The NZFFI U16 All Stars will launch their Pacific Community Cup campaign today, buoyed by weeks of preparation and a clear ambition: to win the tournament.
Team manager Shuiab Hussain says the side has built steadily towards the opening fixture against the AUFFI U16 All Stars, drawing confidence from recent friendlies and tournament outings.
“We’ve prepared well. We’ve played a few tournaments, a few friendlies,” Hussain said. “The main target is to win the Pacific Cup tournament — being the best-ever Under-16 tournament for the Pacific Cup. We want to win it.”
The camp atmosphere has been described as focused but upbeat, with players eager for the challenge ahead. Many will be featuring at U16 level for the first—and in some cases last—time, adding extra significance to the week.
According to Hussain, the team recently paused its busy schedule of club responsibilities to deliver a small presentation for the boys, acknowledging their commitment and the support of their families.
“We’ve been busy with organising other stuff,” he said. “So we thought, why not organise something for the Under-16 Pacific Cup boys as well. Some of them will be playing their first and last Under-16 with us. It was just a little token for them, and for the families who have sacrificed a lot.”
Hussain extended a warm welcome to international teams arriving for the tournament and paid tribute to the NZFFI who have spent months preparing behind the scenes.
“I want to thank the NZFFI who’ve been working their hearts out for months. They’ve been working hard on this,” he said. “Good luck to everyone, and to all the other teams.”
Kick-off for the NZFFI U16 All Stars’ opener against AUFFI U16 is at 4:15pm, the second match of the Valentine’s Buffet Restaurant with Ram’s Group of Companies and Lal’s Transport Pacific Community Cup 2025, which begins at 3pm.
