Captain Fenedy Masauvakalo and Dominique Fred proved the difference as the Red Roosters beat Erakor Golden Star to claim the 2015 Premier League trophy with a game in hand.
Masauvakalo netted in the first half before laying off a great pass for Fred to finish in style and secure the victory.
The win puts Amicale at the top of the ladder – ahead of Erakor Golden Star in second place – with their last match played on Thursday against Tafea FC.
The close of the 2014/15 season also marks the close of coach Marco Banchini’s tenure in charge, with the Italian returning to his homeland – but not before hinting at his return.
“Accepting the offer to come to Vanuatu and coach Amicale FC has proven an excellent choice for me,” Banchini says.
“In the 2014/15 season we conquered the GranCasino Cup winning both legs against the Marconi Stallions from Australia, the Port Vila Shield and we managed to secure the title of Premier National League champions with a game in hand.”
Banchini says while he enjoyed the time he spent in Vanuatu experiencing the domestic competition, the real drawcard was the opportunity to compete in the 2015 Fiji Airways OFC Champions League.
“The possiblity to compete for the opportunity to crown ourselves champions of Oceania was a great opportunity for both me and the players I took,” he says.
“Working four months to prepare for the most important competition in the continent wasn’t easy. It’s complicated to beat the scepticism of people who sentence you at your first mistake but in the end they believe in you and support you.
“I am happy and flattered that the President Andrew Leong and Director Vince Colagiuri appreciated the work I carried out and that I was asked to return.”
While it proved a difficult task, it was one Banchini is pleased to be able to add to his resume.
“It is definitely important to have more time to work with and prepare local and foreign players to ensure strong cohesion and team spirit to be able to face another Champions League challenge.
“It’s not easy to develop the correct balance between my coaching methods and the motivation each player must have to train every day.”
He explains that Tropical Cyclone Pam hitting Vanuatu right in the middle of their prepartions certainly didn’t help their cause.
“This created numerous difficulties in the team’s preparations, damaging the structures and hindering the possibility to train each day with the same enthusiasm.
“I believe that on a field one must first evaluate the men and then the players, and my boys have proved to manage and face the difficulties during matches as they do in their lives.
“For this reason I am lucky and grateful for the opportunity to coach such a special group of boys composed of international players from completely different cultures, backgrounds and lifestyles, but with one goal taht unites us all – winning for Amicale FC.”
While forced to bring his return to Italy forward due to personal reasons, Banchini has faith the side would win their final match to end the league on a high, as well as a special mention for the locals.
“To all the people of Vanuatu who have always given great support and affection towards us in Port Vila and Fiji, where we definitely had the most supporters, thank you for your support of Amicale FC.
“My dream is to win the Oceania Champions League in 2016 and I want to let all Amicale fans know that I will be back to Vanuatu to coach Amicale FC,” he says.
“I am sure that with the right planning, professionalism and commitment we can all win together.”
For more on Vanuatu football visit www.vanuafoot.vu.

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