That experience counts for something which is the mind-set Bilikiki coach Gideon Omokirio has adopted as the side approaches their opening encounter against the Netherlands, a side making their debut on the World stage today.
Omokirio rose to fame in his home country as a defender in the youth team that delivered the country’s first win over a New Zealand team. He went on to play in every age-group category for Solomon Islands and includes a FIFA Club World Cup appearance in 2011 with Papua New Guinea side Hekari United among his career highlights.
Omokiro took his football career even further when he joined the 2006 Bilikiki squad, attending four FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups as a player. Tahiti 2013 marks his return to the world stage, only this time as the team’s coach – a role he is relishing.
He spoke to Solomon Islands Football Federation media officer Joseph Boso ahead of this evening’s kick-off revealing his thoughts on the side’s opening match, coming back as coach and Oceania compatriots Tahiti’s chances of progression.
How does it feel to return to the world cup as a coach after an incredibly successful playing career and how will you contribute to the team in this new role?
To return to the World Cup is an opportunity for me as coach to give back some of my experiences as a player to the next generation. I am here to educate them and help them move forward and achieve more than I could for my country.
What is the atmosphere like at this FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup compared with previous tournaments? Do you think it will be more competitive than past ones?
There is a great atmosphere here in Tahiti with all the teams looking forward to the competition starting. It is great to be here and to witness this historic occasion where a Pacific Island nation hosts this major world competition for the first time.
I am sure that competition will be tougher this year because that has been the trend – each competition is tougher than the last as teams continue to get better. It will be more tactical and mental rather than individualistic and physical. I noticed that goalkeepers are now more involved than ever in the game so we need to rise up to the occasion.
How are the players feeling? Are they looking forward to the opening match?
The feeling of the players at the moment is they want to play the first game. Everyone is looking forward to playing against the Netherland and inside the camp we remain positive. Everyone has revealed that they have high expectations of our first match, they expect to win.
How does you rate the Netherlands? Will it be a tough game?
Netherlands are a good side. Any team in the World Cup has proven itself and is among the top teams in the world. However, we have the advantage here because of our experience and we believe that can help us achieve our objective.
How do you rate Tahiti and their chances at this event?
After following the results of Tahiti during their friendly matches and the exhibition match during the opening of the World Cup I am confident that Tahiti can go far because of their technical ability and fitness and they have the home crowd to back them up. I wish them all the best.
Solomon Islands may meet Tahiti if they qualify, how do you feel about that prospect?
I am sure it will be a tough and entertaining match and given Tahiti’s strength now it could go either way. However, we have an advantage in that we know how to beat them, and have done so before.
For more on Solomon Islands football go to www.siff.com.sb

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