Fiji have often been described as the ‘sleeping giant’ of Oceania football. They have a strong development programme and coach Sunil Kumar has high hopes for his players.
“We have set our objective very clear from the first day with the staff and the players that we want to create history for Fiji. We want to be the first Fijian team to win the OFC Under-16 Championship. We want to show the Fijian flair and our identity of being fearless.” Kumar said ahead of his side’s opening match tomorrow against the Cook Islands.
New Caledonia coach Leo Lopez admitted it had been a difficult preparation for his side against the backdrop of the civil unrest in the country.
“With a difficult context to prepare for the tournament. But despite everything, thanks to the Federation and to the Government we were able to train. The parents of the players have made great sacrifices to be able to bring the young players to the training ground, and we try to do our best to represent the country.” Lopez said.
OFC Men’s U-16 Championship, Press Conference, IJSPF Papeete, Saturday 27 July 2024. Photo: DJ Mills / www.phototek.nz
New Zealand coach Martin Bullock disputed being tagged tournament favourite, partly because this is the first taste of international football for all the players.
“I don’t know if we are favourites. We’ve potentially got more resources and a bigger player pool than the other countries. We are probably labelled favourites based on history. I don’t think anything’s won based on history. This is a new group of players, like everyone else has got. So, we’ll see over the first couple of group games, we’ll see where we sit alongside everyone else. “Bullock said.
The Solomon Islands side may have been the last to arrive in Papeete, but they may also be the best prepared. The same group of players won the OFC U-16 Men’s Qualifying tournament in Tonga in April.
“It’s a different competition altogether, and it’s a challenge for us that we’re going to give our best. And we expect some outcome from the competition to please our passionate fans back home.” Said coach Eddie Rukumana.
The top two teams in each Group advance to the semi-finals with the two finalists and the winner of the third-place playoff booking their tickets to Qatar next year.
All matches are LIVE and FREE on FIFA +.
Source link : https://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc-u-16-mens-championship-ready-for-kick-off-in-tahiti/
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Publish date : 2024-07-27 22:30:48
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