Newly appointed head coach of the Vanuatu senior men’s football team, Richard Iwai, has released his preliminary squad as preparations begin for the upcoming MSG Cup in Papua New Guinea.
From this pre-selection, 20 players will be chosen to form the final national squad. Training has already started this week in Port Vila, with more than 20 players present on the first call-up day — many experiencing their first-ever national team selection.
The squad features talent from across the country:
- Galaxy FC (2): Henry, Malakai
- Ifira Black Bird FC (3): Franck Ruben, John Wogale, Kerry Fred
- Erakor Golden Star FC (4): Rayan Wanemut, Taman, Massing Kalopang, Jerry
- Penama FC (1): Vinex Alex Tabi
- Pango Green Bird FC (1): Ben
- Tupuji Imere FC (1): Jima
- Naka FC (2): Naling, Solo
- Mauriki FC (4): James, Nicholas King, Gerald Avock, Mila
- iCount Yatel FC (9): Andrew Tougon, Alick Worworbu, Robea, Lucas Avock, Waisele Richard, Michel Coulon, Alex Saniel, Zakaria Walu, Kati Imak
- Tafea FC (6): Brian, David, Tor, Kerry Iawak, Tony, Kalver Kaltak
- North Efate United FC (3): Jay, Nicki Aru, Sino Tabe
- United Malampa FC (2): Walter Leoru, Timothy
- Luganville FA (1): Eddy Vuti (Classic FC)
- Tafea FA (1): Rodney Andrew (recently joined Lautoka FC, Fiji)
Coach Iwai says the selection is the beginning of a competitive journey, with the final 20-man squad to be named after weeks of intensive training.
