Fiji, New Zealand FIFA U-20 World Cup draw known Coach Education under the spotlight New Zealand U-17 Chile-bound Figueira: The journey so far ...
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/ ISSUE SIX
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015
Fiji, New Zealand FIFA U-20
World Cup draw known
Coach Education under the spotlight
New Zealand U-17 Chile-bound
Figueira: The journey so far
2015 OFC Champions League powers up
OFC Insider 1
The year is well underway and as such it is that time where we look
forward with excitement to the upcoming OFC Champions League
competition set for Fiji from 11-26 April at Govind Park, Ba, and ANZ
Stadium in Suva.
The OFC Champions League has grown in strength each New Zealand, as host nation, were drawn in Group A and
year and our 12 best football clubs have no greater incentive take on Myanmar, the USA and Ukraine, a draw that while
to target victory than qualification for the FIFA Club World difficult also presents the Junior All Whites with a wonderful
Cup scheduled for December. opportunity to make a big impact on this, FIFA’s second
The performance of the OFC Champions League winners biggest men’s event.
at last year’s FIFA Club World Cup is tangible confirmation The spin-offs and benefits for New Zealand as host nation,
of the evolution and strength of our region’s top club and for the OFC Member Associations, are many with
competition. football taking centre stage in our region with two of our
The OFC Champions League has never been more teams competing. One only needs to recall the impression
competitive, on and off the field, and the rising standards of made by Tahiti when they finished fourth at the FIFA Beach
our competing clubs further strengthens this. Soccer World Cup two years ago. While Tahiti went close to
A lot has been said about the performance of the Oceania achieving a podium finish, Solomon Islands came within a
champions Auckland City FC last December and I have no whisker of reaching the knock-out stages, a truly remarkable
doubt the 11 competing clubs Amicale, Ba, Lupe Ole Soaga, performance.
AS Pirae, AS Tefana, FC Gaitcha, Suva, Team Wellington, I firmly believe our two representative teams can do the
Tafea, Hekari United and Western United will give their OFC proud in this regard as we are now less than 100 days
absolute best as they seek to emulate the reigning New away from their opening matches when the Junior All Whites
Zealand and OFC champions performances. take on Ukraine on May 30 and Fiji take on the might of
The venues chosen were carefully selected to reflect the Germany a day later in Christchurch. With global football
growing standard of stadia in the pacific where the ANZ powers Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Germany, Mexico,
Stadium in Suva sits as a shining example while also taking Portugal and Uruguay on our own doorstep, we are in for a
into account the sense of football tradition and passion that is football treat that only rarely visits our region. Together, let’s
part of the special match day experience at a packed Govind make the most of this opportunity.
Park, Ba.
The competition, unlike in previous editions of the OFC Yours in football
Champions League, concludes with two one-off semi-finals
and a winner-takes-all final at ANZ Stadium. It is fitting that
our flagship club tournament concludes in the capital city of a
nation gripped by football fever.
This is in no small way due to the excitement generated by
David Chung
the recent draw for the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand
OFC President
2015. Fiji, as you will be aware, have drawn Germany, FIFA Vice-President
Uzbekistan and Honduras at this tournament and will be PNGFA President
based in Christchurch, a mouthwatering prospect for the Fiji
FA who, for the first time, take part in a FIFA world event.
2 OFC Insider OFC Insider 3
IN THIS ISSUE
3 4 5
Draw sets the stage
OFFICIAL DRAW FOR ALL THE REACTIONS TO THE OFC U-17 CHAMPIONSHIP
FIFA U-20 WORLD CUP A HIT FIFA U-20 WORLD CUP DRAW IN REVIEW
February saw the Official Draw for the Find out what the coaches from New A full house of OFC Member
FIFA U-20 World Cup held in Auckland, Zealand and Fiji have to say about the Associations took part in this year’s
New Zealand revealing the path to glory outcome of the FIFA U-20 World Cup OFC U-17 Championship and it was a
for the participating teams. draw — and the reactions from some of long, tough journey to the title. Read the The Official Draw for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup was held to much fanfare at
their opponents. full overview. Auckland’s SKYCITY Convention Centre in New Zealand in February, unveiling
the challenge that lies ahead for the 24 participating teams.
As far as draws go, hosts and Oceania representatives New Zealand fared
relatively well. The New Zealanders will meet Ukraine in the tournament’s
opening match at QBE Stadium on 30 May, with Group A also featuring USA and FIFA U-20 World Cup
debutants Myanmar.
The tournament’s other first-timers are fellow Oceania representatives Fiji who Ambassador Ivan Vicelich
face a demanding entry onto the global stage with their first match a baptism of
fire against European champions Germany.
The Frank Farina led side will also face encounters against Uzbekistan and
Honduras in Group F.
The draw was a star-studded affair featuring a roll call of New Zealand
football history with Oceania Player of the Century Wynton Rufer joined as draw
assistants by former All Whites Steve Sumner, Danny Hay and Ivan Vicelich.
Proceedings were conducted by FIFA’s Events Director Colin Smith and
Senior Competitions Manager Rhiannon Martin. There were also speeches from
New Zealand’s Minister for Sport and Recreation Jonathan Coleman and from
FIFA Vice-President Jeffery Webb, who spoke of the tournament’s legendary
potential for unearthing stars.
“Several of the players who have starred in previous FIFA U-20 World Cups played
6-8 9 10-11 at last year’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil, such as James Rodriguez and Paul Pogba,” said
Webb, who is also chairman of the tournament’s Organising Committee.
“No doubt we will see more World Cup stars discovered here in New Zealand
B LICENCE/OFC OFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE THE BIG INTERVIEW: in a few months’ time. This is a wonderful competition that inspires many
COACH EDUCATION PREVIEW Jose Figueira youngsters, both boys and girls alike, to play the game and follow football clubs.”
New Zealand 2015 will be the 20th edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, a tourn- Former All White Ivan Vicelich has been through the
Coach Education is a key remit for Oceania’s premier club competition Jose Figueira has already achieved rollercoaster of emotions that comes with participating in
ament that has helped launch the careers of many of the game’s all-time greats.
improved development and the OFC is back! Get some early insight into a significant amount of success for a a FIFA tournament and says the lads from Fiji and New
Technical Department are pleased to the 2015 OFC Champions League as coach of just 33 years. We delve into Zealand are in for an exciting time.
say they are on track with the pathway the countdown to kick off on 11 April the path he’s chosen and the drive he “I think it’s a great draw. We’re going to see some huge
they are now offering Oceania’s continues. has to see New Zealand succeed on the matches and I think for New Zealand and Fiji it’s going to
coaches. world stage. be exciting times ahead.
Vicelich is honoured to be an ambassador for the event
and takes his role seriously so when it comes to getting
the New Zealand public behind the FIFA U-20 World Cup
the message is clear.
“It’s going to be a group of players coming down here
Official publication of the Oceania Football Confederation Oceania Football Confederation dreaming big and they’re all here to perform,” he shares.
The views expressed in signed articles are not necessarily the official views of Headquarters, 12 Maurice Road, Penrose, “You always see at this level a lot of attacking football, a
the OFC. The reproduction of articles published in OFC Insider is authorised, Auckland 1061, New Zealand lot of exciting football. You’re going to see, in New Zealand,
provided the source is indicated. Tel: +64 9 531 4096 Fax: +64 9 529 5143 the next superstar that’s going to make it in the future at a
Produced by: OFC Media and Communications Email: media@oceaniafootball.com senior event.”
Cover photo: OFC Media Website: www.oceaniafootball.com
Photography: Getty Images, Phototek and OFC Media
4 OFC Insider OFC Insider 5
FIFA U-20 World Cup
Official Draw Reaction
Group A New Zealand U-20 coach Darren Bazeley:
“We’re relatively pleased with the draw. Obviously
New Zealand every game is going to be very hard. There are no teams
that will be easy and everyone that’s here has qualified
Ukraine through tough tournaments to achieve their place.
USA “When you look at the teams we haven’t drawn – the big
hitters we were hoping to avoid – you’d have to see this is a big
Myanmar chance to make history. That said, managing expectations might
come into it now because we haven’t drawn any of the real giants.
The fact is, Ukraine, USA and Myanmar are still really strong and
have qualified from some tough regions.
“We need the crowd to be our 12th man. We’re playing at home
and have to make that count. It also won’t do us any harm that it will
be winter here, and maybe one or two of the other teams won’t quite
be as used to the conditions as our boys are. We’ll need to use all
of those factors – the crowd, the weather and anything else in our
favour – to make the most of this opportunity we have here.” OFC U-17 Championship in Review
Myanmar U-20 Coach Gerd Zeise: New Zealand’s Young All Whites will be winging their way to Chile come October after
“For the country, for the players, for me, it’s very securing their sixth OFC U-17 Championship title in a dramatic penalty shoot-out win
exciting because it’s history. We’ve never qualified for
a FIFA U-20 World Cup before. The population is very
US Soccer Director of National Teams over Tahiti in the final held in American Samoa at the end of January.
James Moorhouse:
proud of the team, and can be very proud. I’m sure we
“It’s very exciting to be in a World Cup With a 1-1 deadlock at the end of 90 minutes courtesy of a 60th Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Tahiti leapt ahead of their
won’t disappoint our fans. We are going to face three
with the host nation. That adds a lot of spice minute goal to Logan Rogerson for New Zealand and an 81st counterparts from the outset with double digit victories
teams that play a different style from us and I’m pleased
to the event and just makes it more exciting. minute equaliser for substitute Honoarii Kohumoetini, in line highlighting the group’s early matches. The journey to the semi-
in that respect to have avoided the South Americans. I
I think the draw went very well and it’s a draw with the tournament regulations and FIFA policy the match went finals was sealed for both Vanuatu and Tahiti with 2-1 and 3-0
think we play a bit more football than the teams we’re
where we can be successful if we play at the best straight to a penalty shoot-out. victories over closest contenders Solomon Islands. The final
up against, although they are sure to present a tough
level possible. These are teams who have eliminated Some heroics from goalkeeper Michael Woud to save the group rankings were decided in the last match of the group when
physical challenge.
other great teams to get here, and sometimes just first attempt from Tahiti’s Michel Maihi made all the difference Tahiti beat Vanuatu 2-0 to secure top honours and a semi-final
“I don’t know much about them but I do know that New
reading the names doesn’t do fair justice. as Louie Mills, Billy Jones, Oliver Ceci, Ben Mata and Connor against New Caledonia.
Zealand is strong. Playing in front of New Zealand’s home
New Zealand has been training together and should Probert all converted their penalties to give New Zealand A valiant showing from Vanuatu wasn’t enough to up-end the
crowd is a big motivation for my players.”
be very well prepared. They will want to do well at home a 5-4 win and tickets to their fifth consecutive U-17 World defending champions in their semi-final as New Zealand raced
since they will have the support of the home crowd. Cup event. to a 5-1 victory. New Caledonia fronted up to Tahiti with the same
Soccer is an up-and-coming sport there and they will “There are probably no nerves left actually,” New Zealand mettle as they’d produced against New Zealand but in the end
have that weight on their shoulders to go along with the coach Jose Figueira said following the match, “it was an the Tahitians proved too strong as they won 3-2 to secure a final
Group F excitement of the tournament. All of that will make them a
dangerous entity.”
unbelievable game, a roller coaster. If there was ever to be an
intense final today was the day. We kept true to how we wanted to
showdown against the defending champions.
Germany
play and I believe that we deserved to go through.
“We knew it was going to be a tough, tough game and I’m just
2015 OFC U-17
Fiji absolutely so proud of the boys today. We were very happy to Champions Runners-up Third
Germany coach Frank Wormuth: score against what is a very stubborn, well-organised and tough
Uzbekistan “It seems that we are favourites in team who were coming to get the draw. Once we got the lead we New Zealand Tahiti Vanuatu
Honduras this group and we need to do our thought we were one step closer but one moment of sleeping and
homework on these teams. I will go to we got punished but at the end of the day we got what we wanted.” Individual Awards
the Fiji Islands for two to three weeks The 16th edition of this popular age-group tournament
to observe the islands, I think it would provided one of the longest qualifying campaigns at this level to
Fiji Technical Director Ravinesh Kumar: be nice there. I have no experience of date, spanning two countries, two time zones and involving all 11
Fiji football or the Fiji Islands itself but OFC Member Associations.
“Getting Germany is fantastic for us. We could
we must start as favourite in this group. Of Samoa played host to Group A, where New Zealand and New
have had an easier start, it’s true, but to play the
course, in this sort of tournament it is normal Caledonia progressed to the semi-finals with near flawless
European champions at this level – world champions
for us to have good self-confidence. When records against Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Cook Islands.
at senior level – is an amazing opportunity for our
you start with a good team like Fiji normally New Zealand’s biggest test in the group stage came against
players. They are sure to learn from it and it will be
we have to win. But the other teams are good their Francophone opponents. After letting New Caledonia
invaluable for their development. We also know that
take an early lead the Kiwis hit back almost immediately firing Golden Ball Golden Boot Golden Gloves
we will be able to count on plenty of support enough to beat us so in the tournament we will
see what happens.” in three goals in ten minutes. A strong comeback from New Logan ROGERSON Larry ZAMA Vaiarii HALLIGAN
from all the Fijians living in New Zealand, [NZL] [SOL] [TAH]
Caledonia wasn’t enough in the end as the New Zealanders
particularly for a game like this.
secured the top spot in the group with a 5-4 victory.
“Realistically, this will be a learning
Meanwhile in the American Samoa capital of Pago Pago, Group
experience for Fiji. It’s our first time at
this tournament, or at any World Cup,
B action saw American Samoa, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Tonga
and Tahiti competing for the top two spots.
Fairplay Award
and it will all be new for our players. We
want to do well and to make a name for
American Samoa
ourselves.”
6 OFC Insider OFC Insider 7
The B Licence is no walk in the park.
The coaches are in-camp for 16 days straight before they return
to their homes and teams where they are required to provide
monthly reports updating the instructors on their sessions and
progress.
“This course was a higher level than the others with great
intensity and knowledge level which took all the participants to the
next level of coaching,” Kumar recalls.
And while there are highs and lows associated with taking the
next step, Kumar believes the long-term benefits far outweigh the
sacrifices that have to be made along the way.
“T he greatest opportunity to have come from
this would have to be the Fiji U-20 qualifying
for their first FIFA World Cup tournament in
the last 76 years of football here in Fiji.
“This has given me a greater profile here, with football-loving
people from around the country recognising me. I was also given
the responsibility of becoming this country’s technical director, a
title which speaks volumes.”
Although he may be among the best coaches in Fiji, Kumar
says the opportunities are endless and the pathway being offered
through the OFC Coach Education Pathway only inspires him to
continue learning.
“My dreams are to take Fijian football to greater heights and
have my country recognised in world football,” he says.
“Regarding upgrading my coach education, of course I will
Coach Education
continue to improve my education. My next step is the OFC A
Licence, there is a lot to learn and I think I have just started.”
For Margaret Aka, who took part in the December 2014 B
Participants praise
Licence held in Fiji, it was a case of stepping into the unknown.
While she’d been through the Grassroots Coaching Course
and the OFC C Licence, she says the B Licence was another level
entirely.
“I have very little prior experience in coaching and never
the coaching pathway
thought I would become a coach before I started volunteering with
the Development Centres and Centres of Excellence,” the former
Papua New Guinea national striker explains.
Having led the Papua New Guinea U-15 girls to
an historic fifth-place finish at the Youth Olympic
Games Football Tournament in Yanjing, China
Coach education is a strong part of the OFC
last year, Aka is on her way to establishing her
Technical Department development philosophy, in
coaching career.
particular offering a pathway to aspiring coaches
throughout Oceania. “Fear of failure as a coach and a self-assessment after the YOG
was daunting and haunted me for a while as I didn’t think I did well
The OFC B Licence, first introduced in 2012, is enough for the team,” she says.
now in its second cycle and remains the highest “That made me want to work hard and be better than what I did,
coaching accreditation offered by the Oceania which is what made me want to take part in this course.”
Aka was included on the participants list at the eleventh hour and
Football Confederation. We take a look at how says a massive thank you has to be extended to the OFC Technical
taking part has benefited previous participants, and Department staff, and PNGFA Women’s Development Officer
what the process has been like for the latest intake. Frederica Sakette who all pushed hard for her to attend.
“To be honest I was nervous going to the B Licence because
One of the most high profile graduates of the inaugural group I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare and I didn’t know what
of 19 coaches is Fiji’s Ravinesh Kumar who, after graduating, led to expect. However, as I found out, the B Licence was very
the Fiji U-20 as they qualified for the first FIFA tournament in the educational and interestingly some things were what I did as a
nation’s long footballing history. player.
Kumar, who left his teaching career behind to take up the role of “That helped me in understanding and getting through the
acting technical director with the Fiji Football Association, says the course content. The course outline and content was clearly defined,
B Licence changed his life. easy to understand and relevant to B Licence coaching level.”
“Firstly, it made me a better person in life. I started to understand Aka says the B Licence and the coach education process offered
my future and my career,” he says. by OFC are a product and pathway that she wouldn’t hesitate in
recommending.
“A fter this course my training sessions with my “I enjoyed it more than I thought I would - both the theory
teams — both local and national — changed. I could and practical sessions. I enjoyed planning training sessions for
feel the positive change in the learning environment presentation as it really tested the implementation of what I had
learned in terms of game understanding, tactical plays both in
as the coach and player interaction increased
“Before I took part in the B Licence I felt that, perhaps because of attack and defence and being creative as a coach.
resulting in effective player-centred learning.” my age, I wasn’t a well-respected coach. “I also loved the constructive criticism from the other coaches.
“I think at times I’m still treated as being ‘new’ to coaching, but It’s a great environment for learning as it pushes you to thrive.
Another thing Kumar has noticed is a greater level of respect for
being B Licence accredited has helped give me credibility where “I’m sure that completing this process will create further
his opinion as a coach among his peers.
perhaps in the past I might not have had it,” Kumar says. opportunities for me to continue my coaching career.”
8 OFC Insider OFC Insider 9
OFC Champions League
kick off looms
The big kick-off of the OFC Champions League
is just under a month away and OFC Insider is
previewing the action ahead as the top 12 clubs
vie for Oceania’s top prize and a berth at the
FIFA Club World Cup in December.
The 13th edition of the OFC Champions League kicks off on 11 April
in Group A when heavyweights meet minnows as AS Pirae take on
Preliminary title winners Lupe ole Soaga at Govind Park in Ba.
Talismanic midfield man Marama Vahirua will hope the Tahitian
club can at least emulate their semi-final finish last season while
their Samoan opponent’s ambitions may stretch to delivering three
credible and competitive performances in a tough section.
Co-host club Ba have home advantage again which could be
a key factor in a group that also features tournament debutants
Gaitcha of New Caledonia. It’s been ten years since a New Standing between the Capital Men and that lofty objective are
Coaching a long,
Caledonian side reached the OFC Champions League final so for Tafea FC, Vanuatu’s perennial champions and one of the OFC
Gaitcha history beckons. Champions League’s most experienced club sides participating in
The opening day excitement continues when defending the very first edition back in 1999. Despite that storied past, coach
but rewarding,
champions Auckland City FC take on co-host club Suva at ANZ Moise Poida’s beliefs in youth development and a strong grassroots
Stadium. The Navy Blues start as red-hot favourites to retain their programme means we can expect the composition of the Tafea FC
title and make it an incredible five-in-a-row championship wins. squad to reflect the philosophies of their leader.
Standing in their way are tournament debutants Suva who, like AS Tefana return to the OFC Champions League eager to make a
process
Nadi last year, must attempt to find a way beyond a team that has splash in a competition where their highwater mark was a runners-
left an indelible mark on the international stage. up finish two years ago. Former France international Pascal
Lurking in the same section are Amicale, a side that finished Vahirua’s influence may yet be seen in Fiji with the 40 caps plus
runners-up in both the OFC President’s Cup and OFC Champions midfielder involved in the club’s youth development programme.
League last season, but who have recruited players shrewdly Ominous as ever are Hekari United who racked up their eighth
from local, regional and international sources. Western United, domestic championship in a row last year. The Papua New Guinea
As a former elite coach Didier Solomon Islands new champions, make their tournament debut but champions are the only non-New Zealand or non-Australian club
Chambaron knows the hard work, if past performances by previous champions from their country
are anything to go by, could play a big part in determining who
to win OFC’s coveted club title but that achievement was now five
years ago. Difficult to predict on the pitch, Hekari are no strangers
dedication and, most importantly, time advances from this difficult group. to assembling powerful squads and may eye 2015 as the year they
Speaking of debutants, that flavour continues with the appearance return to the top.
that goes into being a successful coach. for the first time at these championships of Team Wellington. The semi-finals are scheduled for Suva on 21 April when the
Coached by Matt Calcott, the Capital Men have taken over three group winners plus the best placed runner-up convene to
The OFC Head of Coach Education and B Licence instructor Waitakere United’s mantle as chief challengers to Auckland City FC’s decide the two finalists. Five days later those successful semi-
says the 16 days spent in the learning environment in Fiji during dominance in the ASB Premiership and pack enough experience finalists meet in a winner takes all final for which glory and a berth
December was simply the beginning of a long journey for each of and talent to suggest they could be dark horses for the title. at the FIFA Club World Cup awaits.
the participants.
“Football is one of the most difficult sports to learn and master. “The purpose is to support their coaching process and also to
Most people now agree that it takes a long time to learn how to analyse how players improve throughout the year – both in training
develop players to an effective team or game capacity. and competition,” Chambaron says.
“However there appears to be a common perception that it “We want to be sure that coaches don’t focus on the certificate
doesn’t take very long to learn how to be a coach.” but continue to learn and improve as individuals. We know we are
Chambaron says that is a misconception. very demanding and expect a lot from non-professional coaches,
“Learning to be an effective team coach is a process that takes a but we consider that is the only way to develop the game.”
lot of time, effort and practice. Chambaron says since the completion of the first cycle of the B
“It takes around ten years to learn how to play, mastering Licence there has already been a noticeable difference in all areas
perhaps one or two positions in the team. for those coaches who completed the process.
“Why should it take one or two weeks to become the one who “They have developed self-discipline which has enabled them to
makes the whole team, who can plan and conduct a football be more reflective in terms of their own processes.”
programme to make the whole team better, who can observe and The progress is pleasing for Chambaron who is dedicated to
analyse the team performance on match day; identifying problems improving coaches throughout the region, and shines a positive
and solutions, the one who drives, inspires and develops players light on the pathway as the OFC Technical Department readies
and staff with a combination of planning, communication and itself for the next step in the pathway.
leadership skills?” “In September we will move to the next step with the first OFC A
It shouldn’t and it doesn’t, as Chambaron has taught all those who Licence,” Chambaron says.
have come through the OFC coach education pathway. “It is a big step forward for our department with two separate,
“We have introduced these coaches to a self-directed approach but connected, coach plans sitting beneath the strategy –
to continue to develop their skills and abilities in their specific community and performance.”
football environment,” he explains. Chambaron is excited to be able to offer Oceania coaches
The process for obtaining their B Licence will continue another step in their development and looks forward to seeing
throughout 2015 with each of the participants set to receive two in- some of his previous B Licence attendees putting their hands up to
country visits ahead of their final assessments. further their coaching careers in the future.
10 OFC Insider OFC Insider 11
“I think experience of all those landscapes — in youth, in “Experiencing academies in the UK at the same age and having
junior, at federation and at national — has probably given me been in the States, what I will say is there isn’t a lot of difference
a whole lot of tools to deal with different situations,” he says of technically between the players here and in those environments.
the journey so far. “I think the difference is that a lot of those other players at
“Probably where I haven’t invested as much time just yet is this age are moving into full-time environments and they’re on
in the academics of being book-smart so to speak, however my individually personalised programmes,” he explains.
personal coaching development matched with that hands-on, “That gives them the opportunity to have more contact
coach-smart experience is probably invaluable so I don’t regret time, with a consistent message which leads to better game
the path or the rigorous journey that I’ve had. understanding and knowledge. Having that kind of environment
“And it’s got me to where I want to be right now.” at the key ages of 12 through 16-17 is probably an area in New
Where he is right now is preparing a team of potential future Zealand where the gap begins to widen.”
All Whites for their first step up into the international arena — the But he believes New Zealand Football is on the right path with
FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile. their current approach to elite player development.
Figueira admits that it’s not going to be easy, but he’s confident “The level is not very different and with the U-20s being pretty
his charges will step up to the next level with ease. much full-time now, moving forward I believe the ideal plan is to
THE BIG
“It’s clear that it’s always difficult for a New Zealand side going make the U-17s full-time too.
to a World Cup but I think that’s changing in recent years. “That means that the all-important contact increases. And as
that evolves you’ll see those areas of ‘weakness’ becoming less
“The belief is there now, which other so moving forward.”
On top of that assessment, talent-wise, Figueira says New
teams have shown, but what we want to Zealand is closing in.
do with this group is go there and play “You’ll see from previous campaigns, and especially our
campaign, that we have some really exciting and creative players
with a clear identity.” and there’s no reason why they can’t showcase themselves and
perform on the world stage in Chile.”
“We don’t want to go there and survive in games and just hope
to get through we want to play with our identity in those three
pool games.
INTERVIEW
“But more importantly if the players can go there and perform,
and play with that clear identity — and whatever the results may
be — then it gives confidence to that group moving forward into the
The FIFA U-17 World Cup will be staged in
U-20s, and an understanding of how we want those players to play.” Chile from 17 October to 8 November 2015.
What could make it harder is the perceived gulf between
Oceania and the rest of the world, but for his part Figueira
says the difference between New Zealand and their global
counterparts isn’t as big as people may think.
Jose Figueira just led New
Zealand’s U-17 team through
the OFC Championship
unscathed to claim their sixth
regional title — the crowning
glory of his career so far.
However it hasn’t been an overnight rise.
Along the way the 33-year-old has dabbled in a bit of
everything as far as coaching goes.
First arriving in New Zealand over ten years ago to take up a
job with Auckland Football Federation, then Soccer 2, Figueira
was responsible for its international player development
programme, better known as the Federation Talent Centre. “That was an amazing experience over there and obviously
Next he moved into the realm of women’s football taking on the working for a professional environment you see and learn so
inter-school scene first with Epsom Girls Grammar before taking many new things and new ideas.”
the reins of a Western Springs side littered with past and present Returning to New Zealand and Central United in February
Football Ferns. 2014, Figueira was again keen to seek out new challenges, so
“I enjoyed my time over those few years; coming close in the when the national U-17 role was advertised he put his hand up —
league and winning the women’s cup. and was successful.
“Then I made a decision, based on seeing myself long term He says each of those stages of his career and the different
on the male side of the game, to take up an opportunity with levels of football he’s experienced over the years have led to the
Central United.” point he is at now.
Subsequently his next move was a personal one as he followed
his now wife to New York, but it was by no means a decision that “I’m only 33, and I say only because I
hampered his own career.
The young coach soon found a role that allowed him to could probably still be playing. But I “My personal coaching development matched with that hands-
continue along his chosen path, spending three years working made a decision when I came to New on, coach-smart experience is probably invaluable so I don’t
with the New York Red Bulls, responsible for the club’s pre-
academy players. Zealand that the coaching pathway was regret the path or the rigorous journey that I’ve had.”
what I wanted to invest my time in.”
12 OFC Insider OFC Insider 13
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
NEWS FROM MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS COMPETITIONS
OFC Champions League
11 – 26 April / Ba & Suva, Fiji
FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015
30 May – 20 June / New Zealand
XV Pacific Games Port Moresby
(OFC Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers/OFC
Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifier – Stage 1)
4 – 18 July / Papua New Guinea
OFC President’s Cup
August / TBA
FIFA World Cup™ Oceania Preliminary Qualifiers
31 August – 8 September / TBC
OFC U-20 Women’s Championship
10 – 24 September / TBC
FIFA U-17 World Cup 2015
17 October – 8 November / Chile
FIFA Club World Cup
December / Japan
AMERICAN SAMOA PAPUA NEW GUINEA *All dates correct at the time of publication
The Football Federation American Samoa donated a sizeable sum Just Play continued its upward trajectory in Oceania with a Train the NOTICES
in contribution to the construction of a new gym which will service Trainers workshop held in Port Moresby in January. Nine coordinators
Pago Pago. The federation hopes to launch a futsal league once the from seven provinces attended the four day workshop with the objective
building is complete. Pago Pago played joint-host to the 2015 OFC U-17 of equipping attendees with the basic skills to conduct a teachers and Moise Poida of Vanuatu has been appointed to the FIFA
Championship, with Group B and the knock-out stages held there. volunteer’s course. Technical Study Group for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New
Zealand from 30 May – 20 June.
COOK ISLANDS SAMOA
Cook Islands trio Dwayne Tiputoa, Kimiora Samuels and Owenne FFS successfully oversaw all 15 Group A matches during the 2015
Gordon Glen Watson has departed from OFC and his role as
Matapo are the 2015 CIFA Scholarship recipients and will attend Mount OFC U-17 Championship as it played co-host to the competition with
Albert Grammar in Auckland, New Zealand. Referee Tupou Patia made neighbouring American Samoa. Head of Media and Communications following a tenure that
it on the list of referees vying for a spot at the FIFA Women’s World Cup saw the successful introduction and implementation of new
Canada™ and spent a week in Portugal at a seminar February. The first SOLOMON ISLANDS communication mediums and tools.
Just Play workshop and Village Festival were held in late-February. The Commins Menapi coached Western United took out the national
S-League with a match to spare, ahead of defending champions Chris Kemp has been appointed OFC Competitions
FIJI Solomon Warriors, to claim the final berth in the 2015 OFC Champions Manager, joining the Confederation from New Zealand
Fiji U-20 learned their fate following the FIFA U-20 World Cup draw on 10 League. Solomon Islands were the only national team in Oceania to
February and will face heavyweights Germany in their opening match in experience any positive movement in the latest Coca-Cola/FIFA World
Football where he held a similar role.
Christchurch. Following the draw the side headed on a five match Asian Rankings.
Tour taking in Myanmar and Malaysia where they notched up two wins,
Obituaries
a draw and two losses. The Galaxy Premier League got underway with TAHITI
Nadi taking an early lead after five rounds.
Life Member of New Zealand Football Joe Bartle passed
Finished runners-up to defending champions New Zealand at the 2015
OFC U-17 Championship. After holding the Kiwis to a 1-1 draw in normal away on 4 February aged 97. A former president and senior
NEW CALEDONIA time, they came devastatingly close to victory but lost 5-4 in the penalty- vice-president of New Zealand Junior Football Association,
Thierry Sardo was named national coach and has brought former shootout. Bartle was made a life member in 1985. He was also a life
captain of Les Cagous Pierre Wajoka on board as his assistant.
TONGA member of Mainland Football and received the Queen’s
Fédération Française de Football president of training and development
of referees Lucien Kaiser ran three referee workshops in the Northern, The annual Club Seminar was held to great success with TFA technical Service Medal honour in 1989.
Sourthern and Island Provinces ahead of kick-off in the national Super director Kilifi Uele outlining the events and competitions scheduled for
Ligue. the 2015 season. The tragic death of Fiji U-17 representative Shalit Muni Reddy
cast a long shadow over the OFC U-17 Championship
NEW ZEALAND VANUATU in January. The Nadi Muslim College drowned while on
The Football Ferns played six internationals over January and February Former Vanuatu international turned coach Moise Poida was announced an excursion in Samoa with his teammates following the
including a tri-series on home soil involving Korea DPR and Australia. as a member of the Technical Study Group for the upcoming FIFA U-20
They played 15th ranked Spain in March earning 2-2 and 0-0 draws as World Cup in New Zealand. Vanuatu finished third at the OFC U-17
competition.
they ramp up preparations for Canada 2015. The Jose Figueira coached Championship and two members of the squad, Sylvain Worworbu
U-17 side successfully defended their OFC U-17 title defeating Tahiti and Joseph Iaruel, have been offered scholarships to attend St Peter’s
UNICEF Vanuatu chief of office Diane Araki unexpectedly
5-4 on penalties in the final. Two squad members, Golden Ball winner College in Auckland, New Zealand. 2014 OFC Champions League passed away in February aged 57. She was committed to
Logan Rogerson and Billy Jones were members of the invitational Aspire runners-up Amicale FC have been strengthening their squad ahead of improving the lives of children and building a better and
International team at the Al Kass Cup tournament. They took on age- the 2015 edition in April, and won their first piece of silverware folllowing safer world for all. She was a strong supporter of the Just
group sides from some of the biggest clubs in world football including a 1-0 victory over Erakor Golden Star in the Port Vila Shield final.
Real Madrid, Arsenal and AC Milan. Rogerson scored in his side’s 2-0 Play Programme and worked closely with Vanuatu Football
win over Schalke. Federation and its Just Play Project Manager.
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