Vanuatu international midfielder Francois Sakama has left his home country for a two week trial with Israeli professional football club Maccabi Netanya FC.
The 20 years old from Imaki, Tanna flew to Israel on Saturday following an invitation to trial from the club’s owner, Daniel Jammer.
Jammer originally contacted PVFA president Robert Calvo about Sakama, after reading sports reports and magazines in Australia and New Zealand which rated him highly.
The arrangement was made possible by Zvika Nejman, an Israeli investor based in New Zealand who is interested in Vanuatu football development.
Nejman liased with Jammer about organizing Sakama’s travel to Israel and the club owner assured Nejman and the Vanuatu International that Maccabi Netanya FC are very excited to have
him.
While arrangements were being made for Sakama’s trial he was enjoying the last few days of his holiday on his home island Tanna. He was recalled to Port Villa this week.
Mr Nejman congratulated VFF, Tafea Football Club, PVFA, Francois Sakama and his family for accepting the offer. He encouraged Sakama to showcase Vanuatu Football standard and was
confident he would do well.
Sakama was excited at the prospect of trialling with a professional side and was confident that positive results would come from his time in Israel. If he passes the trial, he will
sign a 6 months contract with Maccabi Netanya FC.
His father Stephane Iaviko was elated by the news of his son heading overseas, though admitted he did have some reservations.
“I was hesitant at the beginning but I then accepted it because he (Sakama) is a national asset and he must accomplish his duty as a good citizen,” said Iaviko.
Maccabi Netanya is one of Israeli soccer’s most popular clubs and has produced many top stars. The most recent is Tamir Cohen who last week penned a two and a half year deal with
Bolton Wanderers of the English Premier League.
Story courtesy of Vanuatu correspondent Aristide Meltecoin