THE friendly atmosphere of a Riverland soccer club has attracted a number of Pacific Island players this season, including a defender with experience on the international stage.
Vanuatu national soccer player George Vuti has spent the 2021 Riverland Soccer Association playing for Renmark Olympic.
Mr Vuti, 36, said he quickly developed positive connections with fellow players and staff at the club.
“It’s good fun,” Mr Vuti said
“The coaches and the boys are very good people, and we can joke and have fun on the field.”
Mr Vuti – who has also played for Vanuatu club sides Amicale FC and Malampa Revivors FC – said being able to travel internationally was a highlight of his soccer career.
“I started for the national team when I was 17-years-old, then I went for the under 23 team (and) then the senior level,” he said.
“We have many local teams in Vanuatu. There are also competing for the Oceania Champion league, which has 11 countries competing for the top club award.
“When I was with Amicale FC we travelled a lot. We travelled to Tahiti, Fiji, New Caledonia and New Zealand.
“My first time travelling with the Vanuatu senior team was to Samoa and I was playing with the older players. I just enjoyed it.”
Renmark Olympic vice president Andrew Dedes said Mr Vuti had been a key player in the men’s A grade side, which has won every game so far this season.
“He plays central-defence, but he always pushes up to attack for the corners,” Mr Dedes said.
“We’ve made him and others as welcome as we can, and they have all become involved with the club.
“You can see the class he’s got… he’s so calm on the ball and can read the play one step ahead of everyone else.”
Mr Dedes said a large contingent of Pacific Island players – travelling to the Riverland for seasonal work – have joined the club this season.
“All the (Pacific Island) boys come to training and help out when we need help… they fit in and everyone is welcome,” he said.
“We also get another 40 to 50 Pacific Island boys who come out most days to just have a kick after work.
“(Soccer) is one language and we’ve got all walks of life at this club.”
Mr Vuti said he enjoyed providing a positive influence on the pitch for teammates.
“I bring experience to the team because I’ve played a lot of games,” Mr Vuti said.
“In the game I tell my teammates to do their best to try and win every match as a team.
“My team is a good team and we can win this season.”
Current Renmark player Jean Kaltack has also represented the Vanuatu youth teams, and the Vanuatu under 23 Olympic team during qualifying matches for the 2016 Brazil Summer Olympic.