by Jeremy Mogi – EM TV Sport, Port Moresby
Both Fiji and the Solomon Islands Under 23 National Football Teams arrived in Port Moresby last night, both teams, ready and rearing to go, on the eve of their competition.
Placed in Pool A, Fiji open their campaign against Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands, have the tough task, facing Olympic favorite’s, New Zealand.
The Islanders arrived to a low key affair, confident however, in their lead up to the games.
A familiar face amongst the group was young captain, Tuttizama Tanito, star player for PNG’s Hekari United Football club.
Assistant coach, Eddie Matahare, also appeared confident in the side, and acknowledged the stiff challenge posed by other nations.
Chef de Mission, Ronald Talasasa, however, placing faith in his team.
The Fijian U23 national team arrived soon after.
Their squad, having a number of players from the U20 side that created Pacific History, being the only nation from the pacific to defeat a south American opponent in any FIFA competition.
And led by experienced Uruguayan coach, Juan Carlos Buzzetti.
Buzzetti, who had previously led the Vanuatu National Side, also noting that Fiji’s strength also lay in the future.
Fiji meet Vanuatu in their opening fixture, while the Solomon Islands, take on New Zealand.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=IAxzBU_uxaQ%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
