On the eve of the 2009 Tahiti Nui Beach Soccer Championship, Oceania Football Confederation is bringing you a series of profiles to help you become more familiar with some of key players from each of the four competing nations.

 

First up is arguably Oceania’s most accomplished Beach Soccer player, a man who has scored 17 World Cup goals for his country, the Solomon Island’s James Naka.

 

Age: 23

 

Home town: Auki

Favorite type of music, or musician?

“Reggae. I’m not sure if I have one favorite musician, Bob Marley probably.”

 

Favorite type of food?

"I love lots of foods from home, it is hard to pick one, but pizza is probably my number one favorite."

What Beach Soccer club do you play for in the Solomons?

"Zome Mars."

 

How many OFC Beach Soccer tournaments have you represented Solomon Islands at?

"Two tournaments: 2006 (winners), 2007 (winners)."

 

What is your favorite/most satisfying Beach Soccer memory or moment?

"That would be our wins over Cameroon in the 2006 Beach Soccer World Cup (Brazil, Rio De Janiero) and over El Salvador last year in France. 

Do you have a team you like competing against the most?

"Brazil. We played them in Rio De Janiero (Copacabana Beach Soccer Arena) at the 2007 Beach Soccer World Cup (Brazil won 11-2). I scored a goal against them with an overhead kick, it was an amazing experience playing against the best."  

What is that you specifically like about Beach Soccer as opposed to eleven aside football?

"I love the way that the game doesn’t really stop – it is so fast. In eleven aside when you are subbed you know your game is over, in Beach Soccer you will be on and off, on and off, so quickly – the action is constant."  

What are your expectations for your team this year?

 

"To defend our Oceania Championship and improve on our past World Cup performances in Dubai this November."