Honiara holds a special place in Tahitian football history, having been the stage for Tahiti’s memorable OFC Nations Cup triumph in 2012 at Lawson Tama Stadium.
Amongst the heroes of that victory was goalkeeper Mikael Roche, who stood tall between the sticks for the senior national team.
Now 42, Roche has returned to Honiara, this time in a new role as goalkeeping coach for Tahiti’s U-16 national team at the upcoming OFC U-16 Men’s Championship, which kicks off on Sunday.
Speaking to the media upon arrival at Henderson International Airport on Wednesday, Roche said he is eager to recreate the winning spirit of 2012 with the next generation of Tahitian talent.
“That’s why I’m here, to repeat that success, but now as a coach with these young lads. Hopefully, it will be a great experience for them, and they too will leave with memories like we did in 2012,” he said.
The former AS Central Sport shot-stopper noted that preparations have gone smoothly, with all 20 players coming from home-based clubs.
“We have three goalkeepers, and they’ve all prepared very well. They are committed, and I hope they will have a great tournament,” he added.
Tahiti will compete in Group A alongside Fiji, Cook Islands, and Papua New Guinea. They open their campaign against Fiji at 3:00 pm local time on Sunday at Lawson Tama Stadium.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
