Tahiti face a daunting start to the Beach Soccer World Cup in the Bahamas.
The Tiki Toa finished runners-up at the last tournament in Portugal two years ago but face a rejuvenated Brazilian team on Friday afternoon local time, that are being tipped by many as favourites for the overall title.
Brazil ran out 10-4 winners when the teams met at the Intercontinental Cup in Dubai in December.
Switzerland coach Angelo Schirinzi, who was in charge of Tahiti during that tournameny, believed the South American champions were back to their best.
"I'm sure that Brazil will be in the final. They are strong again, absolutely strong," he said.
"They had maybe four or five years ago a little bit of a weak time - Russia won the World Cup twice - but now they are back and I believe they will be in the final."
Tahiti played Brazil in the bronze playoff at the 2013 World Cup in Papeete. Photo: AFP
At the age of 41 Teva Zaveroni will fill the duties of player, captain and coach as the Tiki Toa bid to go one step better than their runners-up effort two years ago.
Surrounding him is a core of senior players, including 39 year old Naea Bennett, 36 year old Raimoana Bennett and 35 year old Angelo Tchen.
Angelo Schirinzi did not believe age would be an issue.
"In beach soccer experience is very very important and players like (Heimanu) Taiarui he is 30 years old so he's not old in beach soccer," he said.
"And of course Teva Zaveroni: now the player, the captain, the coach when I am not there. He is fit, absolutely fit, and he will help the team a lot.
"Two years ago he was not playing because he was injured but now he can play and you see the results they did last week so they will be very strong."
Tahiti during the 2015 World Cup. Photo: Tahiti Football
Oceania Football Beach Soccer Development Officer Paul Toohey said one of the strengths of the Tahiti team is that the players look after one another.
"They cook for themselves, they've got a player-coach and you get that sense that the togetherness is almost like an extra player for this side," he said.
"They went really close last time and even if the final against Portugal - I know they went down 3-0 early but if you look at the game - they came back so strongly so I think for them I really sense this is the moment. Maybe they can see that and perhaps win the tournament."
Tahiti will also face Japan and European champions Poland during the group stage.