The course was run by FIFA Instructor James Bannatyne, who understands the important role a keeper can play in a team given he himself is a former national team goalkeeper with New Zealand.
Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) technical director Peter Takaro says it is great to have further training for local goalkeeper coaches to continue developing their skills, and in turn those of the players.
“Goalkeeping is very important in football and today we have some exprienced goalkeepers and some new goalkeepers attending this course,” Takaro said.
For Bannatyne it was an exciting prospect to be back working with the nation’s top goalkeeper coaches.
“I am glad to be back,” he said.
“It’s good to see some experienced Vanuatu goalkeepers like Seloni Iaruel and David Chilia attending,
“It’s a course where candidates will learn the basics of individual goalkeeping techniques and a better understanding of how to plan and prepare progressive technical and functional practices.”
Former Vanuatu national team goalkeeper Chilia said Bannatyne’s teachings were very useful and certainly applicable in his role as Tupuji Imere head coach.
“During my time as a goalkeeper I tried my best without much ‘proper’ goalkeeping training but I have learned a lot on this course about how I can help young goalkeepers from my club and country,” Chilia said.
“It is also good to see a few ladies attending this course and we must encourage young girls not only to play football but to be goalkeepers too.”
Chilia believes being the last line of defence is an important role.
“I have played different positions during my career and I still think goalkeeper is the most important player on the field of play.”
The FIFA Goalkeeper Coaching Course was held in Port Vila, Vanuatu from 4-8 July.
For more on Vanuatu football visit www.vanuafoot.vu.

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