Football fans in Vanuatu will have the opportunity to meet one of the famous African soccer players when former Ghana international Abedi Pele makes a visit to the Vanuatu capital later this month.

Vanuatu Football Federation President Johnny Tinsley Lulu announced that he has received confirmation from Oceania Football Confederation General Secretary Josephine King that Abedi Pele will be coming to Vanuatu on the 11 of January and leaving again on the 14th.

Abedi Pele is one of Arican football stars nominated to spearhead the bid by African countries for the 2010 World Cup finals.

"I have heard from my long time friend and South Africa secretary to the minister of sports Danny Jordaan, during the FIFA congress in Dohar last September, that Abedi Pele will be traveling with the South Africa 2010 World Cup bid delegation to New Zealand and Australia in January 2004. It was then that I suggested the possibility of Abedi Pele visiting Vanuatu. I told Mr. Pele that he was very popular amonth soccer fans in Vanuatu, and that it would be a great idea for him to visit us. (Danny Jordaan is also chief executive officer for South Africa 2010 Bid Company).

"I was not really sure if the trip was going to be a possibility, but now that I have received confirmation from OFC, I would like to inform all football fans in Port Vila especially that Abedi Pele will be in town from 11 to 14 of January 2004, and arrangements will be made to allow them to meet this great African football star" Mr. Tinsley Lulu says.

While in Port Vila the former Ghana international will be conducting a series of football clinics with the Under 15 and Under 17/20 squads at the Korman Stadium. VFF Chief Executive Officer Jimmy Nipo has confirmed that arrangements have been made Mr. Pele to meet with some government officials, as well as the Lord Mayor of Port Vila, VFF and VASANOC executiveS.

Mr. Nipo is also inviting the local media for a press conference to be conducted by Mr. Abedi Pele at the VFF Haus at 9 o'clock Monday morning, 12 January 2004. Mr. Nipo is also informing football fans that Abedi Pele will be at the Korman Stadium at 3 o'clock Monday afternoon. He says he will be ready to meet with fans and sign autographs. He will depart on Wednesday 14 January 2004.