BY ROMULUS HUTA
THE Vanuatu national under-16 side is ready for next week’s Oceania Under-16 Championship in Honiara, says team head coach upon arrival yesterday.
Speaking to SUNSPORTS from the team camp at Pacific Casino Hotel, head coach Joel Rarua said their biggest worry prior to coming here was the weather.
“As soon we arrive today, the first thing we’re bit worried about is the weather condition.
“You know in Solomon Islands, it’s a bit hot than back home in Vanuatu so that’s the main challenge. But as soon as we arrive at the airport, the weather feels more like home, I think for me and the boys we have done okay with that.
“It’s a matter of getting the boys ready for our matches. The boys will play to their best in this competition.
“We are having first training session this afternoon and we’ve come prepared.
“We respect Solomon Islands as the host team as the host team always have the home support.
“But we are here for the competition and ready to compete. We will do our best in all our matches until the end of the 90 minutes.
“All members of my team are home-based players and I have a lot of confidence in them,” said Rarua.
Vanuatu is placed in Pool A host Solomon Islands, New Zealand and PNG.
Vanuatu will open their campaign against New Zealand on Sunday 10am at Lawson Tama followed by PNG on Wednesday and Solomon Islands next Saturday.
