside it’s totally different. But I’m very excited, I’m happy that we are still producing the same results,” he says.
“As a player now as a coach, we’re still winning so I’m very excited.”
With just over two weeks until everything kicks-off in Tahiti, Omokirio plans to knuckle down with his charges and make a few minor tweaks to their game but is keeping his cards close to his chest when asked to elaborate.
“We are trying to improve on our weaknesses and build on our strengths so that is what we are going to do for these next two weeks.
“I want to keep our specific plans quiet but we will build on our teamwork and spirit, so we can be stronger.”
Having come to New Caledonia with a fit, strong team who completed the task at hand, he is now faced with the dilemma of who to take to Tahiti.
Veterans of the side like James Naka and Robert Laua are sure to feature thanks to their experience and expertise in the game, while youngsters like Anthony Talo have proved they can adapt quickly to the game.
“We have some players back at home, especially with a bit of height. We are looking at maybe doing a few changes, but otherwise we’ll just stick to the team and build on the winning team we have here.”