Courtesy: Solomon Star News


Kadau expresses confidence

Wednesday, 03 July 2013

by Carlos Aruafu

Head coach of the Solomon Islands National Futsal men’s squad, Dickson Kadau is confident his players can finish top in the upcoming Oceania Futsal challenge competition which will be held at the Trusts Arena in Auckland, New Zealand, from July 23 to 27.

Kadau said they have confronted many strong teams one of which was the Spanish national side and that alone is a boost that will remain in the hearts and minds of the Kurukuru team.

Kadau is optimistic about the players’ motivation and the team’s chances during the tournament despite the inclusion of Australia and Malaysia.

‘'With the inclusion of Australia and Malaysia the competition will surely not be easy but the team will sure give 100 percent in the competition.

“We have met Australia in the past prior to our World Cup campaign and we are sure to match them this time around.

“Whilst we are yet to play Malaysia we are certain to be competitive and defend our title.

“I believe we have the capacity to defend the title and that’s what we are aiming for,” Mr Kadau said.

His line-up reflects an importance on experience rather than youth with the Kurukuru mainstays all getting a place.

The only new inclusion this year is Atana Fa’arodo Jnr who comes in for the injured Matthias Saru.

“He is doing very well, he fits in well with the rest,” he added.

The trio that missed the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup, Jack Wetney, along with Lenson Bisili and David Lafai, who were suspended for breaking camp just before the World Cup in November are all back.

Their inclusion is good news for fans who lamented over their exclusion from the world cup are expected to boost the Kurukuru in both defence and attack.

Solomon Islands are the defending champions of the OFC Futsal Championship and have won the last four titles in a row.

The Kurukuru will make history if they can hang onto their crown yet again as Australia, who left OFC to join the Asian confederation in 2006.

The Kurukuru wrote themselves into the record books with a thrilling 4-3 win over Guatemala, the first ever victory for a current OFC member at the World Cup.

Solomon Islands is in group “A” with New Zealand, Malaysia and New Caledonia, whilst that the other group includes Australia, Tahiti, Vanuatu and Invitational New Zealand






Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com