Courtesy: Samoa Observer


In an unexpected Xmas present National Coach and Technical Director David Brand, along with the Manumea star striker Junior Michael have been nominated in the prestigious Futsalplanet Awards 2004.

Brands nomination is naturally in the National Coaches section and Michael's in the Player of the Year Award and is by virtue of Samoa's achievements in the OFC Futsal World Cup Qualifiers in Canberra, in July this year. `Indomitable Samoa' as named by one Australian journalist showed that they have both the skill, awareness and the potential to become a Futsal force in Oceania David Brand is most flattered by his nomination and to be listed amongst the most illustrious names in World Futsal is an achievement in itself.
"Yes I am very flattered and to be mentioned in the same breath as the other coaches who have such knowledge and experience is a major bonus and I am sure Junior will feel the same," commented Brand on hearing the news.
"Coaches such as Ferretti who I had the pleasure to meet in Kuala Lumpur last year and Lozano are household names in the World of Futsal and this nomination gives us the boost to continue to strive to achieve our goal of one day qualifying for the World Cup Finals."
"I have always said that Samoans are well suited to the sport of Futsal with their quick feet, creativity and flair and given the facilities, funding and international experience, I do believe we can develop and become a force to be reckoned with."
"Ranked at 99 in the world, we have a long way to go but I genuinely believe we have the potential to to move quickly up the rankings. Considering the results in Canberra and the oppositions ranking we have to be positive about the future and hopefully generate a strong following for Futsal in Samoa."

The Futsalplanet Awards will be announced in late January.
With a restructure of all competitions imminent in 2005, a new National Futsal League in Samoa is proposed to get underway in October. The future is bright for the sport of Futsal in the Treasure Islands of the South Pacific.