Photo Credit: Tafea FC Media
Having missed out on the inaugural OFC Women’s Champions League in Papua New Guinea last year, Vanuatu will be well represented at this year’s tournament, with Tafea FC flying the flag.
The Port Vila-based side are the reigning VFF Women’s Champions League winners, after a commanding victory over Waterfall FC in the final last month. With the expansion of the OFC Women’s Champions League to eight teams from five last year, it provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase the development and strength of women’s football in Vanuatu.
Head Coach Robert Calvo is excited for this young side, and the opportunities available to test themselves against the best in the region.
“This will be our first participation in a regional tournament. Even without that regional experience, we have some national representatives in the team who took part in the last South Pacific Games and the Olympic Qualifiers, so I’m expecting the team to be able to give some challenges in this tournament to experienced teams like Hekari United.
“Although it will be a hard tournament for us due to last minute preparations, we will try our best,” Calvo said.
Player to Watch
Forward Jane Alatoa is the driving force for Tafea FC and is a regular source of goals for her side. She brings a wealth of experience to a young team, including being a firm fixture in Vanuatu’s side at the recent Women’s Olympic Football Tournament – Oceania Qualifier in Samoa.
Alatoa was voted Best Player in Tafea FC’s successful VFF Women’s Champions League campaign this year.
Tafea FC is in Group A alongside Cook Islands representative Avatiu FC, home side Henderson Eels FC and Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United FC whom they play in the opening match of the tournament on Sunday.
