It’s a difficult Woman’s Group; says Vanuatu woman’s coach

With very few islands around Vanuatu operating leagues for teenage girls, the task of selecting a women's team is not an easy one for most national coaches. One Woman who seems to have found a successful blend, however, is Vanuatu Woman's Team Manager Martha Poida, who has been helping Woman's football competition in Port Vila for some years now. "It's a tough task because few talented players are scattered all over the country and it's your job to go out there and find the best players," She tell Vanuafoot Media. If results over the last couple of years are anything to go by, Martha has done a fine job of tracking down the country's best young footballers. "I have faith in this generation and am sure they will play very good matches against teams in our group during the OFC Woman's competition in New Zealand. Vanuatu Woman's team has been drawn in a fiercely competitive group A alongside OFC title candidates New Zealand, Cooks islands and Tahiti. "We have a lot of respect for our opponent's especially New Zealand but everything will be decided out on the pitch," says Coach Richard Iwai who is the coach of Vanuatu national Woman's team. "It's a difficult group," they (NZ) have a lot of skill and talent. They are very quick and athletic too and they're very creative out on the pitch, acknowledges Richard Iwai. At the end of the day it's 11 against 11 on the pitch and we have high hopes of doing well," Richard concluded. Program for Vanuatu in the OFC Woman's tournament: 29/09/2010   11am (Vanuatu time)        Vanuatu vs New Zealand 01/10/2010    11am (Vanuatu time)       Vanuatu vs Tahiti 03/10/2010    13:30hrs (Vanuatu time) Vanuatu vs Cook Islands List of selected players and officials: Goalkeeper: Rose Marie Yolou and Leisale Solomon Defender: Thelma Kalpukai, Louisa Sovuai, Silvia Vatoko, Sileye Saina, Melanie Mansale, Jeannie Alatoa, Sergine Poida, Marseline Bakokoto. Midfielder: Stephanie Tougen, Janice Alatoa, Evensta Aru, Joella Dominique Avock. Striker: Serah Thompson, Elodie Samuel, Fina Sabrina Angelo. Officials: Head of Delegation: Charles Vatu, Team manager: Martha Poida, Head Coach: Richard Iwai. Assistant Coach: Suzanne Herrominly, Assistant Team Manager: Mardy Tarimiala, Physio: Annie Brenda Tamata. ---------------------------------------------------------