The winner of the tournament will go on to represent Oceania at the FIFA U-20 World Cup and coach Stéphane Drahusak, who is being assisted by Emmanuel Hemelsdael, hopes he has enough talent at his disposal for New Caledonia to be genuine contenders.
He says the team has undergone a few changes in recent weeks.
“The group has been remodeled slightly since out first selection in January,” Drahusak says. “Some players have been able to join up with the team and they have seized their chance.”
Drahusak says the build-up to the tournament has not been straightforward but is confident of making an impact in New Zealand.
“We know it will be difficult because the preparations have been somewhat truncated. It’s always hard to adapt in regards to the availability of players, especially with the school holidays,” he says.
“But the players have worked hard in the training sessions and the squad has progressed nicely. It is therefore hoped we can perform well in New Zealand and wear the colours of New Caledonia with pride. The belief is there but there is much work to do to continue to grow.”
Nine members of the squad took part for senior teams in the national Super League this season and Drahusak will look towards them to drive his side on at the Oceania qualifiers.
“They can only take the team up,” he says.
The other OFC nations taking part in the event are American Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
New Caledonia squad for OFC U-20 Championship
Goalkeepers
William DEVIC
Rocky NYIKEINE
Defenders
Nicolas LUEPAK
Patrick QAEZE
André WAHNAWE
Robert DOKUNENGO
Medhi MAPOU
Adolphe PEAROU
Midfielders
Jean Claude JEWINE
Pascal KENON
Ludwig ZEOULA
Laurent POAHILI
Jordy XALITE
Emile WAHMETRUA
Joseph MILIE
Forwards
Leopold MAKALU
Rémi QAEZE
Kévin TAKAMATSU
Faby DEMENE
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