The competition is split into two groups, a northern and a southern region, and with the competition entering into its third edition VFF NSL committee member Bong Shem says it is getting bigger with each season, and the teams are getting stronger.
“The first round of the two competitions in two different venues will be strong and there will be plenty of football action in both Port Vila and Luganville,” he says.
“The prize money is good and each of the 12 teams taking part will want to be in the top two positions to earn a chance to qualify for the Champions League.”
Competing in the southern group are Amicale, Erakor Golden Star, Tafea, Nalkutan, Highlands and Malnaruru while the northern group will feature Santos, Siaraga, Uripiv, Blue Rovers, Western Star and Green Perrut.
One of the headline matches of the opening round will see Nalkutan, who were victorious in last year’s TVL Cup, take on NSL defending champions Amicale.
Nalkutan captain Iakar Tess says the side is determined to follow up on their success from last season, and while Amicale will be a tough challenge, his side is more than ready.
“We know Amicale is going to be a difficult game for us. We are going to work hard to maintain the same levels we have been used to in last year’s competition but this year’s NSL will be very tough.
“We are not going there to lose. They are a good team and they have great fans and a good atmosphere, but they know that we are not there to be run over. We have beaten Tafea and Seveners United so it will be a different atmosphere.”
Nalkutan is representing Tafea Football Association (TFA), a region in which they have dominated taking the champions crown for the past five years.
Following a series of friendly matches in the lead up to today’s NSL kick off, Tess is confident his Nalkutan side can continue their winning ways today.
For more on Vanuatu football go to www.vanuafoot.vu

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