Vanuatu believe three weeks in New Zealand has been the ideal preparation for their hosting of the Oceania Under 20 Men's Football Championship.
Etienne Mermer's side were based at the Ole Academy in Porirua, north of Wellington.
He said the chance to work with top coaches and get regular matches in was just what they needed.
"We didn't win any match but having the matches here is not for the results but for me it's more important that the boys understand the style of play, the way we want them to play. We want the players to learn."
Half of Vanuatu's 20-man squad played in last year's OFC Under 17 Men's Championship, while 19 year old midfielder Bong Kalo is expected to be a key player for the hosts after featuring for Vanuatu at June's OFC Nations Cup in Papua New Guinea.
Vanuatu's Bong Kalo plays against New Zealand during the OFC Nations Cup. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Vanuatu face Fiji in their opening Group A match in Port Vila on Saturday, as well as Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia.
Etienne Mermer said, with a good build-up behind them, they are looking forward to playing at home in front of their own supporters.
"For me I just want to focus game by game, take it seriously, make sure we prepare well (and) the players will feel comfortable to play the first game. I believe that we will have a good game and a good result."
