Poida’s side were forced to work hard to register the win at Port Vila Stadium with Joseph Namariau’s 45th minute strike proving enough to secure the Reds victory over their rivals.
Following the final whistle the coach was quick to lavish praise on his young players.
“We have played confident, smart and very clever football,” Poida said.
“We started slowly and playing against an experienced side like this is never easy. But after we scored we dictated the rythym of the game and won deservedly. In the second half we had more room on the pitch which we used in a good way. So in the end we could have scored even more goals.
“We had high expectations of this season and the team has been highly motivated. We have worked very well so the result is not a surprise for me today.”
Poida’s winning side was made up of 15 graduates of the VFF Teouma Academy which the Tafea coach said was a great reflection on the academy and its development of football.
“They have learned a lot form the coaches over the past four years and they have shown to thousands of fans what football means to them,” he said.
Tafea goalkeeper Seloni Iaruel said it was a huge victory for himself and his teammates to defeat Amicale in the final.
“We are very satisfied. It was our target for the season to beat Amicale in the final and qualify to play in the OFC Champions League,” the youngster said.
Tafea were champions of Vanautu from 1994 to 2008 before Amicale dominated the domestic league.
Tafea will represent Vanautu in the 2014 OFC Champions League with the ultimate goal ofproceding to the FIFA Club World Cup in 2014.
For more on Vanuatu football go to www.vanuafoot.vu

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