Following the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Tahiti and a trip to the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil, Tahiti football is hoping the dream run will continue with a victory over the French side on Saturday, 16 November at Stade Pater.
Dragon coach Ludovic Graugnard says his side has been struggling in the national championship of late, but are motivated to progress to the next stage of the prestigious Coupe de France.
“It’s true that at the moment we have been having some difficulties,” Graugnard says. “The cup will be our test, it will be one match on one day – I think mentally, with a match like this, the players will go beyond their limits to succeed.
“We would like to play in France, in the 8th round, so we know that we need to perform well, put on a show, to get to France.”
The Maurice Goldman coached Belfort side are also struggling in their own national league but hope that a win against Dragon will not only take them into the 8th round, but give them a much needed confidence boost.
And while a trip to Tahiti is a dream destination for the players, club president Jean-Paul Simon is careful to remind them of their objective.
“This match is essential, that’s why we’re there,” Simon says. “Yes, it’s Tahiti, it’s like a holiday. But we are there to win the match and qualify for the next round.”
Graugnard is hoping that the excitement and the trip itself will wear out Dragon’s opponent.
“To welcome them here at Pater is an advantage. We don’t have to travel, there’s no jet lag,” he says.
The only Tahitian club to make it past the 7th round of the Coupe de France was AS Tefana in 2008.
Dragon will face Belfort at Stade Pater in Tahiti on Saturday, 16 November with kick-off scheduled for 7pm (local).

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