AUCKLAND – Oceania All Stars have added three more players to its core squad for this weekend’s “Beautiful Game” match with LA Galaxy.
New Zealand Olympian Cole Peverley, Vanuatu forward Suele Soromon and Fiji international striker Esala Masi have been drafted into the core squad after the withdrawal of Malakai Tiwa, Peni Finau and Osea Vakatalesau.
Peverley made a big impact for the New Zealand U-20 Men’s team at the FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup – Canada 2007 last year and is currently with New Zealand Football Championship (NZFC) franchise Hawkes Bay United.
Esala Masi played professional football in the Australian National Soccer League (NSL) with Wollongong Wolves and Newcastle Jets for nearly ten years and won one NSL league title and the OFC Club Championship in 2000.
Masi was named in the Karembeu Jubilee XI in May but withdrew due to a family bereavement at the last moment.
“I am delighted to be selected by Oceania All Stars after my withdrawal last time. It is a great opportunity to play alongside so many talented players from the Pacific and around the world. I am honoured to represent Fiji and Oceania,” Masi said.
Hawkes Bay United and Vanuatu striker Suele Soromon has also joined the squad after a string of impressive performances in the NZFC and international level. Soromon won the Silver Shoe award at the XIII South Pacific Games after he scored nine goals for Vanuatu as part of its 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa qualifying campaign.
Coach Jim Selby said the squad would adapt to the change and the inclusion of Karembeu and Bosnich in today’s friendly with Waitakere United would be a good morale booster ahead of Saturday.
“The squad will be strengthened with Esala Masi and Cole Peverley and I am sure the presence of Christian Karembeu and Mark Bosnich will lift everybody,” Selby said.
Oceania All Stars play Waitakere United at North Harbour Stadium today kick-off at 15h15.
Oceania All Stars will be available for media comment from 14h00 and also at the conclusion of today’s match.
For further information please contact Gordon Glen Watson at [email protected] or on 021-994-520.
Suele Soromon in action for Vanuatu against Tonga at the XIII South Pacific Games
Esala Masi in action for Altona Magic
Cole Peverley in action for New Zealand U-23 at the Beijing Olympics
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Oceania All Stars Squad List
Mark BOSNICH Unattached (Australia)
Jacob SPOONLEY Auckland City FC (New Zealand)
Benjamin LONGUE AS Magenta (New Caledonia)
Steven OLD MacArthur Rams (New Zealand)
Ivan VICELICH Auckland City FC (New Zealand)
Freddy VAVA Port Vila Sharks (Vanuatu)
Raimana LI FUNG KUEE AS Dragon (Tahiti)
Judd MOLEA Uncles FC (Solomon Islands)
Henry FAARODO Koloale Solomon Islands)
Alick MAEMAE Auckland City FC (Solomon Islands)
Nelson SALE Auckland City FC (Solomon Islands)
Pierre WAJOKA AS Magenta (New Caledonia)
Cole PEVERLEY Hawkes Bay United (New Zealand)
Esala MASI Altona Magic (Fiji)
Christian KAREMBEU Unattached (New Caledonia/France)
Edgar DAVIDS Unattached (Netherlands)
Suele SOROMON Hawkes Bay United (Vanuatu)
Francois SAKAMA Port Vila Sharks (Vanuatu)
David MUTA (Papua New Guinea)
Jarrod SMITH (New Zealand)
Coach
Jim SELBY OFC (Australia)
Colin TUAA Auckland City FC (New Zealand)
Patrick JACQUEMET OFC/FIFA (Tahiti)
Manager
Seamus MARTEN OFC (New Zealand)
Media Officer
Gordon Glen WATSON OFC (New Zealand)
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Gordon Glen WATSON
Oceania Football Confederation
Media and Communications
Mobile: +64 (0)21-994-520
Email: [email protected]
Steve HOLLOWAY
Oceania Football Confederation
Media and Communications
Mobile: +64 (0)21-884-018
Email: [email protected]