Vanuatu return to the sands after a seven-year hiatus, eager to make a strong impression against regional talent.
The team is bolstering its squad with several futsal national team representatives, promising an exciting brand of football for the team.
“Preparations have been going good, at this point in time we just want to be on the pitch playing,” said Head Coach Terry Malapa.
With three silver medals from previous OFC Beach Soccer tournaments, the team is determined to make their sixth appearance count.
“We know after missing out for a while in competing at this stage, things can change. The atmosphere, the heat of the games, and players do change, so we want to come back and set a realistic baseline for Vanuatu and build from there.”
History
This year will mark Vanuatu’s sixth appearance at OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup, following their last appearance in 2019 where they finished in fourth place.
The side appeared in the first three editions of the tournament, claiming silver in each after falling to the Solomon Islands in every final.
The Coach
Coach Terry Malapa takes the helm for Vanuatu, having assumed the role in the months leading up to the tournament. Following the teams historic past, Malapa is determined to lead Vanuatu back to those heights.
“We want to come back and reclaim that spot. Beach soccer is full of surprises, we can cause an upset where we can. We will keep our heads high and play with out hearts.”
“We are looking forward to the tournament and to build a reputation when the tournament comes to an end.”
The Squad
With a selection of futsal players, U19 national team representatives and 11-aside football talent, Malapa says his team will bring a different style of play to the pitch.
”We have a good selection of players and most of this players are in the development stages. We have players from the U19 some from the futsal national team and outdoor players.”
“We have a player from the U19 who plays goalkeeper but turns out to be a good target so yeah its a different game altogether.”
Player to Watch
19 year-old Paul Takaro enters the OFC Beach Soccer Nations Cup for the first time after frequent appearances for other Vanuatu national teams at OFC competitions, including the recent U-19 Championship in Samoa and last year’s OFC Futsal Men’s Cup in Fiji. At the latter, Takaro delivered a crucial second-half equaliser against regional powerhouses and eventual champions, Solomon Islands.
Having also previously captained Vanuatu’s U-16 national side in 2022, the rising star will brings leadership, finishing and pace to command the midfield on the sand.
Squad List
Match Schedule
(All matches will be held at Aorai Tini Hau, Pirae, Tahiti)
Papua New Guinea v Vanuatu
Saturday 24th October, 2pm local time
Tahiti v Vanuatu
Monday 26th October, 4pm local time
Vanuatu v New Caledonia
Tuesday 27th October, 2pm local time
Vanuatu v Solomon Islands
Thursday 29th October, 4pm local time
How to Watch
All matches are available to watch LIVE and FREE on the OFC YouTube Channel