Tonga name 26-man squad for New Zealand tour as Tu’ulalupe prepare for international return

Tonga Football have announced a 26-man squad for their November tour of New Zealand, marking another important step towards the Tu’ulalupe’s return to international competition after more than two years without a senior men’s international match.

The selection brings together players representing domestic clubs across Tonga and six footballers based in New Zealand, providing an opportunity to reconnect locally developed talent with members of the Tongan football community overseas.

Tonga’s last senior international appearance came in September 2024, when they suffered a 2-1 defeat against Samoa during the opening stage of Oceania’s qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

That result followed a 3-1 victory over Cook Islands four days earlier, with Tonga eliminated before reaching the group stage of the regional qualifiers.

Since then, the national team have remained largely absent from international competition, making the November tour an important opportunity to assess players, rebuild combinations and prepare for future tournaments.

The squad announced by Tonga Football includes representatives of several domestic clubs, with Veitongo FC, Lavengatonga FC, Longoteme FC, Longolongo FC, Lotoha’apai FC, Navutoka FC, Marist FC and Folaha FC all contributing players.

Among those selected are Semisi ‘Otukolo and Elias Kendler of Veitongo, Manase Talakai and Kulisitofa Kite of Lavengatonga, Fineasi Palei and ‘Amanaki Lau’i of Longoteme, and William Tukua and Christopher Fa’onuku of Navutoka.

The presence of several players from different domestic football environments provides Tonga with an opportunity to assemble a squad capable of building greater cohesion ahead of the next international cycle.

Another important feature of the selection is the inclusion of six players listed as New Zealand-based.

Anthony Likiliki, William Senitili, Topuluka Tu’amoheloa, Tomasi Armitage, Pau Likiliki and David Tu’amoheloa have all been named in the touring group, reflecting the importance of Tonga’s overseas football connections.

The involvement of players living in New Zealand could provide additional options for the Tu’ulalupe, particularly as the national team seeks to strengthen its player pool and maintain relationships with footballers of Tongan heritage abroad.

The tour also comes as Oceania’s international calendar begins moving towards the next qualifying cycle.

Tonga will be among the countries preparing for the 2027 OFC Men’s Nations Cup qualifying competition, an important opportunity to return to regular competitive football after an extended period without international fixtures.

For a national team that has traditionally faced difficulties obtaining frequent international matches, the New Zealand tour could provide valuable experience for domestic players and help establish a foundation for future selections.

The country’s most recent competitive victory against Cook Islands in September 2024 demonstrated Tonga’s ability to produce positive results, although their subsequent defeat to Samoa prevented further progression in the World Cup qualifying campaign.

The November tour will therefore represent more than a return to the pitch. It will also provide an opportunity for the national team to assess its current strengths, identify areas requiring improvement and prepare for the challenges awaiting Tonga in regional competition.

Tonga Football have confirmed the touring squad, although the opponents, venues and match schedule have not yet been established in the information available.

With the Tu’ulalupe preparing to return to international action, the coming weeks will offer an important indication of how Tonga intend to rebuild their senior men’s national team ahead of a new cycle of Oceania football.

#PlayerClub
1Semisi ‘OtukoloVeitongo FC
2Manase TalakaiLavengatonga FC
3Justin To’etu’uLongolongo FC
4Fineasi PaleiLongoteme FC
5Kulisitofa KiteLavengatonga FC
6Gershom MailangiLotoha’apai FC
7Viliami TukiaNavutoka FC
8Lisiate FekeLongolongo FC
9Elias KendlerVeitongo FC
10Tevita FalepapalangiLotoha’apai FC
11Sione TaufaLotoha’apai FC
12Hakeai FonuaLotoha’apai FC
13‘Amanaki Lau’iLongoteme FC
14Sosaia ‘IlanganaLongolongo FC
15Christopher FauonukuNavutoka FC
16Taani Fe’aoMarist FC
17Herick FunakiLongolongo FC
18Sione NaniseniNavutoka FC
19Sione ‘Ainu’uFolaha FC
20Visesio ToluFolaha FC
21Anthony LikilikiNew Zealand-based
22William SenituliNew Zealand-based
23Topuluka Tu’amoheloaNew Zealand-based
24Tomasi ArmitageNew Zealand-based
25Pau LikilikiNew Zealand-based
26David Tu’amoheloaNew Zealand-based

Architect of Fiji’s U-17 World Cup success Sunil Kumar leaves for Papua New Guinea

Fiji Football Association have confirmed the departure of Sunil Kumar, the country’s Head of Talent Development and national U-16 coach, who is moving to Papua New Guinea to take up a new opportunity involving Papua New Guinea football and Hekari FC ahead of the 2027 OFC Professional League season.

Kumar leaves after overseeing one of the most successful periods in Fiji’s youth football history, having guided the country to three consecutive FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifications. His departure represents a significant change within the national development structure, particularly as Fiji prepare for their second consecutive appearance at the global tournament in Qatar later this month.

The Fiji FA announced his departure on November 3, with chief executive Mohammed Yusuf acknowledging the coach’s contribution to the development of young footballers.

“Sunil has shown great commitment to identifying and developing our young players. We thank him for his service and wish him every success in this new chapter,” Yusuf said.

Kumar’s achievements have been closely associated with the emergence of a new generation of Fijian talent. Under his guidance, Fiji secured qualification for the 2025, 2026 and 2027 FIFA U-17 World Cups following three consecutive top-three finishes at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship.

The breakthrough came in 2024, when Fiji earned their first-ever qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup during the continental tournament in Tahiti. The following year, the country made its debut on the global stage in Qatar, providing young players with international experience against opponents from outside Oceania.

Fiji subsequently qualified for the 2026 edition and secured another berth for 2027 during the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in Papua New Guinea, maintaining a level of consistency previously unseen in the country’s youth football programme.

Among the players to develop under Kumar is Maikah Dau, who captained Fiji during the 2024 qualifying campaign before progressing to professional football with Bula FC and earning his first senior international appearances in 2026.

Dau’s progression reflects the pathway Kumar has sought to establish between youth internationals and senior football. The midfielder became the youngest player to feature in the inaugural OFC Professional League and subsequently contributed to Fiji’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup triumph.

Kumar’s work has extended beyond coaching national teams. As Head of Talent Development, he has been involved in identifying emerging footballers through schools and district competitions, while also addressing the difficulties young internationals face in securing regular opportunities at senior club level.

In October, Kumar and Fiji FA Technical Director David Baltase raised concerns over the lack of competitive football available to youth internationals. Figures presented during a technical workshop revealed that only nine of 48 U-16 and U-17 internationals from the 2024–2026 period were playing regularly for senior district teams.

The findings highlighted a major challenge for Fiji football: ensuring that progress at international youth level translates into sustainable careers beyond the age-group competitions.

Originally from Ba, Kumar began his coaching journey while working as a schoolteacher. Having previously played youth football in his home district, he became involved with Ba’s youth teams before progressing through Fiji’s national coaching structure.

He has frequently credited former Fiji national team coach Yogendra Dutt as one of his most important influences, having learned from him during his early years in football.

His coaching philosophy places considerable emphasis on personal development, discipline and building strong relationships with players, particularly when working with teenagers competing internationally for the first time.

The move to Papua New Guinea offers Kumar an opportunity to take that experience into another developing football environment, where Hekari FC are preparing for their second season in the OFC Professional League.

The Port Moresby-based club have already appointed Iranian-born American coach Matt Badiee as head coach for the 2027 campaign, following a difficult inaugural season in which Hekari finished bottom of the standings.

Kumar’s precise responsibilities within Hekari and Papua New Guinea football have not yet been detailed in the Fiji FA announcement. Nevertheless, his background in youth development and player identification could prove valuable as the club looks to strengthen its domestic foundations and become more competitive at professional level.

For Fiji, his departure comes at a particularly important moment, with another U-17 World Cup approaching and the country’s younger generation increasingly benefiting from professional football opportunities.

Kumar leaves behind three consecutive World Cup qualifications and a development programme that has helped establish a new benchmark for Fiji’s youth national teams. His next challenge will take him to Papua New Guinea, where the professional game’s expansion is creating new opportunities for coaches and players across Oceania.

Five-star Rafa Lea’i strikes again as Central Coast continue relentless S-League title pursuit

Raphael Lea’i delivered another extraordinary individual performance in the Solomon Islands SIFF Super League on Sunday, November 1, scoring five goals as Central Coast FC demolished KOSSA 7-0 at Lawson Tama Stadium. The 23-year-old international was once again unstoppable in front of goal, adding another remarkable achievement to a season in which he has rediscovered the prolific form that made him one of Oceania’s most exciting attacking talents.

The forward opened the scoring in the 15th minute, giving Central Coast an early advantage before Barrie Limoki doubled the lead six minutes later. Limoki added his second goal in first-half stoppage time, sending the defending champions into the interval with a commanding 3-0 advantage.

What followed was an extraordinary second-half display from Lea’i, who scored four times in just 24 minutes to complete a five-goal performance. He struck in the 54th and 65th minutes before adding further goals in the 73rd and 78th, leaving KOSSA without any answer to Central Coast’s attacking superiority.

The result maintained Central Coast’s unbeaten record in the competition, with ten victories and two draws from twelve matches. The reigning champions have now scored 51 goals while conceding only ten, establishing themselves as the most prolific attacking team in the league.

However, what makes Lea’i’s latest performance particularly remarkable is that it was not even his biggest individual scoring display of the season.

On September 2, the Solomon Islands international scored six times in Central Coast’s 9-0 demolition of SOSA FC, producing a double hat-trick that demonstrated his extraordinary finishing ability.

Those two matches alone have produced eleven goals for Lea’i, an astonishing return that highlights how dangerous he has become since returning to Solomon Islands domestic football.

His goalscoring resurgence is particularly significant considering the challenges he experienced during the inaugural OFC Professional League season with Solomon Kings.

Despite arriving as one of the club’s most recognisable players, Lea’i managed only one goal in fifteen appearances during the professional campaign, a relatively disappointing return for a forward who had previously dominated domestic football.

The transition back to Central Coast, however, quickly brought a change in fortunes.

He scored twice in only his second appearance for the club, helping Central Coast defeat Malaita Kingz 5-2 in August. The goals provided an early indication of what was to come, with Lea’i subsequently becoming one of the central figures in the team’s historic OFC Men’s Champions League campaign.

His most memorable continental performance came against Vanuatu’s Galaxy FC in the semi-finals on August 19.

Facing a Galaxy side inspired by Brazilian striker Willian Medina, Lea’i scored a hat-trick in an unforgettable 3-2 extra-time victory, including the decisive goal in the 117th minute that sent Central Coast into the final against Auckland City.

The performance demonstrated his ability to deliver against stronger international opposition, particularly when the stakes were highest. Although Central Coast eventually lost the final 2-0, Lea’i’s contribution was among the highlights of the tournament.

His latest five-goal display against KOSSA adds another chapter to a career that has already included several remarkable individual achievements.

Lea’i first attracted widespread attention during his teenage years with Henderson Eels, when his extraordinary goalscoring performances established him as one of the brightest prospects in Solomon Islands football.

During the 2019/20 S-League season, he scored 24 goals in only seven appearances, earning the competition’s Golden Boot while still just 16 years old.

His performances eventually opened the door to European football, with Lea’i becoming the first Solomon Islands player to sign a professional contract with a European club when he joined FK Velež Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina in January 2023.

After his time in Europe, he continued his career in Australia, representing Adelaide City and Wollongong Wolves before returning to the Pacific for the establishment of the OFC Professional League.

While his overseas experiences have not always produced the consistency many expected, his ability to influence matches through individual attacking brilliance has remained evident.

Now back in familiar surroundings, Lea’i has once again become one of the most decisive players in Solomon Islands domestic football.

His performances also carry considerable importance for Central Coast’s championship ambitions.

Despite occupying second place with 32 points, the defending champions remain only three points behind leaders Green Shield, who have already played fifteen matches. Central Coast’s three games in hand give them an opportunity to take control of the championship race if they maintain their outstanding form.

With coach Jacob Moli overseeing a squad containing several Solomon Islands internationals and players with professional experience, Central Coast possess the quality to challenge for another national title.

Lea’i’s attacking partnership with players such as Barrie Limoki and Bobby Leslie has added another dimension to a team already recognised for its ability to dominate opponents.

For the forward himself, his recent performances may also prove important ahead of the 2027 OFC Professional League campaign, having already been confirmed among Solomon Kings’ returning players.

His remarkable domestic scoring record presents an encouraging sign for the professional club, particularly after a first season in which he struggled to reproduce the numbers that made him famous.

Whether he can transfer that productivity into the professional competition remains an important question, but his performances with Central Coast have provided plenty of reasons for optimism.

Five goals against KOSSA, six against SOSA and a Champions League semi-final hat-trick against Galaxy illustrate the exceptional individual quality Lea’i continues to possess.

At 23, the Solomon Islands star still has plenty of football ahead of him. For now, his extraordinary scoring exploits are helping Central Coast maintain their unbeaten title challenge and reminding Oceania of the talent that first made Raphael Lea’i such a remarkable prospect.

New Caledonia’s Burkina Faso victory stands out as FIFA U-15 World Cup exposes Oceania’s development gap

The inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan provided an unprecedented opportunity for Oceania’s young footballers to compete against opponents from across the world. However, the tournament also exposed the substantial competitive gap separating the region from other confederations. Across 53 opening-stage matches, the 11 OFC representatives recorded just three victories, one draw and 49 defeats, scoring 40 goals while conceding 354. New Caledonia’s 2-1 victory over Burkina Faso emerged as one of the most encouraging results, while New Zealand’s struggles offered a particularly concerning assessment of the region’s leading football nation.

Held in Baku from 24 to 30 October, the competition brought together 189 national teams in an unusual development-focused format. Matches were played eight-a-side on smaller pitches, with two 20-minute halves and rolling substitutions. Following the opening group stage, teams entered six different competitive tiers based on their finishing positions. The format ensured that participating nations continued playing regardless of their initial results, giving young footballers considerably more international exposure than a conventional knockout tournament would have offered.

For Oceania, the opening stage produced a troubling picture. Nine of the 11 representatives finished bottom of their respective groups, with only New Caledonia and Tahiti avoiding last place. The regional goal difference of minus 314 was particularly striking, with OFC nations conceding an average of 6.68 goals per match. These figures came against opponents from several confederations, illustrating that the difficulties were not limited to encounters with traditional football powerhouses.

The disparity was also reflected in FIFA’s overall tournament statistics. Oceania recorded just 20 victories across its 11 participating nations, equivalent to 1.8 per team. By comparison, UEFA’s 37 representatives accumulated 213 wins, averaging 5.8 per nation, while South America’s ten teams registered 57 victories, averaging 5.7. Africa recorded 234 wins from 52 teams, Asia 183 from 45, and Concacaf 111 from 34. Crucially, only three of Oceania’s 20 recorded victories came during the opening group stage, before teams were separated into different competitive levels.

New Caledonia provided one of the tournament’s most significant positive stories for Oceania. Competing in Group AA, the Cagous recovered from an opening 7-2 defeat against Northern Ireland to overcome Burkina Faso 2-1. The victory against African opposition was particularly valuable in a tournament where positive results outside the Pacific were exceptionally difficult to obtain. New Caledonia subsequently suffered a 6-0 defeat to Lebanon but secured a 3-3 draw against Antigua and Barbuda, collecting four points and finishing third in their five-team group.

That third-place finish made New Caledonia the only Oceania representative to qualify for Tier C, above the competitive levels reached by the region’s other teams. Nevertheless, the classification matches demonstrated that considerable challenges remained. New Caledonia lost 7-0 to Nigeria and 8-1 to Cuba before further defeats against Nicaragua (5-2), Gibraltar (2-1) and Liberia (9-1). Across their nine matches, the New Caledonians recorded one victory and one draw, scoring 12 goals and conceding 48. Their campaign therefore offered both an important achievement against Burkina Faso and clear evidence of the difficulties they faced when attempting to compete consistently against international opposition.

Tahiti also produced some noteworthy results and was the region’s second-best representative in the tournament’s tier-based classification. The Tahitians finished fourth in Group V after defeating Seychelles 5-4, although defeats against Bolivia (5-2), Paraguay (8-0) and Gibraltar (2-0) prevented them from reaching a higher tier. They subsequently entered Tier D, where they lost 4-0 to Kosovo and were eliminated from their section of the classification bracket by Lesotho on penalties following a 3-3 draw. Tahiti then defeated Burkina Faso 2-1, becoming the second Oceania nation to overcome the West African side. Their campaign ended with defeats to Mauritania (5-1) and Botswana (7-1). New Caledonia and Tahiti finished 96th and 124th respectively in the bracket-based classification, although FIFA did not publish an official overall ranking.

Perhaps the most frustrating campaign belonged to New Zealand. Traditionally Oceania’s strongest nation in youth football, the New Zealanders entered the tournament with expectations of demonstrating their superiority within the region. Instead, they finished sixth in Group T, winning only one of five matches. A 5-0 opening defeat to Venezuela was followed by a narrow 4-3 loss to Madagascar. New Zealand then secured their only group-stage victory against Somalia, winning 3-2, before suffering further defeats to Puerto Rico (4-2) and Mozambique (1-0).

Finishing bottom of the group placed New Zealand in Tier F, the lowest of the tournament’s six competitive levels. The team responded positively in the classification stage, beating fellow Oceania representatives Cook Islands 3-0 and Malta 2-1 before overcoming Nepal 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw. A 2-1 victory against Ethiopia in the Tier F final eventually secured a trophy for the New Zealanders, who became the only OFC representatives to win one of the six tiers.

While the recovery demonstrated resilience, it could hardly conceal the disappointment of the opening stage. New Zealand’s Tier F triumph was achieved against other teams that had also finished bottom of their original groups. In the tournament’s bracket-based classification, winning that tier corresponded to 161st place among the 189 participants. Although FIFA deliberately avoided publishing a definitive overall ranking because of the competition’s developmental format, New Zealand’s inability to progress beyond the lowest tier remains a significant concern for a country that regularly dominates youth competitions within Oceania.

Elsewhere, the scale of the challenge was evident in several particularly heavy defeats. Papua New Guinea conceded 20 goals against Belarus and 12 against Peru, while American Samoa suffered losses of 16-0 to Honduras, 17-0 to Guinea and 20-1 to Canada. Samoa lost 10-0 to Slovakia and 11-0 to Colombia, while Fiji was beaten 8-0 by Portugal and 10-1 by Wales. Tonga conceded 34 goals without scoring during the opening stage, and Vanuatu finished its five group matches with two goals scored and 26 conceded.

There were improvements when teams moved into the lower classification tiers. Fiji defeated the Bahamas 5-1 and finished their campaign with a 5-2 victory over Vanuatu. Samoa recorded wins over Papua New Guinea and Curaçao, while the Solomon Islands overcame Tonga and American Samoa. Papua New Guinea also recovered sufficiently to defeat the Solomon Islands 4-3 in their final placement match. The Cook Islands recorded victories over Saint Lucia and Montserrat, and Tonga secured a 4-3 win against Brunei Darussalam. These results showed that Oceania’s teams could compete more effectively when matched against opponents facing similar difficulties.

However, the contrast between the initial group stage and the classification matches is precisely what makes the overall results so revealing. While FIFA’s inclusive format allowed almost every participating country to experience victory, the original groups offered a much clearer assessment of how Oceania’s teams performed against opposition from different parts of the world. Three victories in 53 matches represented a winning rate of just 5.7%, illustrating the limitations of the region’s current competitive position at this age level.

The results should also be considered within the tournament’s distinctive format. Eight-a-side matches, shortened playing time and frequent substitutions differ substantially from conventional international football, while the condensed schedule placed additional demands on young players. The figures cannot, by themselves, establish the precise causes of Oceania’s difficulties. Nevertheless, the consistency of the results across 11 national teams raises important questions about youth development pathways, technical preparation, access to regular high-level competition and the opportunities available to talented players before they reach international tournaments.

For countries whose youth football programmes often operate with limited resources, the competition provided an important learning experience. Yet participation alone cannot be the ultimate objective. New Caledonia’s victory over Burkina Faso demonstrated that positive results against opponents from stronger competitive environments are possible, while Tahiti’s subsequent success against the same nation reinforced that point. New Zealand’s difficulties, meanwhile, showed that even Oceania’s traditional regional benchmark remains vulnerable when confronted with unfamiliar international opposition.

The inaugural U-15 World Cup gave Oceania something it rarely receives on such a scale: a direct comparison involving almost every football-playing nation in the world. The evidence was difficult to ignore. Beyond the valuable experience gained by the players, the most important outcome may be the challenge now facing the region’s football authorities: turning that exposure into sustained improvement, so that future generations can compete internationally rather than simply participate.

From Navua to professional football in barely a year: Bai Tito signs for Bula FC

At just 17 years old, Bai Tito is preparing for two of the biggest experiences of his young football career. The Navua midfielder has signed a youth contract with Bula FC for the 2027 OFC Professional League season, shortly before travelling to Qatar to represent Fiji at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Originally from Namosi and currently living in Vakacegu Settlement in Navua, Tito’s rise has been particularly remarkable considering that, according to Bula FC, he only began playing competitive football in 2025. Within a relatively short period, he has established himself in Navua’s senior district team, scored in major domestic tournaments and earned an opportunity in Fiji’s professional football environment.

The teenager, a Form 5 student at Vashist Muni College, was surprised when club officials approached him with the offer while he was preparing for the World Cup.

“I didn’t know that I was selected. I was training for the U-17 World Cup trip yesterday when Bula FC came to me and told me I needed to get my guardian so I could sign my contract as a youth player,” Tito explained.

His emergence has been one of the interesting developments in Navua football this year. Despite his age, Tito earned opportunities in the Extra Premier League and represented the district in the Fiji FACT, Battle of the Giants and Inter-District Championship.

In June, he scored an important goal in Navua’s 2-0 victory over Suva during the Fiji FACT group stage at Subrail Park in Labasa. With his team already leading through Jack Junior Anii, Tito doubled the advantage in the 57th minute, helping Navua secure a result that strengthened their qualification hopes.

He made another significant contribution in October’s IDC, when Navua faced eventual champions Ba in the group stage at HFC Bank Stadium.

With the Men in Black leading 2-0, Tito pulled a goal back during first-half stoppage time, giving his side renewed hope. Captain Peniame Drova subsequently equalised late in the second half, securing a 2-2 draw that helped Navua maintain their unbeaten record in the group.

The Southerners went on to eliminate defending champions Rewa in the semi-finals following a penalty shootout before facing Ba again in the championship decider. Tito started the final, gaining another valuable experience despite Navua’s eventual 2-0 defeat.

His development has also extended to local club football. Tito was among the players representing Youngstars United, a Navua-based side that enjoyed an impressive debut season in 2026, winning the district’s regional club competition and qualifying for the National Regional Club Championship.

Those experiences have contributed to his rapid progression, providing opportunities to compete against senior footballers before making the transition towards the professional game.

The announcement of his contract was also an emotional occasion for his family. His mother, Verenaisi Kula, travelled from Navua to Ba to accompany her son during the signing.

“When I heard the news, I was so happy I cried. I couldn’t sleep all night. I woke up early and left home at 6am so I could get to Ba to sign his contract with him,” she recalled.

Kula also remembered that Tito had spoken about his ambitions from an early age, telling her when he was 11 that he wanted to play in a white football jersey.

At Bula FC, the youngster will encounter several established Fiji internationals, including Roy Krishna and Thomas Dunn. The latter is already familiar to Tito from their time together at Navua, where the experienced midfielder encouraged him to remain humble and continue working hard.

The opportunity to share a professional dressing room with Krishna is another important attraction for the teenager, who hopes to learn from one of Fiji’s most accomplished footballers.

Before beginning that new chapter, however, Tito has another challenge awaiting him.

He has been selected for Fiji’s squad at the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup, which will be held in Qatar from November 19 to December 13. The Junior Bula Boys will face Spain, Morocco and China PR in Group H, with the tournament offering another important test for the country’s emerging footballers.

The experience will be particularly memorable for Tito, who revealed that travelling with the national team will also mark his first journey by aeroplane.

Following the World Cup, he is expected to relocate to Ba in December to begin preparations for the 2027 OFC Professional League season. Bula FC’s pre-season programme is scheduled to start on December 7.

As a youth-contracted player, Tito will continue his education while training within the professional setup, an arrangement intended to support both his football development and schooling.

His arrival also adds another young Fijian player to the club’s growing squad. Bula FC have already confirmed the continuation of Maikah Dau, another teenager who has progressed through the country’s youth national teams and gained experience in the inaugural professional campaign.

For Tito, the immediate objective will be to adapt to the demands of professional football and build on the progress he has made over the past year.

From playing in Navua to earning a place at a FIFA World Cup and signing his first professional youth contract, his journey demonstrates how quickly opportunities can emerge for talented young footballers in Fiji.

Fiji make history as Solomon Islands return to Olympic youth futsal in Dakar

Fiji and Solomon Islands are representing Oceania at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, marking another important milestone for futsal development in the Pacific. While the Fijian women’s team are making their first appearance in the competition, Solomon Islands have returned to the men’s tournament eight years after their participation in Buenos Aires. Both nations faced difficult opening matches against Senegal and Paraguay, but their presence provides a valuable opportunity for young Pacific footballers to compete on the global stage.

The Youth Olympic Futsal Tournaments, held from November 1 to 12, bring together 16 national teams across the men’s and women’s competitions. Each tournament features eight nations divided into two groups of four, with the top two teams advancing to the semi-finals. The players are aged 17 or under, making the competition an important platform for emerging international talent.

Dakar 2026 is only the second edition of futsal at the Youth Olympic Games, following its introduction in Buenos Aires in 2018. The event also represents a historic occasion for Senegal, which has become the first African country to host an Olympic sporting event.

Fiji began their women’s campaign on Sunday, November 1, facing hosts Senegal at the Iba Mar Diop Complex. Playing in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, the young Fijian side suffered an 8-1 defeat against an opponent that had already demonstrated its strength by winning the Dakar En Jeux tournament in 2025.

Senegal made an explosive start, with captain Mareme Niang scoring twice in the opening two minutes. Bousso Diallo extended the advantage before Akanisi Katonitabua scored Fiji’s historic first goal in the competition during the 18th minute.

The hosts continued to dominate, with Niang eventually completing a four-goal performance. Diallo finished with two goals, while Maman Diouf and Salimata Kande also found the net.

Despite the defeat, Fiji’s participation represents a significant achievement for the country’s women’s futsal programme. Under coach José Gerardo, the national team has been preparing for the tournament through training camps and a selection process focused on technical ability, physical development and tactical understanding.

The ten-player squad is captained by Salanieta Tausokula Vosadora, with Teonila Levuiciva and Vilomena Lutumaitoga Batirerega serving as vice-captains.

Fiji’s presence also comes at a time of growing interest in women’s futsal across the country. The senior national team reached the final of the 2024 OFC Futsal Women’s Nations Cup, narrowly missing qualification for the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup in 2025.

For the younger generation, the Olympic tournament offers an opportunity to build on that progress and experience international competition against nations with different futsal traditions.

The Fijians will continue their Group A campaign against Ukraine on November 3 before facing Venezuela two days later. The South American nation replaced Colombia, which had originally been included in the group during the tournament draw.

Meanwhile, Solomon Islands opened their men’s campaign on Monday, November 2, with a 9-2 defeat against Paraguay.

The South Americans took the lead after just 15 seconds through Oliver Sandoval and established a three-goal advantage before halftime. Nevertheless, the young Solomon Islanders demonstrated their attacking capabilities during the second period, with captain Emmanuel Suimae scoring twice.

Paraguay’s superior finishing ultimately proved decisive. Julio Cáceres and Juan Rambo each scored twice, while Facundo Boderone, Agustín Barreto, Octavio Cáceres and Mauro Mora also contributed to the victory alongside Sandoval.

Under head coach Dickson Kadau, the Solomon Islands team have spent recent months preparing for their return to Olympic competition. Several squad members have already gained experience in the SIFF Super Futsal League, providing a foundation for their development before encountering international opposition.

The country’s participation carries particular significance because of its history in the discipline. Solomon Islands represented Oceania at the inaugural Youth Olympic futsal tournament in Buenos Aires in 2018, when the squad included players such as Raphael Le’ai and Leon Kofana.

Le’ai, who has since represented the senior football national team and played professionally in Europe, scored twice against Iran during that tournament. His progression illustrates how participation in international youth competitions can form part of the development of players who subsequently establish themselves at senior level.

The 2026 squad will hope to follow a similar path, although their remaining opponents present considerable challenges.

Solomon Islands will face Portugal on November 4 before concluding their Group B fixtures against Morocco on November 7. Both opponents have established futsal programmes, with Portugal having won the senior FIFA Futsal World Cup in 2021.

For Fiji and Solomon Islands, reaching the semi-finals will be difficult following their opening defeats, but the competition extends beyond the immediate results. The experience of playing against opponents from Africa, Europe and South America offers young players exposure to different tactical approaches, greater intensity and the demands of international futsal.

Their participation also highlights the different stages of futsal development within Oceania. Solomon Islands have maintained a strong tradition in the men’s game through their national team and domestic competitions, while Fiji are working to expand opportunities for women’s participation.

With the group stage continuing throughout the week, both Pacific representatives will be looking to improve on their opening performances and gain further experience before returning home.

Whatever their final positions, Dakar 2026 provides another opportunity for Oceania’s emerging futsal talent to compete beyond the region and contribute to the future of the sport in the Pacific.

Galaxy FC defeat Ifira Black Bird to win PVFA Super League Opening Cup in Vanuatu

Galaxy FC have claimed the first trophy of the 2026/27 football season in Vanuatu after defeating Ifira Black Bird FC 1-0 in the Port Vila Football Association (PVFA) Super League Opening Cup final on Saturday, 31 October, at Port Vila Stadium. The victory gives the reigning Super League champions another domestic honour as they prepare to defend their league title.

The final brought together two of Port Vila’s leading clubs, who had already faced each other during the competition’s group stage. On that occasion, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Silvain Tenene opening the scoring for Ifira Black Bird before Andrew Malakai equalised for Galaxy just two minutes later.

Both teams subsequently progressed to the knockout stage after collecting four points from their respective group campaigns. Ifira Black Bird finished top of Pool B on goal difference, while Galaxy secured second place following a 1-0 victory over iCount Yatel. The semifinal stage saw Galaxy face newly promoted Tafea FC, while Ifira Black Bird met North Efate United, with both finalists eventually advancing to another encounter.

This time, Galaxy managed to secure the victory, with the narrow 1-0 result earning them the Opening Cup title and a winners’ prize of VUV 300,000. Following the final, the club celebrated its first silverware of the new season and thanked its players, supporters and sponsors for their contribution to the achievement.

The triumph continues a successful period for Galaxy, who won the 2025/26 PVFA Super League and the 2026 VFF Champions League before representing Vanuatu in the OFC Men’s Champions League. Their continental campaign in Fiji saw them reach the semifinals, establishing the club among the region’s leading teams during the year.

For Galaxy, the Opening Cup provides an encouraging start to another domestic campaign, although the main challenge remains ahead. The tournament, organised by the PVFA as preparation for the regular championship, offered the capital’s clubs an opportunity to return to competitive football and assess their squads before the league season.

With their first trophy secured, Galaxy will now turn their attention to defending the PVFA Super League championship, while Ifira Black Bird will look to challenge their rivals again when the regular competition gets underway.

From Wrexham winner to Vanuatu: Luke Flowerdew joins the Chiefs for OFC Pro League 2027

Vanuatu United FC have strengthened their attacking options ahead of the 2027 OFC Professional League season with the signing of New Zealand striker Luke Flowerdew. The 20-year-old forward, who developed through the Wellington Phoenix academy, arrives with experience in New Zealand’s domestic competitions and a memorable goal against English club Wrexham AFC.

Flowerdew attracted considerable attention in July 2025 when he scored the only goal in Wellington Phoenix’s 1-0 friendly victory over Wrexham at Sky Stadium. Playing in front of 25,399 spectators, the young striker found the net in the 49th minute, helping a Phoenix side featuring numerous academy players overcome the Welsh club, which had recently earned promotion to the English Championship.

The goal represented one of the most significant moments of Flowerdew’s young career. Speaking after the match, he revealed that he had imagined scoring against Wrexham before stepping onto the pitch.

“I was thinking about it before the game … but for it to actually happen is just incredible,” he said.

Although Flowerdew did not establish himself in Wellington’s A-League first team, the experience highlighted his potential and rewarded several years of development within the Phoenix academy.

Born on June 2, 2006, Flowerdew began playing football at North Wellington at the age of five. He subsequently spent time with Tawa and Onslow before joining the Olé Academy and progressing into the Wellington Phoenix youth system.

His development included appearances for the Phoenix reserves in the Central League and National League, where he regularly featured among the team’s attacking options. He was also part of the academy side that won the New Zealand U-17 National Youth League Championship in November 2023.

Flowerdew’s international experience dates back to the 2023 OFC U-17 Championship in Fiji. Representing New Zealand, he produced an outstanding performance against American Samoa, scoring four goals in an 11-0 victory during the group stage. New Zealand subsequently won the tournament, securing another continental youth title.

After leaving the Phoenix academy earlier this year, Flowerdew joined Auckland United for the 2026 Northern League campaign. He made an immediate impression, scoring twice against Melville United in his first league appearance for the club.

He subsequently moved to East Coast Bays in June, continuing to demonstrate his goalscoring ability in one of New Zealand’s most competitive regional leagues.

One of his standout performances came on July 22, when East Coast Bays defeated Auckland City 4-3 at Bay City Park. Flowerdew scored twice, opening the scoring after just four minutes before adding the decisive fourth goal in the second half.

The result marked East Coast Bays’ first-ever victory over Auckland City, with Flowerdew named his team’s player of the match following his contribution.

Across his spells with Auckland United and East Coast Bays, the young striker finished the 2026 Northern League campaign with ten goals, demonstrating his ability to make an impact against established New Zealand clubs.

His move to Vanuatu United now provides an opportunity to progress into a full-time professional environment and test himself against opposition from across Oceania.

The Port Vila-based club reached the semi-finals of the inaugural OFC Professional League in 2026 and have been particularly active in the transfer market ahead of their second campaign.

Among their additions are several established Vanuatu internationals and players who previously represented Galaxy FC in the OFC Men’s Champions League, including Claude Aru, Joe Moses, Jeffrey Tasso and Andrew Malakai. The club has also recruited Danish goalkeeper William Tønning, who previously played in New Zealand with Napier City Rovers.

Flowerdew’s arrival adds another dimension to the squad, bringing a young New Zealand forward whose recent performances suggest considerable room for development.

For Vanuatu United, the signing reflects an effort to combine experienced domestic players with younger footballers from overseas as the club looks to build on its inaugural professional campaign.

For Flowerdew, the move represents an important new chapter after progressing through New Zealand’s academy and domestic football systems. Having already experienced a memorable occasion against Wrexham, he will now have the opportunity to establish himself as a professional footballer in the Pacific.

Ba’s young champions Jone Loga and Isimeli Gavidi join Bula FC for 2027

Bula FC have secured the signings of two promising young Fijian footballers from Ba FC’s historic quadruple-winning squad, with 16-year-old Jone Loga and 20-year-old Isimeli Gavidi joining the Bula Warriors on youth contracts for the 2027 OFC Professional League season. Both players arrive after a remarkable year with the Men in Black, who dominated Fiji’s domestic football by winning all four major national competitions.

Loga becomes Bula FC’s youngest signing for the upcoming season, having signed his contract on 2 November at just 16 years and 213 days old. Born on 3 April 2010 and originally from Tubou, Lakeba, in the Lau Islands, the youngster currently attends Ba Sangam College and has already gained valuable experience competing alongside senior footballers.

Despite his young age, Loga was part of Ba’s successful 2026 campaign, which saw the club capture the Extra Premier League, Fiji FACT, Battle of the Giants and Inter-District Championship titles. His performances and development have also earned him a place in Fiji’s U-17 national team, which is preparing for the 2027 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

Reflecting on his first season with Ba, Loga highlighted the importance of working alongside experienced players. “It was a privilege to be part of a winning team. This was my first year with Ba FC, and at 16, I was the youngest in the team. Training and playing with the bigger boys and more experienced players was a great experience,” he said.

The opportunity to continue that development in a professional environment is particularly exciting for the teenager, who is looking forward to sharing the field with Fiji national team captain Roy Krishna.

“I’m so happy and thankful for this opportunity. I can’t wait to train with big players like Roy Krishna. I’m eager to learn as much as I can, and I hope to give back to the club as much as I can,” Loga added.

Meanwhile, Gavidi arrives with senior international experience already under his belt. The 20-year-old defender, who grew up in Natalecake Village in Ba, enjoyed an important breakthrough in 2026, combining his achievements at district level with his first appearances for Fiji’s senior national team.

Gavidi was part of the Fijian squad that lifted the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup on home soil, defeating Vanuatu 1-0 in the final at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. He also featured in the decisive match, coming on as a substitute as Fiji secured their first Melanesian title since 2000.

For the young defender, joining Bula FC represents another significant achievement in a career that has progressed rapidly over the past year.

“Signing a youth contract with Bula FC is a proud and exciting moment for me. It is another important step towards achieving my dream of becoming a professional footballer,” Gavidi said. “I know this opportunity comes with responsibility, and I am ready to work hard, learn and give my best.”

Both youngsters have benefited from their involvement in Ba’s championship-winning squad, which became the first Fijian team in 20 years to complete a clean sweep of the four major domestic competitions. Their signings also underline the opportunities that the OFC Professional League is creating for local players to move from district football into a professional environment.

Gavidi already knows several players involved with Bula FC, including Krishna, Scott Wara, Thomas Dunn, Ryan Naresh and Nabil Begg. Working under head coach Stéphane Auvray, who also guided Fiji to the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup title, will provide another opportunity for the defender to develop his game.

“I see Bula FC as a place where I can develop my abilities, gain valuable experience and challenge myself at a higher level. I am looking forward to learning from the coaches and experienced players at the club,” Gavidi explained.

The two signings represent different stages of Fiji’s emerging generation. Loga is still establishing himself in youth international football, while Gavidi has already made the transition to the senior national team. Both will now face the challenge of earning opportunities in an increasingly competitive professional squad.

Bula FC are scheduled to begin preseason preparations on 7 December, ahead of the OFC Professional League’s return in January 2027.

Phoenix trio earn maiden All Whites call-ups as Bazeley names final squad for India series

Wellington Phoenix’s remarkable start to the A-League Men season has been rewarded with three new international call-ups, as Corban Piper, Matthew Sheridan and Nathan Walker were included in New Zealand’s 22-man squad for the upcoming friendlies against India. The selection, announced on Tuesday, November 3, also marks Darren Bazeley’s final squad as All Whites head coach, with the two home matches bringing his tenure to an end.

The three Phoenix players have earned their first senior national team selections following the club’s best-ever start to an A-League Men campaign, with Wellington winning their opening three matches. They join four established internationals from the club, making the Phoenix the most represented team in the squad with seven players.

For Piper, the announcement represents another milestone in an extraordinary few weeks. The 24-year-old has scored in all three of Wellington’s opening matches, including the first goal in Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Newcastle Jets. Initially signed by the Phoenix in 2024 as a versatile player capable of operating in several positions, he has developed into an increasingly influential attacking option under coach Chris Greenacre.

Unlike his two fellow newcomers, Piper has never previously represented New Zealand at international level, making the selection his first opportunity to wear the national team’s colours.

Sheridan and Walker, meanwhile, have already been involved in New Zealand’s age-group international setup. Their promotion to the senior squad reflects their growing importance at Wellington, where both have made significant contributions to the team’s strong opening performances.

Walker, in particular, enters the international window after scoring in the recent victory over Newcastle, while Sheridan has established himself as an important member of the Phoenix squad.

All Whites coach Darren Bazeley explained that all three players had been monitored by the national team staff before their recent performances convinced him to include them.

“We track around 50 players so they have all been on our radar for a while,” Bazeley said.

Their selection brings Wellington’s representation to seven players, with goalkeeper Henry Gray, defenders James McGarry and Bill Tuiloma, and captain Alex Rufer also included.

Auckland FC have the second-largest contingent, contributing six players to the national team. Lachlan Bayliss, Francis de Vries, Callan Elliot, Nando Pijnaker, Logan Rogerson and goalkeeper Michael Woud have all earned places in the squad.

The strong presence of players from New Zealand’s two A-League clubs provides an interesting dimension to the selection, reflecting the growing opportunities available to domestic-based footballers at the professional level.

Beyond the newcomers, one of the most significant announcements is the return of Matt Garbett. The 24-year-old midfielder, currently representing Peterborough United in England, has been selected for the first time since suffering the injury that ruled him out of New Zealand’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

Garbett had been preparing to represent his country on football’s biggest stage when he was forced to withdraw shortly before the tournament. His return provides the national team with another experienced midfield option as the All Whites begin looking towards their next international cycle.

Bazeley welcomed the midfielder’s recovery, describing him as an important part of the squad’s present and future.

The selection also includes several established internationals competing overseas, led by Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood. The All Whites captain has accumulated 95 senior appearances and 45 international goals, and will have an opportunity to add to those figures in front of home supporters.

Other familiar names include Tyler Bindon, currently on loan at Charlton Athletic, Danish-based midfielder Callum McCowatt, Scotland-based goalkeeper Alex Paulsen, Portland Timbers defender Finn Surman and Dundee United forward Jesse Randall.

Liam Gillion of Western Sydney Wanderers and Sweden-based Owen Parker-Price are also included, giving Bazeley options across different areas of the pitch.

With some established players absent from the selection, the coach acknowledged that the demands of a long international year and busy club schedules had influenced his decisions. The situation has opened opportunities for players who have been on the fringes of the national setup to demonstrate their abilities.

The two matches against India will also carry particular significance for Bazeley, whose contract expires in December and will not be renewed by New Zealand Football.

After guiding the All Whites through their qualification campaign and participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the coach will conclude his tenure with two appearances on home soil.

New Zealand also enjoyed encouraging results during their September and October international programme, defeating China PR 3-0 and progressing past Panama on penalties before losing 2-1 to Japan in the Kirin Cup final.

The India series offers another opportunity to assess players and continue the team’s development before a new coach takes charge.

The first encounter will take place at Go Media Stadium in Auckland on Thursday, November 12, with kickoff scheduled for 7pm local time.

Three days later, the teams will meet at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch at 4pm, in what will become the first international football match played at the new venue.

The fixtures will also mark India’s first visit to New Zealand for senior men’s international football. The two nations have previously met twice, recording a goalless draw in 1981 before the All Whites defeated India 2-1 in Mumbai in 2018.

For New Zealand, the upcoming matches represent the conclusion of a historic year that included a return to the FIFA World Cup and the beginning of a new chapter for several emerging players.

For Piper, Sheridan and Walker, they could mark the start of international careers. For Garbett, they offer a return after the disappointment of missing the World Cup. And for Bazeley, they provide a final opportunity to lead the All Whites in front of their own supporters before handing the team over to a new generation of leadership.