Pacific

Eight teams to battle for FIFA futsal world cup

12:36 pm on 25 September 2023

Solomon Islands Micah Lea'alafa playing for the Kurukuru against New Zealand in 2016. (file) Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The tournament takes place at the Pulman Arena in Auckland, New Zealand from October 1st to the 7th.

Defending champions and hosts New Zealand will be joined by are joined by Solomon Islands, New Caledonia,Tahiti, Samoa, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga.

The winner of the OFC Futsal Nations Cup will also qualify for the 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup to be held in Uzbekistan.

Solomon Islands futsal side has been boosted with the return of Micah Lea'alafa to the fold.

Lea'alafa returned from his stint with FK Beograd, and has been included in Damon Shaw's 18-man provisional list in training throughout squad.

"It's good to be back home. And yes, representing the country has always been an honor," Micah told Solomon Islands Football Federation.

Having been involved a lot in the outdoor court his return to futsal he described as going back to his roots.

"For me, it's been a while out from futsal involved a lot outdoors but coming back feels like home for me. Futsal is where I've started, and I'm proud and honored to join and help Kurukuru once again."

Lea'alafa believes the current Kurukuru is on the right track ahead of the qualifiers and with his experience and inspiration with some of the seniors - taking futsal to newer heights is the big task ahead.

"I'm very much looking forward to helping the young boys in the Kurukuru set up. We need to work on a few aspects of the game with the coach, especially on swift defending tactics but I trust we are up for the challenge next month.

With the clock ticking, a final 14-man squad will later be announced this month for the title defense pursuit on the line.