THE Junior Kurukurus left the country for Buenos Aires, Argentina on Thursday to compete in the Youth Olympic Games.
Speaking to Star Sports prior to their departure, skipper Junior Mana said the boys are excited and can’t wait to hit the court for the first time in what he described as a pathway for the Junior Kurukurus.
“After so many hard trainings, we are on our mission now for Buenos Aires,’’ he said.
“We know how tough the competition will be for us, but we are determined to also showcase ourselves to the rest of the world in this competition,’’ he said.
“All the boys are enthusiastic to hit the court against our renowned Futsal opponents and indoor powerhouses likeBrazil and Russia.
He insists, they are attending the competition as underdogs but strongly stressed they are heading to the competition to compete.
“Nothing is impossible and we will be there to compete.”
Head coach Stanley Puairana also echoed similar sentiment.
“We’ve prepared for this competition since November last year and our objective is to go and compete against top Futsal countries.
“We are also optimistic to create our own history in our debut appearance in the Youth Olympic Games.
However, according to the SIFF Media last night, only seven players boarded a Solomon Airline flight bound for Brisbane where they will transit en route to Auckland-Buenos Aires.
This is due to a visa setback upon check-in yesterday.
“Head coach, Stanley Puairana and two of his players will leave tomorrow due to Australian visa delay,” the statement from SIFF has stated.
Captain Junior Mana said regardless of the visa setback the boys are focusing on the task ahead.
Meanwhile, the young Kurukurus are pooled in Group B alongside Brazil, Russia, Iran and Costa Rica.
They will take on Iran on Sunday 7th October at the Cenard Hall in the Buenos Aires, Argentina.
By CROFTON UTUKANA
