Tahiti’s set to begin their campaign at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup™ in Seychelles, where they will face a tough challenge in Group C alongside Chile, Senegal, and Spain.

The two-time World Cup runners-up Tiki Toa (2015, 2017) have become synonymous with flair and resilience on the sand, and will be aiming to at least make the knockout rounds in what is likely to be a farewell appearance to legends like goalkeeper Jonathan Torohia and Raimana Li Fung Kuee.

The Tiki Toa have had a solid buildup, winning a three match series against Switzerland in Tahiti (2-1) before heading to the Middle East for an intensive training camp.

With the tournament kicking off in the idyllic island nation of Seychelles, Teva Zaveroni’s team are determined to build on their rich beach soccer legacy and stake their claim as serious contenders once again.

(Photo Credit FTF)

Tahiti’s preparation for the competition included the training  camp in Saudi Arabia, where they fine-tuned their physical conditioning and tactical setups under high-level conditions. The camp also provided crucial match practice and allowed the squad to acclimatise to the kind of heat and sand conditions they’ll encounter in Seychelles.

“The week in Saudi Arabia was mainly to absorb the jet lag” Zaveroni said. “We have had two friendlies in the Seychelles, one against Japan and the second with Mauritania.”

(Video courtesy of the FTF)

Group C presents a demanding test. Spain brings world-class pedigree and European tactical discipline, Senegal are reigning African champions known for their speed and strength, while Chile is unpredictable but capable of big upsets.

“For Chile, it’s going to be a tricky match, because Chile is the first qualifier, and they’re a team that’s also quite physically strong and fast, so we’ll have to impose our game, and above all, stay calm. Then we have Senegal, who I think are the most physical team in the World Cup. So it’s not about competing against them physically, but it’s about playing our game and holding our own defensively.” Zaveroni added.

Despite the challenging opposition, Tahiti head into the group stage with confidence, built on years of experience and a core of seasoned players who know what it takes to compete at the highest level.

Torohia was the goalkeeper of the tournament at the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup and came out of retirement for this edition. His presence is a massive boost for the Tiki Toa who won a dramatic OFC Beach Soccer Nations Cup in Honiara last October to qualify. That tournament featured a couple of epic encounters against host nation the Solomon Islands.

(Photo Credit FTF)

“We would like to schedule our training sessions around match times; it’s not always the case with the other teams’ schedules. So, we adapt, we prepare ourselves mentally, the pressure increases little by little, but we have to stay calm, concentrate and bring a lot of discipline to our game.” Zaveroni said.

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