The match is the start of the third stage of Oceania qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for both nations and each will be looking to get off to a good start as they look to chase a place at Brazil 2014.
With the events of the Nations Cup still fresh in their minds, New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert and his players are certain not to take the hosts lightly but Moizan still feels it’s his opponents who will be under most pressure to win.
“We are not the favourites at all, that is New Zealand,” the former France international says.
“We put in a great performance against them at the Nations Cup and that was a big achievement but we are still the underdogs when we face a side like New Zealand.”
After sweeping aside the All Whites, New Caledonia went on to lose 1-0 to Tahiti in an all-francophone final but Moizan is dismissive of suggestions that New Zealand’s long reign as the major force in Pacific football has come to an end.
“I think New Zealand will still continue to dominate football in Oceania. They have a greater depth of players, more resources and a great desire to participate in international competitions.”
Moizan’s reluctance to write off Herbert’s men is wise given a pair of their most talismanic figures did not make it to the Solomon Islands for the Nations Cup.
English Premier League players Ryan Nelsen and Winston Reid were both named in the initial squad but could not take up their places due to injury and their absence was keenly felt during the All Whites’ disappointing campaign.
Reports have suggested both will be available for the third stage of the qualifiers – which all take place in FIFA windows, thus leaving clubs with no option but to release the players in question.
New Caledonia’s Les Cagous also have players based overseas, mainly in France, and Moizan says all efforts are being made to ensure they will be available.
One star he will be desperate to include is winger Georges Gope-Fenepej, who is the hottest property in Pacific Island football after signing for French Ligue 1 outfit Troyes following the Nations Cup.
Moizan has been working with his domestic-based players in recent weeks and says the preparations have been going well, despite the limitations of their part-time status.
“We have had to gather the players for training sessions every Sunday morning as it is hard for them to be available on the other days. They are amateur players so they have to work or study as well,” he says.
Les Cagous have two friendlies lined up this week against A-League side the Central Coast Mariners in Noumea and those matches will offer Moizan the perfect opportunity to try out some combinations and patterns of play against quality opposition.
“The players are all very focused on the qualifiers and know how important these matches are,” he says.

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