Meet Keahinue Brown and Teahiva Tefaataumarama. The two Tahitian boys were part of an impressive Tahiti side at the OFC U15 Boys Development tournament in Auckland, and have been invited to trial at national clubs in France.
The pair of 14-year-olds were a dominant presence in the Tahitian midfield and helped their side to wins over teams from the Liechtenstein, the Solomon Islands and the Cook Islands at the week-long tournament in Auckland.
The tournament, which was funded by UEFA Assist and OFC, was graced by the presence of the most successful player to hail from the Oceania region, Christian Karembeu. The New Caledonian left Noumea for Nantes on a two week trial when he was 17 and the rest is history. A FIFA World Cup winners medal with France, a European Championship title and champions League glory with Real Madrid followed during his illustrious career.
There are no guarantees of course, but Brown and Tefaataumarama have a tremendous opportunity in the next few months.
Teahiva is off to an affiliate club of Ligue 1 side Toulouse and Keahinue to ASM Belfort, in the fourth tier of French football.
For Teahiva it’s a dream come true.
“It’s an opportunity to improve in a professional environment and learn how to become a professional,” the softly spoken central midfielder said.
Teahiva was a commanding presence in the Tahitian side’s midfield in Auckland and always appeared to have a lot of time on the ball. He impressed with his distribution skills and vision.
Likewise, Keahinue is relishing the opportunity to test himself at a higher level when he travels to Europe.
“I am very happy and I can’t wait to go” Keahinue beamed.
He was first noticed while playing in the Coupe de France for AS Venus. From there, Belfort got in touch.
Keahinue describes himself as a skilful ball player who is physically strong and fast. He was a menace running at opposing defences at the Development tournament.