The 2015 campaign in Tonga saw Vanuatu win their first ever match after beating New Caledonia 4-0 on Match Day 1, and eventually achieve their best finish in three trips to the OFC U-20 Women’s Championship.
An 18-0 drubbing at the hands of champions New Zealand was Vanuatu’s only loss, securing draws with Tonga and Samoa in their other matches at the Loto-Tonga Soka centre in Nuku’alofa.
After arriving home last week Rarua says the result will do wonders for women’s football in Vanuatu.
“I am incredibly proud of all the players and staff,” Rarua says.
“To achieve third place and go home as the top Melanesian nation is a really big statement and something that these players will be remembered for forever.
“I am absolutely honoured to win the bronze in the tournament. It is a special moment for us and I am full of pride.”
Vanuatu will be looking to carry the momentum gained into the OFC U-17 Women’s Championship, which will be held in the Cook Islands from 9-23 January.
Drawn in Group B Vanuatu will face Fiji, Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea in pool play with the top two teams from each group progressing to the semi-finals.
“For us attention now turns to preparing our girls for the U-17 competition,” Rarua says.
“If we can achieve another good performance there then it will be huge for women’s football in Vanuatu.”
For more on Vanuatu football visit www.vanuafoot.vu.

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