Star signing Ian Hogg has taken the lead in declaring his commitment to the team and its goal of taking home the silverware in the inaugural tournament.
“Everything we have received from Amicale FC in the last few days has been great, and now it is time for us to deliver on the field,” the All Whites defender says.
“Amicale expressed interest in having me join them a few years ago but the timing was not right. Today I am here and I will be doing my best to bring the trophy to Vanuatu.”
Australian Beach Soccer representative and former Central Coast Mariners and Queensland Fury midfielder Panagiotis Nikas expressed his delight at joining the side.
“It is a great privilege to come to Vanuatu and play for Amicale,” he says.
Before departing for New Zealand, Amicale’s full squad were held to a 2-2 draw by Port Vila side Erakor Golden Star at Port Vila Stadium.
Tony Kaltak opened the scoring for Erakor less than ten minutes into the match before Australian import Nikas converted from the spot to equalise. Francois Sakama, recently returned from Tahiti, then put the Red Roosters ahead with a superb goal before the break.
Unfortunately for the 2014 OFC Champions League runners-up, Erakor were able to find the back of the net five minutes from time courtesy of a timely header from Kersom Kalsong to deny Amicale the victory.
It was the first full outing for six members of the Amicale squad and will provide much-needed game time ahead of their opening match in Auckland.
Amicale begins its OFC President’s Cup campaign when it faces Fiji U-20 on Monday 17 November.
The Red Roosters then tackle tournament favourites Busaiteen on Wednesday 21 November.
Both matches kick off at 7.30pm at The Trusts Arena.
Tickets for the OFC President’s Cup can be purchased from Ticket Direct here
Extra Information
Amicale squad: Chikau MANSALE (GK), Marc VILLAESCUA (GK); Tuilau LAITIA, Goshen DONA, Brian KALTACK, Crazia MICHELE, Ian HOGG, Amani MAKOE, Alphonse BONGNAIM, Luke UCCHINO, Esava NAQALECA, Panagiotis NIKAS, Fenedy MASAUVAKALO, Francois SAKAMA, Silas NAMATAK, Dalong DAMALIP, Dominique FRED, Manuel BRIGHENTI, Osea VAKATALESAU, Ruben FRANK
Coach: Robert YELOU
Technical Director: Anthony PISANO
GK coach: Jean Yves GALIPE

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