Young Football Ferns end U-17 World Cup campaign with defeat to Germany after three difficult group matches

New Zealand’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco has come to an end following a 2-0 defeat to Germany in their final Group A fixture on Friday. The Young Football Ferns finished bottom of the group without a point or a goal, having also suffered defeats against hosts Morocco and Argentina.

Alana Gunn’s side entered their final match already eliminated from contention for the knockout stages, but faced another demanding challenge against a German team that had won its opening two fixtures. Despite an improved defensive effort and several important saves from goalkeeper Nienke Holland, the New Zealanders were unable to prevent the European side from completing the group stage with a perfect record.

Germany dominated possession and created several opportunities during the first half, with Holland repeatedly called into action. The New Zealand goalkeeper denied Clara Choisy and Marie Kleemann, while the latter also struck the woodwork as Germany pushed for an opening goal.

The breakthrough eventually came in first-half stoppage time, when Laura Ernst headed home from a corner delivered by Mia Kuhn in the 45+2nd minute. Germany maintained their pressure after the interval and doubled their advantage in the 56th minute, with Choisy finishing from close range.

New Zealand’s situation became more complicated just four minutes later when Emmie Butler received a second yellow card and was sent off. Playing the final half-hour with ten players, the Young Football Ferns continued defending against sustained German pressure, with Holland helping to prevent a heavier defeat.

The result concluded a difficult tournament for the Oceania representatives, whose problems had begun in their opening fixture against hosts Morocco on 17 October.

Playing at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé, New Zealand managed to keep the match scoreless throughout the first half despite Morocco creating numerous opportunities. However, the hosts eventually broke through in the 57th minute when Sonia Abajiou opened the scoring.

An own goal from Eden Chaytor in the 70th minute doubled Morocco’s advantage before Imane Dhissi added a third six minutes later. Hiba Youssoufi completed the 4-0 victory from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute, leaving New Zealand with a considerable challenge ahead of their remaining fixtures.

The statistics reflected Morocco’s dominance, with the hosts recording 39 attempts compared to just two from the Young Football Ferns. New Zealand struggled to establish an attacking presence and were unable to register a shot on target.

Their second encounter, against Argentina on 20 October, offered another opportunity to respond, but the South American side also proved too strong.

Argentina controlled much of the opening period, striking the crossbar three times before Mercedes Diz finally broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute. The attacker connected with a cross from Brunella Pilati to head Argentina in front shortly before half-time.

New Zealand attempted to respond after the break, showing more attacking intent, but Argentina extended their lead in the 69th minute. Diz scored her second goal of the match with a left-footed finish following an assist from Violeta Álvarez, securing a 2-0 victory that represented Argentina’s first win in FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup history.

Following that defeat, New Zealand captain Amelia Hitchcock acknowledged the disappointment while praising the commitment of her teammates.

“It was a very tough game. Argentina are such a good team,” Hitchcock said.

“Obviously, it’s a bit frustrating, the result. But, I mean, there’s nothing we can do now. We tried our best and we really put ourselves out there. I’m really proud of the team for doing that.”

The defeat left the Young Football Ferns without a realistic route into the knockout stages, turning their final encounter against Germany into an opportunity to finish the competition with a stronger performance.

Across their three matches, New Zealand conceded eight goals without scoring, finishing fourth in Group A. Germany advanced as group winners with nine points, followed by Argentina with six and Morocco with three.

The results also highlighted the difficulties New Zealand encountered when facing opponents capable of maintaining possession and consistently creating chances. Although Gunn’s team showed periods of defensive resistance, particularly during the first halves against Morocco and Germany, converting those efforts into sustained attacking play remained a major challenge.

The tournament marked New Zealand’s tenth appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, maintaining their record of participation in every edition of the competition.

For several members of the squad, the experience provided an opportunity to compete against international opposition at the highest level of their age category. However, the results underline the considerable work ahead as New Zealand looks to strengthen its competitiveness against teams from outside Oceania.

With the Young Football Ferns eliminated, attention now turns to the lessons from three demanding matches and how that experience can contribute to the development of the country’s next generation of women’s footballers.

Ibraheem Afazal commits to second season with Bula FC after breakthrough year for club and country

Fiji international Ibraheem Afazal will continue his professional career with Bula FC after the club confirmed that the 19-year-old attacker has re-signed for the 2027 OFC Professional League season. The young footballer returns with greater experience following a debut campaign in which he scored his first professional goal and earned his first senior international appearances for Fiji.

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Afazal began his football journey with Mounties Wanderers FC and APIA Leichhardt FC before joining Sydney Olympic FC in 2025. His development in Australian football was accompanied by opportunities to represent Fiji at youth international level, featuring in the OFC U-17 and U-19 Championships.

His career took an important step forward in 2026 when he signed his first professional contract with Bula FC, becoming part of the Fijian club’s inaugural OFC Professional League squad. During his first season, Afazal scored against South Melbourne and made his senior international debut for Fiji in friendly matches played in Vanuatu in June.

Speaking about his decision to remain with Bula FC, Afazal expressed gratitude to those who have supported his development and helped him pursue a professional career.

“It’s a blessing from God, and I’m grateful for the sacrifices my parents and older brother have made for me,” Afazal said. “I’m also thankful to the coach for trusting me and giving me another opportunity to prove myself.”

The transition from Australia’s semi-professional football environment to the demands of a professional competition required considerable adjustments. Afazal acknowledged that his first season helped him understand the importance of preparation and discipline beyond what happens during training sessions and matches.

“It’s a very different environment going from semi-professional to professional football. I was also lucky to have experienced people around me who helped me grow both on and off the field.”

“I’ve learnt that football isn’t just about putting your boots on and stepping onto the field. It’s also about what you eat, how much you sleep and how you prepare your body. Everything you do off the field plays a big part in your performance on it.”

Working alongside established Fiji internationals and experienced professionals also contributed to his development. For Afazal, sharing the training ground with players who have already achieved success at international level provided additional motivation to pursue his own ambitions.

“Training alongside experienced players in Bula FC has given me a lot of confidence. Seeing what they’ve achieved makes me believe I can do the same if I put my mind to it, stay focused and continue working hard.”

However, adapting to professional football involved more than improving his performances on the pitch. Having spent much of his life in Sydney, Afazal also faced the challenge of living away from his family and becoming responsible for his daily routine.

“My biggest challenge was living away from home. It wasn’t easy, but I understood that sacrifice is part of achieving your goals,” he explained.

“I’ve grown not only as a footballer but also as a person. Living at home, my mum would take care of things like cooking, cleaning and washing my clothes. Moving away from home taught me to become more independent, take responsibility and mature outside of football.”

With those experiences behind him, Afazal is approaching the 2027 season determined to establish himself further in Bula FC’s attacking options. Having already experienced professional football and earned international recognition, the youngster wants to translate his development into more consistent contributions for the club.

“My goals for the 2027 season are to score more goals, become a more important player for the team and help win games.”

Although his immediate focus remains on Bula FC, Afazal has ambitions of eventually playing in Australia’s A-League or progressing to an even higher level. Regardless of where his club career takes him, representing Fiji remains an important part of his plans.

“My dream is to play in the A-League or even higher than that. No matter where football takes me, I always want to represent Fiji at the international level and make my nation proud.”

Afazal’s decision to continue with Bula FC gives him another opportunity to develop within a professional environment while strengthening his prospects of becoming a regular member of Fiji’s senior national team.

The young attacker also shared a message for aspiring footballers across Fiji, encouraging them to remain committed to their ambitions even when progress appears slow.

“I would tell every young footballer across Fiji to keep working hard, even when you’re not seeing the results you want. Everyone has their own time, and success doesn’t always come straight away.”

“Stay patient, keep believing in yourself and never stop working because your opportunity will come.”

Tuvalu proposes Four Nations Cup in New Zealand for January 2027

The Tuvalu Islands Football Association (TIFA) is working towards organising a Four Nations Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, in January 2027, potentially bringing together several Pacific national teams for a new international football competition.

The plans were revealed in an official invitation sent to the Kiribati Islands Football Federation on 15 October, signed by TIFA General Secretary and Technical Director Michiel van der Werf.

According to the letter, the proposed tournament would take place on 23, 27 and 30 January, with Tuvalu, Kiribati, the Cook Islands and Tonga among the prospective participants. A Māori Aotearoa national selection is also being considered, although the final composition of the competition has not been established.

The invitation represents an important step towards organising a tournament that could provide valuable international opportunities for smaller football nations in Oceania, several of which have limited access to regular national-team fixtures.

TIFA indicated that it intends to work alongside New Zealand Football to provide playing venues and training facilities for the participating teams. The association also stated that the Oceania Football Confederation is aware of the initiative and supports the proposed event.

However, the competition remains in the planning stages, with participating nations still to be confirmed and logistical arrangements to be finalised.

One of the main challenges concerns funding. Under the proposed arrangements, participating associations would be responsible for their own travel, accommodation, meals and other expenses, although TIFA indicated that it would seek to provide additional assistance wherever possible.

Those financial requirements could influence which teams are ultimately able to participate.

For Tuvalu, the initiative forms part of a broader effort to expand the country’s involvement in international football.

The Pacific nation currently holds associate membership of the Oceania Football Confederation and has been pursuing full membership, with the longer-term ambition of joining FIFA.

Under van der Werf’s leadership, the association has been working to create new opportunities for Tuvaluan players, including international fixtures and development experiences overseas.

Tuvalu participated in the 2023 Pacific Games in Solomon Islands, but opportunities to compete internationally remain relatively limited. The establishment of a tournament involving comparable Pacific football nations could provide more consistent competition outside the traditional regional championship calendar.

Kiribati’s inclusion among the invited teams is particularly notable following the country’s recent appearance at Fiji’s Inter-District Championship, where the national selection won the Premier Division title.

The proposed tournament would offer Kiribati an opportunity to build on that experience by facing other national teams rather than domestic clubs.

The Cook Islands and Tonga would also bring experience from Oceania’s official international competitions, potentially providing valuable opposition for nations seeking to develop their national-team programmes.

Meanwhile, the possible participation of a Māori Aotearoa selection would add a different dimension to the event, reflecting the wider football connections between New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

Beyond the results, a competition of this nature could help address one of the longstanding difficulties faced by smaller Oceania football associations: the lack of regular international matches.

National teams from countries with small populations and limited financial resources often go extended periods without competitive fixtures, making it difficult to assess their development, maintain squad continuity and prepare players for international football.

A tournament staged in Auckland could provide access to suitable facilities while bringing several national teams together within a relatively short period.

It could also create an opportunity for Pacific players based in New Zealand to represent their countries without the additional costs and logistical challenges associated with travelling across multiple islands.

Nevertheless, several important details remain unresolved, including the final list of participants, confirmation of the proposed venues and the financial arrangements necessary to stage the competition.

The invitation to Kiribati demonstrates that TIFA has begun approaching potential participants, but it does not establish that the tournament has received final confirmation.

Should the plans move forward, the Four Nations Cup could become a valuable addition to Oceania’s international football calendar, providing smaller Pacific nations with opportunities to compete against one another and continue developing their national teams.

For now, the proposed January dates represent an encouraging initiative from Tuvalu as the association seeks to expand international football opportunities across the region.

Darren Bazeley to leave All Whites despite wanting to continue after World Cup campaign

Darren Bazeley will leave his position as New Zealand national team head coach at the end of 2026, with New Zealand Football deciding not to extend his contract despite the 54-year-old’s desire to continue leading the All Whites towards the next FIFA World Cup.

The decision was confirmed by the national association on Saturday, 24 October, bringing an end to a four-year period in which Bazeley oversaw New Zealand’s return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2010 and helped introduce a new generation of players to international football.

Bazeley will remain in charge for the upcoming two-match series against India in November before departing when his contract expires in December. New Zealand Football have not yet announced his successor.

Although disappointed by the decision, the English-born coach acknowledged that the federation had chosen a different direction following the team’s failure to advance beyond the group stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“While I would have definitely been keen to be involved for the next cycle, I understand this is a football decision,” Bazeley said in a statement released by New Zealand Football.

The All Whites returned to football’s biggest tournament in June after a 16-year absence, but were unable to progress to the knockout rounds, finishing their group-stage campaign with one draw and two defeats.

The outcome was disappointing for a squad that had arrived at the tournament with ambitions of achieving New Zealand’s first-ever World Cup victory and reaching the knockout stages.

Nevertheless, Bazeley’s tenure was marked by several notable performances against opponents from outside Oceania.

In June 2025, New Zealand defeated African champions Côte d’Ivoire 1-0 in Canada, recording one of their most significant international victories in more than a decade.

Another important result followed in March 2026, when the All Whites produced an impressive 4-1 victory over Chile at Eden Park in Auckland during their preparations for the World Cup.

Following the tournament, New Zealand continued testing themselves against international opposition, with Bazeley’s squad defeating China PR 3-0 in September before overcoming Panama on penalties to reach the Kirin Cup final in Japan.

The coach also played an important role in the development of the national team’s emerging players, handing 17 footballers their senior international debuts during his tenure.

His experience within New Zealand football extends well beyond the senior national team. Before becoming All Whites head coach on an interim basis in March 2023 and receiving the permanent appointment later that year, Bazeley had worked with the country’s U-17, U-20 and U-23 national sides.

He also served as an assistant coach under Anthony Hudson and Danny Hay, contributing to several generations of New Zealand footballers progressing through the international system.

That development work became an important part of his approach with the senior team, which increasingly incorporated younger players alongside established internationals such as Chris Wood, Marko Stamenić and Alex Rufer.

Despite the decision not to renew his contract, Bazeley expressed confidence in the squad’s future and the foundations established during his time in charge.

He highlighted the progress made by a young group of players and said he believed they could continue improving ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

New Zealand Football chief executive Andrew Pragnell acknowledged Bazeley’s contribution, particularly the opportunities provided to emerging internationals and the relationships established within the national team environment.

However, Pragnell also indicated that the association’s ambitions now extend beyond simply qualifying for the World Cup.

Speaking about the decision, he explained that reaching the knockout stages had been an important strategic objective and that New Zealand Football did not believe the team was progressing sufficiently towards achieving that goal in 2030.

The decision therefore reflects a change in expectations for the All Whites following Oceania’s introduction of a guaranteed place at the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup.

While qualifying for previous editions had required New Zealand to overcome opponents from other confederations in intercontinental playoffs, the current qualification structure offers Oceania’s strongest national team a more direct pathway to the tournament.

That development has created an opportunity for New Zealand to focus more heavily on competing successfully against stronger international opposition once they reach the World Cup.

Bazeley will have two final opportunities to lead the team when New Zealand face India at Go Media Stadium in Auckland on 12 November and at the new One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on 15 November.

The second fixture will also mark the first international football match at Christchurch’s new stadium.

The upcoming series will conclude a significant period in the All Whites’ recent history, with Bazeley departing after overseeing the team’s World Cup return and the development of a squad expected to remain central to New Zealand’s international ambitions.

New Zealand Football will announce further details of the recruitment process for his replacement in due course, with the next appointment expected to play a crucial role in shaping the team’s approach towards the 2030 World Cup.

New Zealand’s Matt Ellis makes dream A-League debut with first-touch goal for Perth Glory

New Zealand winger Matt Ellis made an extraordinary start to his A-League career on Friday, 23 October, scoring with his first touch for Perth Glory just seconds after coming off the bench during a 2-1 defeat against Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium.

The 25-year-old, who joined Perth in September following a successful season in Oceania football, needed only 33 seconds to make his mark in Australia’s top division. Introduced shortly before the hour mark, Ellis capitalised on a defensive mistake to score his first A-League goal and bring Glory back into a match they had been trailing 2-0.

Brisbane had established their advantage through goals from Justin Vidic in the 28th minute and South Korean international Nam Tae-hee in the 42nd, with the latter producing an impressive long-range strike to double the hosts’ lead.

Perth head coach Adam Griffiths turned to Ellis in the 59th minute, replacing Pieter Jacobsz as the visitors searched for a way back into the contest.

The New Zealander immediately justified that decision.

Taking advantage of a loose pass from Brisbane’s defence, Ellis reacted quickly to punish the mistake and reduce the deficit to 2-1 in the 60th minute. His goal provided Perth with renewed hope, although Brisbane maintained their advantage until the final whistle to secure all three points.

Despite the defeat, Ellis’ introduction provided one of the standout individual moments of the evening and continued a remarkable sequence of goals in important matches over the past year.

In December 2025, the winger scored for Auckland City FC in the New Zealand National League grand final against Wellington Olympic. Coming off the bench, Ellis headed home Haris Zeb’s cross in the 81st minute to give the Navy Blues the lead.

The dramatic encounter eventually finished 2-2 after extra time, with Auckland City winning 7-6 on penalties to retain the national championship.

Five months later, Ellis was again on the scoresheet in a major final, this time representing Auckland FC in the inaugural OFC Professional League.

Facing South Melbourne at Eden Park on 24 May, he entered as a substitute and scored Auckland’s second goal in the 72nd minute, collecting Aston Burns’ pass before finishing through the goalkeeper’s legs.

His contribution proved decisive as Auckland FC secured a 2-1 victory and became the first champions of Oceania’s professional football competition.

Ellis then added another important achievement to his record in August, representing Auckland City during the 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League in Fiji.

The winger scored the second goal in the final against Solomon Islands champions Central Coast FC, sealing a 2-0 victory at Govind Park in Ba and helping Auckland City claim their 14th continental title.

Those performances meant Ellis had scored in three significant finals within nine months, across New Zealand’s domestic championship, the OFC Professional League and the OFC Men’s Champions League.

His immediate impact against Brisbane has now added an A-League debut goal to that sequence.

Ellis’ progression is particularly notable because his opportunity in Australia’s professional competition arrived after several successful campaigns within New Zealand and Oceania football.

He made 18 appearances for Auckland FC during the inaugural OFC Professional League season, contributing four goals and two assists, while continuing to represent Auckland City in other competitions.

The former New Zealand U-23 international also gained experience at the FIFA Club World Cup with Auckland City, adding another major international tournament to his playing career.

His performances eventually attracted Perth Glory, who signed him on a one-year agreement in September.

At the time, Glory football director Stan Lazaridis emphasised the winger’s pace and attacking qualities, suggesting that Ellis had been overlooked despite his consistent performances.

“We feel that he’s been overlooked and is exactly the type of player we need,” Lazaridis said when the club announced his arrival.

For Ellis, the move represented the opportunity to fulfil a long-held ambition of playing professionally in the A-League.

“This is an opportunity that you dream of having, and it’s something that you work so hard for ever since being a little kid,” he said following his signing.

His debut could hardly have produced a more immediate personal contribution, even if the result ultimately left Perth disappointed.

Glory have now lost their opening two matches of the 2026/27 A-League season, having also suffered a 2-1 defeat against Macarthur FC in the opening round.

Nevertheless, Ellis’ goal gives the coaching staff another encouraging attacking option as Perth prepare for their first home fixture against Adelaide United on 1 November.

For the New Zealander, the challenge will now be to establish himself at A-League level and turn an unforgettable debut into consistent performances.

Having already delivered in three major finals across Oceania, Ellis has demonstrated an ability to make important contributions under pressure. His first touch in Australian professional football provided another example of that quality.

All Whites goalkeeper Jamie Searle joins Wealdstone after brief spell at Eastleigh

New Zealand international goalkeeper Jamie Searle has completed another move in English football, joining National League club Wealdstone on a non-contract agreement after a brief spell with Eastleigh.

The 25-year-old has changed clubs for the second time in little more than a month, having joined Eastleigh on a short-term arrangement in September following his departure from Eastbourne Borough.

Wealdstone confirmed Searle’s arrival alongside fellow goalkeeper Sam Long, who has joined on a 28-day loan from League Two side Salford City. The two signings give the London-based club additional options as they continue their campaign in England’s fifth tier.

Searle’s latest move comes after several seasons spent progressing through different levels of English football, having originally left New Zealand in 2019 to pursue opportunities overseas.

Born in Whakatāne, the goalkeeper began his development with local club Whakatāne Town before representing Cambridge and Melville United. His performances earned him an opportunity with Aston Villa’s academy, marking the beginning of a career that has included several established English clubs.

Searle joined Swansea City in 2020 before moving to Barnsley two years later. He subsequently signed for Forest Green Rovers in July 2023, spending two seasons with the club before joining Eastbourne Borough in June 2025.

His spell at Eastbourne produced eight appearances in all competitions before he became a free agent.

The New Zealander joined Eastleigh on 18 September 2026, but his stay with the Hampshire club proved short-lived, leading to another move within the National League.

Unlike a conventional fixed-term contract, Searle’s non-contract agreement with Wealdstone gives both parties greater flexibility, although the club has not announced how long he is expected to remain.

At international level, Searle has made one senior appearance for New Zealand, featuring throughout the 90 minutes against New Caledonia during the FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in March 2022.

He was also a member of the New Zealand squad at the Tokyo Olympic Games, where the OlyWhites reached the quarterfinals.

Those experiences place him among a group of New Zealand goalkeepers continuing their careers within the English football pyramid, although establishing regular first-team opportunities remains an important objective.

Wealdstone’s decision to strengthen their goalkeeping department provides Searle with another opportunity to compete for playing time at National League level.

For the former All Whites goalkeeper, the move represents a chance to regain stability and build momentum after a period featuring several changes of club.

His immediate challenge will be to establish himself in Wealdstone’s squad and earn opportunities on the pitch as the club continues its domestic campaign.

Nikao Sokattak and Avatiu crowned Cook Islands champions and secure Oceania qualification

Nikao Sokattak FC and Avatiu FC have been crowned champions of the Cook Islands’ principal domestic football competitions for 2026, securing the men’s and women’s titles respectively and earning the opportunity to represent the country in Oceania’s continental club tournaments next year.

The Cook Islands Football Association confirmed the championship presentations following Round 14 of the Round Cup competition, recognising successful campaigns that have seen both clubs establish themselves among the country’s leading teams.

Nikao Sokattak secured the Premier Men’s Mustonen Construction Premiership title, ending Tupapa Maraerenga’s recent dominance of domestic football and confirming their qualification for the 2027 OFC Men’s Champions League preliminary tournament in Tonga.

The achievement represents a significant success for Nikao, whose performances throughout the season have been characterised by an exceptionally productive attack and a disciplined defensive record.

The club remained unbeaten through its first 12 league matches, recording ten victories and two draws while scoring 70 goals and conceding only four. That sequence included a convincing 3-0 victory over reigning champions Tupapa Maraerenga in early October, demonstrating Nikao’s superiority against one of their principal rivals.

Tupapa had won the previous four Cook Islands men’s championships, making Nikao’s return to the top an important development in the domestic competition.

However, the success was not limited to the senior side.

Nikao Sokattak were also crowned champions of the U-18 Men’s Edgewater Resort Championship, completing an impressive double that highlights the club’s ability to develop players through its youth and senior structures.

The two titles provide encouragement for Nikao as they prepare to return to regional competition, where Cook Islands clubs regularly face opponents from other Pacific nations in the preliminary stages of the OFC Men’s Champions League.

The upcoming qualifying tournament in Tonga will give Nikao an opportunity to test their squad against international opposition while attempting to advance towards the main continental competition.

In the women’s championship, Avatiu FC also enjoyed an outstanding campaign, winning the Senior Women’s Tower Insurance Championship.

Avatiu’s success was built on consistent performances throughout the competition, combining experienced footballers with younger players who have progressed into the senior team.

The Cook Islands Football Association highlighted the contributions of the club’s emerging talents, several of whom established themselves during the campaign and played meaningful roles in securing the title.

The achievement also represents a change at the top of the women’s competition after Puaikura FC won the championship in 2025.

Avatiu will now represent the Cook Islands at the 2027 OFC Women’s Champions League, scheduled to take place in Papua New Guinea.

The continental tournament will provide a significant opportunity for the club’s players to gain experience against some of Oceania’s strongest women’s teams, while contributing to the continuing development of the game in the Cook Islands.

The two championship victories underline the importance of domestic competitions in creating pathways towards international football for players based in Rarotonga.

Although the principal men’s and women’s titles have already been decided, the Round Cup programme has not entirely concluded. Further youth championship presentations and the remaining knockout competitions are still to take place.

For Nikao Sokattak and Avatiu, attention can now begin shifting towards the challenges of representing the Cook Islands on the continental stage in 2027.

Both clubs will enter those competitions as national champions, carrying the responsibility of demonstrating the progress of football in one of Oceania’s smaller member associations.

Suva FA begin search for new head coach following disappointing IDC campaign

Suva Football Association have opened applications for the position of head coach of their senior men’s team, signalling a potential change in the capital city’s coaching structure following a disappointing conclusion to the 2026 Fijian football season.

The association published an official recruitment notice inviting experienced coaches to express their interest in leading one of Fiji’s most established football districts. The announcement comes after Suva were eliminated from the FMF Inter-District Championship earlier this month without winning a match, despite hosting the competition and strengthening their squad with several overseas-based players.

Suva entered the IDC with considerable expectations under head coach Pita Rabo, who had guided the team to the Battle of the Giants semifinals in September. However, their campaign at HFC Bank Stadium ended during the group stage after a 2-1 defeat against Labasa and draws against Nasinu and defending champions Rewa.

The Whites collected just two points from three matches, finishing behind Rewa and Labasa in Group A. The early elimination was particularly disappointing given the club’s ambition to secure a 15th IDC title and the additions of New Zealand-based players Emosi Navaba, James Hoyt, Andrew Naicker and Shiville Salesh Kumar.

Suva had demonstrated encouraging progress during the Battle of the Giants, defeating Navua and Labasa during the group stage before suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat against eventual champions Ba in the semifinals.

Those performances offered signs of improvement following a difficult period for the club, but the momentum did not carry into October’s championship.

Rabo had taken charge of Suva following the Fiji FACT tournament earlier in the year, overseeing a rebuilding process aimed at restoring the club’s competitiveness in domestic competitions.

The new recruitment announcement does not specify the circumstances surrounding his position, and Suva FA have not provided an explanation regarding a possible departure or change in his responsibilities.

According to the vacancy notice, candidates must hold at least an OFC C Licence or an internationally recognised equivalent, with an OFC A Licence preferred.

The association is seeking a coach capable of developing training programmes and tactical structures, assessing player performances and maintaining discipline and accountability within the squad.

The successful candidate will also be expected to work with youth development programmes and collaborate with the association’s Executive Board in building a competitive senior team.

Suva FA have requested applications containing coaching credentials, a comprehensive curriculum vitae and a personal statement outlining the candidate’s vision for the club.

The recruitment process introduces another significant coaching development in Fiji football, coming shortly after Ba Football Association announced the immediate termination of Ravinesh Kumar’s contract despite the Men in Black winning four major domestic titles during the season.

For Suva, the immediate priority will be establishing a coaching structure capable of building on the progress shown during the Battle of the Giants while addressing the shortcomings that contributed to their disappointing IDC campaign.

No appointment has been announced, and the association has not indicated when a new head coach will be selected.

Vanuatu beach soccer team pays emotional tribute to late Tahiti international Eddy Kaspard

Vanuatu’s national beach soccer team paid a touching tribute to the late Tahiti international Eddy Kaspard during their visit to French Polynesia for the 2026 OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup, visiting his family in Papara to honour a footballer whose life connected both Pacific nations.

The visit was confirmed by the Oceania Football Confederation, which highlighted the special relationship between Kaspard and the two countries through his Vanuatu and Tahitian heritage.

Kaspard passed away on 14 August 2025 at the age of 24 following a road accident in Paea, Tahiti. His sudden death deeply affected the local football community, where he had established himself as one of the country’s most promising attacking players.

The former AS Vénus forward had enjoyed an outstanding 2024/25 season, finishing as the leading goalscorer in Tahiti’s Ligue 1 with 37 goals. He was also a member of the Tahiti national team, representing the Toa Aito in international competitions, including the 2024 OFC Nations Cup.

However, Kaspard’s connection to Vanuatu extended well beyond football.

His father, Abet Kaspard Tahi, was a former international footballer from Laone village on Pentecost Island, while his mother was Tahitian. Growing up in French Polynesia, Eddy followed his father’s footsteps into football, eventually becoming a senior international for Tahiti.

During the 2024 OFC Nations Cup in Vanuatu, Kaspard experienced a memorable reunion with relatives from his father’s homeland.

The visit marked his return to Vanuatu as a young adult, having previously travelled there as a baby. His arrival was celebrated by family members and former teammates of his father, including Nato Taiwia, who had played alongside Abet during the country’s earlier football history.

That moment demonstrated how football could connect generations and communities across the Pacific, with Kaspard representing Tahiti while maintaining strong family ties to Vanuatu.

More than two years later, members of Vanuatu’s beach soccer national team have paid their respects to his family during another OFC competition.

The players visited Papara, where Kaspard was laid to rest in August 2025, in a gesture of solidarity and remembrance for a footballer who was respected on both sides of the Pacific.

The tribute comes as Vanuatu prepare to compete against Tahiti, Solomon Islands and New Caledonia at the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup, being held in French Polynesia.

Although the tournament brings the four nations together as sporting rivals, the visit demonstrated the personal and cultural connections that extend beyond their encounters on the pitch.

For Kaspard’s family, the gesture serves as another reminder that his legacy continues to be remembered outside Tahiti.

His career was cut short at a time when he was emerging as one of French Polynesia’s outstanding attacking talents, but his story remains closely connected to the football histories of two Pacific countries.

The Vanuatu team’s visit offers another chapter in that relationship, honouring not only the player Kaspard became but also the family heritage and friendships that connected him to both nations.

From the Trobriand Islands to the OFC Pro League: Tallis Primo and Joshua Urro join PNG Hekari

PNG Hekari FC have secured the services of Kula FC midfielders Tallis Primo and Joshua Urro as the club continues strengthening its squad for the 2027 OFC Pro League season. The two players were officially handed over to Hekari’s management on Tuesday, October 13, following an agreement involving Kula FC executives and head coach Percy Mataio, who confirmed the move directly to Oceania Football Center.

For 23-year-old Tallis Primo, the move represents a remarkable step in a football journey that began in the Trobriand Islands, part of Milne Bay Province in Papua New Guinea. Growing up in a village surrounded by the islands’ cultural traditions, Primo had limited exposure to football at the national level before travelling across the sea to Alotau in 2025, where he attended a week-long selection trial for the newly established Kula FC.

His performances earned him a place in the club’s inaugural squad for the PNGFA Premier Soccer League (PSL), giving him an opportunity to compete against some of the country’s established teams. Over two seasons under Mataio, Primo developed into an influential central midfielder, capable of contributing both in possession and in attacking situations.

According to Mataio, Primo’s performances attracted interest from rival PSL clubs, but the young midfielder chose to remain at Kula FC to continue his development under the coach’s guidance. That decision helped him establish greater consistency and become a regular presence in the team’s midfield, eventually attracting attention from PNG Hekari’s coaching staff.

The move is equally significant for Joshua Urro, who captained Kula FC during its first two seasons in the national competition. A versatile player primarily used in central defence or defensive midfield, Urro impressed Mataio with his ability on the ball, determination in recovering possession and influence on his teammates.

Unlike Primo, Urro already has considerable experience representing Papua New Guinea in international youth competitions. He was part of the country’s squad at the 2019 OFC-UEFA Youth Development Tournament in Vanuatu and later represented Papua New Guinea at the 2022 OFC U-19 Championship in Tahiti. In 2023, he was also selected for the national squad competing in the OFC Men’s Olympic qualifying tournament in New Zealand.

Urro’s versatility offers Hekari an additional option across defensive positions, while Primo brings attacking qualities and the experience gained during his development at Kula FC.

Mataio explained that the two players attracted the attention of PNG Hekari’s United States-based head coach Matt Badiee, who took charge of the professional club in preparation for its second OFC Pro League campaign.

Their departures also represent an important moment for Kula FC, which was established in 2025 to provide footballers from Milne Bay Province with opportunities at the national level. In just two seasons, the club has helped develop two players who are now progressing towards the country’s professional football environment.

For PNG Hekari, the arrivals come as the club rebuilds following a difficult inaugural OFC Pro League campaign in 2026, when it finished bottom of the eight-team competition. The Papua New Guinean side has already confirmed the retention of experienced goalkeeper Dave Tomare, with further squad preparations underway ahead of the new season.

The 2027 OFC Pro League is scheduled to begin on January 22, with PNG Hekari looking to improve its competitiveness under Badiee. For Primo, the opportunity means a journey that began in a remote island community has now reached Oceania’s professional football stage, while Urro takes another step forward after years of development through Papua New Guinea’s domestic and international football systems.