The event – the second consecutive Invitational futsal tournament run by OFC – will feature four Oceania nations, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Tahiti and Vanuatu as well as one special guest from the Asian Football Confederation, last year’s runners-up, Malaysia.
The inclusion of Malaysia, made possible by the fact that this year’s tournament is not a regional qualifier for the FIFA Futsal World Cup, will once again raise the standard of the tournament.
Malaysia were incredibly busy throughout 2013 playing numerous international friendlies and competing in tournaments around the world, including the OFC Futsal Championship Invitational in Auckland, New Zealand. In 2014 they competed in the 13th AFC Futsal Championship in Ho Chi Minh City in May where they finished bottom of Group C on equal points with Chinese Taipei, but behind Thailand and Lebanon.
While the visitors are no doubt the favourites to lay claim to the title in the absence of last year’s champions Australia, they will be up against some tough opponents as Oceania countries have shown steady improvement in their futsal development over the past few years.
New Zealand has been progressing steadily with the FIFA Futsal World Cup qualifications around the corner they remain focused on their ultimate goal. With coach Scott Gilligan at the helm the side finished third in last year’s regional futsal tournament and are hoping to improve on that finish this time around.
The majority of that side returns for the trip to New Caledonia, with Marvin Eakins leading the contingent on-court. 2013 Golden Boot Dylan Manickum will be looking to retain that title and fire his side to the top of the regional rankings. Jan Fischer and Mohamed Kamri have made the step up from the New Zealand Invitational to the senior squad proper for this event, with the only other new face that of Lucas Cordeiro Da Silva who returns to the fold after making his last appearance for the Futsal Whites in 2012.
Tahiti have continued to steadily improve their technical and tactical knowledge of futsal and with a strong development programme more quality players are expected to emerge. Mote Tino, who delighted with his dribbling skills and strong finishing ability leads a strong crew of returning players including Jacob Tutavae, Gerard Tetauira, Gabriel Kavera and Alexis Toofa.
The remainder of the squad are all new to this tournament, though one name in particular stands out. A little over a year ago Teaonui Tehau was making history in Brazil with the Tahiti national team at the FIFA Confederations Cup and he’ll certainly be one to watch in New Caledonia. Coach Heitapu Hunter remains in charge and will certainly be looking to next year’s FIFA Futsal World Cup qualifiers as his side tries to assert some regional dominance in a discipline they hope to make their own.
Vanuatu are another OFC Member Association that is putting in the hard yards to create a solid foundation for the game. Futsal Gideon’s coach Louis Dominique was appointed VFF Futsal and Beach Soccer development officer in 2013 and started working on a long-term futsal development strategic plan almost immediately. The goal was to boost the local futsal leagues all over the country to create more challenging competitions, and he believes they are on their way.
Vanuatu are building from the bottom up, but they’re not forgetting the ultimate goal is qualification for the FIFA Futsal World Cup and this competition is one more step in their preparations for the qualifiers in 2015. The experience of captain Ben Hungai, making his sixth OFC Futsal Championship appearance, and Jacky John are sure to be vital to the side’s aspirations and there is plenty of youthful talent included in the lineup which is sure to be entertaining to watch.
For hosts New Caledonia last year’s tournament in Auckland is far from a fond memory. Despite showing some on-court talent the side struggled to overcome their opponents to finish a lowly eight-place. Disappointed certainly, but they won’t be dwelling on that as they return to the international stage with a home advantage. The steady hands of veteran goalkeeper Ronan Euzen have once again been called upon and paired with the attacking qualities of players like Ivan Pourouroro, Jess Poarairoua and Eric Saihuliwa the side can approach the task at hand with greater maturity and drive.
The OFC Futsal Championship Invitational is being held at Arène du Sud in Païta, New Caledonia from 12-16 August 2014.
For the full squad lists click here
For the match schedule click here

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