The USA All Stars are preparing for this year’s Pacific Community Cup with a sense of humility, understanding the challenges of competing against unfamiliar teams. Coach Imone Mohanta anticipates tough competition, particularly from Fijian powerhouse Rewa, known for their strong performance in the National League and the OFC Champions League.
Mohanta, who has been both a player and coach for the team, emphasizes that their opening match against the IDC champions Labasa will be particularly significant as they previously faced and defeated them last year, providing some sense of familiarity.
“The Pacific Cup is an incredible event that unites the Fijian diaspora globally through our shared passion for football. We are embracing the challenge ahead and look forward to showcasing our skills in Fiji,” he shared.
The USA All Stars face logistical challenges, with players scattered across the United States, Canada, and England, making unified training difficult. The overlap with professional and collegiate seasons further complicates their ability to recruit some talented Fijian players.
Despite these hurdles, Mohanta expresses confidence in the quality and professionalism of his selected players. “We are optimistic that the character and maturity of our team will compensate for any lack of chemistry,” he noted, recalling their undefeated performance in last year’s tournament.
This year, they are fortunate to have standout players like Hayden Prasad, a dynamic winger from Las Vegas who excelled in assists, and Oliver McFadyen, a talented midfielder from Manchester who previously played for Fiji’s U20 national team. Veteran player Zach Verhoven from Vancouver is also making his tournament debut, adding depth to the squad.
In addition to their local talent, the roster includes several guest players with significant professional backgrounds, including Javi Mariona, Alex Vedamanikam, Christopher Grey, Donovan Lescott, Jeremy Zielinsky, and Anthony White.
With a clear goal to bring the Pacific Cup home to the United States for the first time, Mohanta states, “Anything less would not meet our aspirations. Our team is fueled by heart, determination, and pride in representing our country.”
The USA All Stars will kick off their campaign against Labasa in the opening match of the Flick Hygiene Pacific Community Cup on Thursday at 4:30 PM, followed by matches against the NZFFI Auckland All Stars and Rewa on subsequent days.
The spirit of camaraderie and the thrill of competition lend a hopeful tone to the All Stars’ journey in the Pacific Community Cup, highlighting the potential for growth and achievement in the face of challenges. This event not only allows them to showcase their skills but also strengthens ties within the global Fijian football community. As the matches approach, fans are eager to see how their journey unfolds on this prestigious stage.
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