In order to do so, Kamili Fitialeata’s side will have to overcome some serious opposition in the form of defending champions New Zealand and hosts Vanuatu, as well as Fiji, Papua New Guinea and OFC U-17 Preliminary champions Cook Islands.
Coach Fitialeata is expected to announce the final list of 20 players to travel to Santo for the tournament, which runs from 17-25 April, before they fly out on Sunday.
“We have been undergoing preparations with 30 players, preparations that were a little bit complicated during February with the absence of a lot of players during the school holidays and the Yéwéné Cup,” Fitialeata says.
“Since then we have established a good base and there is now less than ten days to put the finishing touches on our tactics.”
The side will also be boosted by the inclusion of New Zealand-based Asia Pacific Football Academy attendee Mickaël Partodikromo, who joined his teammates in New Caledonia earlier this week.
“Micka will certainly bring with him an advantage in terms of his ability with the ball,” Fitialeata says. “And there are a number of other players in the squad who have played in the Super Ligue, who will bring experience to the team, and greater force to one-on-one situations.”
Fitialeata says the abilities of the opposition remain somewhat of a mystery still, but he believes his side is set to encounter speedy players who will be physically imposing on the field.
“We know that the sides we will be faced with will be solid, as is always the case with New Zealand, but Fiji could also surprise everyone, as could the Vanuatu side who will be on home soil,” he says.
“We will take match after match, with a fighting spirit.”
New Caledonia will kick off their OFC U-17 Championship title bid with an encounter against Fiji on Wednesday 17 April at Chapuis Stadium.
For more on New Caledonia football go to www.fedcalfoot.com

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