Oceania Football Center

The opening showdown: Brian Kaltak takes on Raphael Lea’i at OFC Nations Cup

The much-anticipated opener of the OFC Nations Cup is set to be an electrifying encounter as Vanuatu’s Brian Kaltak goes head-to-head with the Solomon Islands’ rising star Raphael Lea’i. The match, taking place at Freshwater Stadium in Port Vila, promises to be a thrilling spectacle for football fans across the South Pacific. Vanuatu will undoubtedly relish the home advantage, with the passionate local crowd at Freshwater Stadium expected to be in full voice, providing unwavering support for their team. The atmosphere is set to be electric, adding an extra layer of excitement to what is already a highly anticipated match.

At the heart of Vanuatu’s defense stands Brian Kaltak, affectionately known as “The Brick Wall.” The 30-year-old captain has built a formidable reputation, being a two-time A-League champion with Central Coast Mariners. His experience, strength, and leadership make him a cornerstone of the Vanuatu team. Fans will be looking to him to marshal the defense and keep the Solomon Islands’ attack at bay. On the other side of the pitch, the Solomon Islands will pin their hopes on the youthful exuberance and talent of Raphael Lea’i. At just 20 years old, Lea’i has already made a name for himself with his blistering speed and exceptional skill on the ball. Having recently signed for Adelaide City in Australia’s National Premier Leagues (NPL), he is poised to be a significant threat to any defense he faces.This encounter is more than just a football match; it is a clash of contrasting styles and generations. Kaltak’s experience and defensive prowess will be put to the test against Lea’i’s youthful dynamism and attacking flair. The outcome of this duel could very well determine the direction of the match.

As the match approaches, the excitement among fans is palpable. Who will emerge victorious in this tantalizing contest? Will Kaltak’s defensive mastery shut down Lea’i’s offensive brilliance, or will the young forward find a way past the seasoned defender?

The opening match of the OFC Nations Cup is set to be a memorable showdown between two of the South Pacific’s brightest football stars. As Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands prepare to lock horns, all eyes will be on Brian Kaltak and Raphael Lea’i. Whether it will be the seasoned defender or the young forward who steals the spotlight, this match is sure to be a thrilling start to the competition.

The journey of Lennard Atterwell to represent the Kapuls at the OFC Nations Cup

Lennard Atterwell, 18-year-old football prodigy, has recently been called up to represent Papua New Guinea in the OFC Nations Cup. Atterwell, who finished the season playing for Alcochetense’s U19 side in Portugal, is ready to make his mark on the international stage with the Kapuls. His journey to this point has been anything but conventional, marked by perseverance and dedication.

Reflecting on his early years, Atterwell shared, “I was everywhere in Brisbane, Queensland. Some would say I started quite late in under-10s at my local club in Queensland, Bayside United. After two seasons there, I joined another local club called Wynnum Wolves where I spent three seasons. After that, I joined a club a little further away from me, Rochdale Rovers, for another three seasons (U14, U15, U16/U18).” It was during his time with Rochdale Rovers that Atterwell’s potential began to shine. He was selected for the TSP Queensland program, Joey Talent ID, and also played for his high school, Iona College.

Atterwell’s commitment to his development saw him moving to the Gold Coast to join the Gold Coast Knights. “I was traveling 1hr 30min to 2 hours for training 3/4 times a week,” he explained. His dedication paid off when he was scouted and offered a scholarship at Escuela Huesca (EF Huesca) in Spain. “I spent one season there in the Juvenile B league while also training in a professional environment with CD Brea and the Juvenile A team.”

However, his journey in Europe was not without challenges. “I had many setbacks in Europe, one definitely being not having a European passport which affected me signing anywhere in Europe. At that time, I was only 16/17 years old, moving across the world away from family,” Atterwell recounted. After his first season in Spain, he decided to move to Portugal to finish his Juvenile season with Grupo Deportivo Alcochetense’s U19 national 2nd team.

Atterwell’s performance in Portugal was impressive. “The season was great; I learned a lot. I arrived in Portugal quite confident actually, and the quality there was great. My teammates tried teaching me here and there as well as my own studies. The season was good; it could’ve been better, but we stayed up in the National 2nd tier. I was progressing well, I was dominating in the U19 and was also training with the seniors at the club.” Alcochetense senior side plays the 4th tier of the Portuguese league’s system, while the U19 side, where Atterwell was mainly used, is in the second youth division.

Lennard Atterwell – *Football Centre of Development*

As for his future, Atterwell remains optimistic and focused. “I am a free agent. Mainly A-League NPL clubs wanted me to come down and assess me in their environment, so right now, I’m just looking at my options. Right now, I’m in Melbourne training with Western United seniors, doing my best to look or break into a senior team by this season, whether that’s in Europe or Australia.”

To represent Papua New Guinea is also a significant step for Atterwell – a country that he hasn’t visited for long: “I was back and forth until the age of 11, then I never went back,” he shared. Known for his speed and versatility, Atterwell primarily plays as a full-back but can be deployed in all positions along the right flank.

He credits much of his success to his mentor and manager, Kerwin Jean-Pierre. “Kerwin Jean-Pierre is my mentor and manager; he helped me throughout my whole footballing career since I was 11 to now.”

With the OFC Nations Cup on the horizon, Papua New Guinea is grouped alongside Samoa, Fiji, and Tahiti, with their games set to be played in Suva, Fiji. Should they advance, the semifinals will be held in Port Vila, Vanuatu, with a potential final to follow. Lennard Atterwell is poised and ready to contribute to the Kapuls’ success and continue his remarkable journey in football.

OPINION: Raphael Lea’i makes the right choice to move to Australia

Solomon Islands has produced many promising players on its football history; since the likes of Commins Menapi, George Suri, Batram Suri passing by Benjamin Totori, James Naka, Micah Lea’alafa – a number of names can be remembered by the local fans. Although some reached the professional football and represented their country internationally, none had the hype and global reach of Raphael Lea’i.

The still very young forward was already getting slowly known worldwide at the age of 15; since being rumoured to trial in Argentina while playing futsal for Solomon Islands at Summer Youth Olympics 2018 the name of the talented Lea’i was echoing in football media.

Lea’i helped Solomon Islands to qualify for their first ever FIFA football competition – the U-17 World Cup in 2019 held in Brazil – being the Golden Ball of the U-17 OFC Championship. Then the youngster moved to New Zealand for a scholarship at Scotts College, being linked to professional club Wellington Phoenix. Lea’i moved back to Solomon Islands a year later and started playing for Henderson Eels, making impressive numbers at the Telekom S-League and earning experience as he played at OFC Champions League.

Many tried to guide Lea’i to his best; he went to Australia for trials with Melbourne Victory alongside his countrymen Leon Kofana through Basi Futbol agency, but he could not stay there due age regulations. For many, his talent was being wasted as he kept playing for Eels in his homenation – indeed, it was. Lea’i kept sweeping the league with no resistance, he definitely needed a bigger challenge to better his football.

In 2023 what seemed to be a golden opportunity happened – through his club owner Hudson Wakio and David Houpere, former local footballer currently residing in Japan, the player had the opportunity turn himself into the first ever Solomon Islander to play professional football in Europe. After succesful trials, the youngster signed for FK Velež Mostar of Bosnia Herzegovina.

Lea’i took time to have his first opportunities, but when he had it he had grabbed with both hands; despite getting little game time, the Solomon Islander scored and assisted in his first season for the Mostar-based team and started his second season with a goal. What seemed to be a promising start was indeed a dissapointment coming just around the corner – Lea’i ended up biting more off than he could chew.

Lea’i made a different choise for example in comparison to the now South Pacific football star Roy Krishna; Krishna, in his teen ages as Lea’i is now, had the chance to move Europe, but he decided instead to move to New Zealand citing personal reasons, especially due his lack of skills in the English language in that time.

Lea’i moved to a non-speaking English country, with a total different environment and weather – something very hard for a young man coming from the an Island-nation lifestyle. For any footballer in his circumstances, Velež was a dream move; people around him tried their best to ensure Lea’i could suceed, but it was not meant to be: Lea’i, shocking just eveyone back in Solomon Islands, decided to return his country mentioning homesickness. Local sources indicated it was a lack of professionalism from Lea’i, unfortuanately we have to agree with that, if you have a contract you need to honour it. But we must understand the player’s situation as well: as mentioned, a big move for a young player to a complete different place, with total different culture, language and a hard-cold weather to cope with.

A lot of rumours, opinions and hype went ahead for Lea’i as he returned back to his country in August, 2023. The player was unable to sign any contract until he was officially released by the Bosnian side – exactly on 31st May, 2024. Then, Lea’i moved on: unde the guidance of Player Project Performance from Adelaide, Australia – the same project guiding Vanuatu’s star Brian Kaltak for example – the player had the opportunity to move to Australia to pursue a contract with National Premier League side Adelaide City, one of the best well-known clubs in South Australia.

Raphael Lea’i in action for Adelaide City – *Penny Guffogg*

Although still not in a full-pro environment, Lea’i has made the correct move. The player will have the chance to play a much better football level than in Solomon Islands and definitely not so far from home, in a country with a strong Solomon Islander community – for example Micah Lea’alafa currently plays in the same region of Raphael Lea’i. The 20-year-old will have the chance to grow from the NPL level and possibly reach the professional level at A-League – the same path as Kaltak, for example.

With still a lot to come in his career, Lea’i has now to focus on his development and hit the group running in his upcoming challenges, the OFC Nations Cup for his national team and especially his club commitments when he returns back to Adelaide City. The talent everyone knows Lea’i has, the character to improve is in his DNA and now, with the off-the-pitch issues resolved, the player has everything to shine even brighter.

Jethro Yumange: Papua New Guinea’s rising star ready to shine at the OFC Nations Cup

Jethro Yumange, a 22-year-old rising star, has been making waves in the USL 2 league, playing for River Light and College football system in United States. Currently based in the USA, Yumange has been called up to represent the Papua New Guinea national team, the Kapuls, in the upcoming OFC Nations Cup. The tournament will be held in Fiji, with Papua New Guinea competing in Group B alongside Samoa, Fiji, and Tahiti. The knock-out stage is set to take place in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

Yumange’s journey is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. Moving to the United States in 2021 to pursue his college education, he initially played Division 1 football for two years before transferring to a Division 3 school. Despite the change, he continued to hone his skills and stayed competitive. “Football here is great; the quality is good and it’s competitive, which is essential. During semester breaks, I play semi-pro in the USL 2 league. It’s really beneficial for me to maintain my fitness and quality in preparation for the season,” Yumange shared.

His experiences in the US have been invaluable. “I’ve played against nationally ranked teams and players. It’s been a great experience,” he added. His time with River Light, though brief, was impactful. In his sole appearance for the team, Yumange notched an assist. “I would’ve loved to play more, but when I got the call-up for the national team, it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” he explained.

Interestingly, Yumange has never played in Papua New Guinea. His previous club experience includes a stint in the National Premier Leagues in Western Australia, where he played for Rockingham City Football Club. His ambition is clear: to turn professional. “I’m hoping that this tournament will provide the exposure I need to go pro. If I perform well, it could open many doors,” Yumange expressed.

Jethro Yumange – *Carthage College Media*

For the fans of Papua New Guinea, Yumange promises dedication and excitement. “They can expect hard work on and off the ball, speed, and an eagerness to score goals to help the team. Ultimately, I want to push my teammates to play together and work for one another to achieve success. As a young player, I understand my role, whether I get game time or not. I need to prepare, and when the opportunity arises, I will take it.”

Preferably a midfielder, Yumange is versatile, capable of playing as an 8 or 10, but also comfortable as a winger or striker. His versatility and dedication make him a valuable asset for the Papua New Guinea national team as they aim for glory in the OFC Nations Cup.

High hopes for Samoa at OFC Nations Cup as squad is packed with overseas-based players

The Samoa national football team has revealed its squad for the upcoming OFC Nations Cup. The tournament will see Samoa compete in Group B alongside Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Tahiti, with group matches to be held in Suva, Fiji. The semifinals and final will take place in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

Northern Irish head coach Ryan Stewart leads the Samoan team, which is being hailed as the strongest squad the nation has ever assembled for this stage of the competition. The team’s lineup includes a mix of experienced players and promising young talent, many of whom are based overseas in Australia and New Zealand.

One of the standout players in the squad is Kyah Cahill, son of Australian football legend Tim Cahill. He is expected to play a crucial role in Samoa’s campaign. Another key player is 36-year-old defender Andrew Setefano, who is on the brink of becoming Samoa’s all-time most capped player. Additionally, 17-year-old Pharrell Trainor, currently playing for SC Viktoria Griesheim in Germany, and 18-year-old midfielder Alex Malauulu, who is with CA San Jorge in Argentina, bring youthful energy and international experience to the team.

CHECK SAMOA’S FULL SQUAD FOR THE OFC NATIONS CUP 🇼🇸

The squad also features players from prominent clubs in New Zealand, including Harry Chote and Luke Tolo-Kent from Miramar Rangers, as well as Niko Steinmentz and Faiti Hamilton-Paama from Western Springs. In Australia, 20-year-old Greg Siamoa represents the NPL side Green Gully and striker Juan Gobbi is currently at Sydney Olympic.

Samoa’s journey to this stage of the OFC Nations Cup began in the qualifying rounds, where they successfully overcame Tonga and Cook Islands. This achievement has set high expectations for the team as they head into the group stage matches.

As Samoa prepares for its first group match in Suva, fans and supporters eagerly await to see how this strong lineup will perform on the regional stage. The team’s progress in the tournament will be closely followed, with hopes high for a better campaign than in previous participations at this stage of th OFC Nations Cup.

Solomon Islands’ rising stars meet legend Roy Krishna after Fiji FACT impressive campaign

Solomon Islands attackers Jackson Wale and Ali Mekawir, both 23, recently met Fijian football legend Roy Krishna. The meeting took place after the duo’s stellar performance for Navua in the Fijian local tournament Fiji FACT, where they played pivotal roles in leading their team to the grand final of the tournament.

Navua’s journey to the grand final was an underdog story that captured the hearts of many. Despite not being favored to make it far, the team defied expectations, showcasing determination and skill. The contributions of Wale and Mekawir were instrumental in this impressive run. Their dynamic attacking partnership and resilience on the field helped Navua overcome several formidable opponents to reach the finals. Although they ultimately lost to Lautoka in the grand final, their achievement remains commendable.

The presence of another Solomon Islander, Jared Rongosulia, added further strength to the Navua squad. The 28-year-old utility player, formerly of Laugu United in the Telekom S-League, brought experience and stability to the team’s midfield, complementing the youthful exuberance of Wale and Mekawir.

Meeting Roy Krishna, a seasoned and celebrated player, was a momentous occasion for Wale and Mekawir. Krishna, 36, has had an illustrious career, having played in the A-League and the Indian Super League. Currently, he is back in Fiji to represent his national team in the OFC Nations Cup, following a successful season with Odisha FC, where he extended his contract for the upcoming season.

Mekawir, Krishna and Wale pictured – *Ali Mekawir*

Krishna’s career has been a source of inspiration for many young footballers in the Pacific. His achievements overseas and his status as a top scorer and best player in the A-League have made him a role model. For Wale and Mekawir, meeting Krishna was not only an honor but also an opportunity to gain insights from one of the region’s most successful footballers ever.

Navua’s unexpected run to the finals, powered by the contributions of Wale, Mekawir, and Rongosulia, has revitalized the team’s spirit and ambitions. The support and encouragement from a football icon like Roy Krishna further highlight the importance of fostering connections within the Pacific football community.

As Navua prepares for future challenges, the lessons learned and the inspiration drawn from this encounter will undoubtedly fuel their drive for success. The Solomon Islanders’ meeting with Krishna serves as a reminder of the power of sport to bring people together and inspire the next generation of football stars.

Navua’s Thomas Dunn reflects on his team unexpected journey to Fiji FACT Final

In a thrilling and unexpected run, the Navua Football Association reached the grand final of the coveted Fiji FACT tournament, ultimately falling to Lautoka in a closely contested match. Despite the defeat, Navua’s performance throughout the tournament exceeded expectations, showcasing the team’s resilience and determination.

Thomas Dunn, a key player for Navua, expressed his pride and gratitude towards his teammates and supporters. Reflecting on the team’s journey, Dunn said, “On behalf of my brothers, I would like to thank everyone for their support towards Navua Football Association. We fell short, but what a tournament, seeing my brothers fight and play their hearts out in every game.” His words capture the spirit and effort of the Navua players who gave their all throughout the competition.

Although the team came up just short of victory in the final, Dunn emphasized the positive aspects of their performance and remained optimistic about the future. “Unlucky at the end, but we will bounce back and work hard in the remaining games,” he noted, signaling the team’s determination to continue improving and competing at a high level in the upcoming tournaments and also in the Digicil Fiji Premier League.

Dunn also highlighted the role of faith and support in their journey, stating, “Glory and praise to God for his guidance and protection throughout this tournament.” His message underscores the importance of unity and perseverance as the team looks ahead to future challenges.

Thomas Dunn (red) captaning Navua side during the Fiji FACT – *Fiji FA Media*

This tournament has not only showcased Navua’s potential but has also cemented Dunn a spot to the Fiji National Team for the upcoming OFC Nations Cup in June. His selection came before the results of the tournament; Dunn is already capped by the national team and in the last year travelled to Argentina to play the U-20 World Cup for his country.

As Navua reflects on their remarkable journey to the Fiji FACT final, they can take pride in their achievements and the promise of even greater accomplishments in the future.

Lautoka emerges victorious against spirited Navua to celebreate Fiji FACT glory

In a thrilling final showdown at Subrail Park in Labasa, Lautoka emerged victorious against Navua to secure the coveted Fiji FACT title for the second season in a row. The clash between the two football powerhouses had fans on the edge of their seats as both teams battled fiercely for supremacy.

Navua, who had advanced to the final by triumphing over Ba with a score of 2-0, faced off against Lautoka, who secured their spot in the grand final by defeating the home side Labasa with a narrow 1-0 victory.

The stage was set for an epic showdown, and both teams brought their A-game. However, it was Lautoka who ultimately prevailed, clinching the title with a 1-0 win over Navua.

The decisive moment came in the second half when Aporosa Yada of Lautoka unleashed a powerful free-kick. Sairusi Naulubu headed the ball, which then made contact with Sunny Deol’s head before finding its way into the back of the net, much to the jubilation of the Lautoka faithful.

Despite the setback, Navua continued to press forward, determined to find an equalizer. However, tensions ran high as the match progressed, and Lautoka’s Saula Waqa was shown a red card by the referee, reducing his team to ten men. Despite the numerical advantage, Navua struggled to break through Lautoka’s resilient defense, with the Blues standing firm to protect their lead.

Lautoka lifts the trophy – *Fiji FA Media*

Reflecting on their victory, a jubilant Lautoka spokesperson expressed gratitude to the fans, saying, “To the Sugar City fans, the Lautoka side has made you people proud and there were some critics so we put everyone to the wrong numbers, and Lautoka did well and we are happy to have a brilliant team and there is more games and tournaments to come for 2024.”

The win marks a remarkable achievement for Lautoka, who have successfully defended their Fiji FACT title and cemented their status as one of Fiji’s premier football clubs. As they bask in the glory of their triumph, Lautoka looks ahead to future challenges and opportunities to grab more titles in the upcoming tournaments.

Brian is Back: national team captain is home alongside three more Australian-based players heading for OFC Nations Cup

Vanuatu national football team captain Brian Kaltak has returned to Port Vila, ready to lead his team in the upcoming OFC Nations Cup. Kaltak, a standout defender for the Central Coast Mariners, the current A-League champions, arrived in Port Vila accompanied by three other Australia-based players: defenders Jared Clark and Jeffrey Taso, and striker Alex Saniel. The four players are crucial to the team’s strategy under head coach Juliano Schmeling.

Kaltak’s presence is a significant boost for Vanuatu’s national team. As captain, his leadership and experience will be vital as the team embarks on their quest for regional glory. His recent success with the Central Coast Mariners, where he played a pivotal role in their championship-winning campaign, adds a level of expertise and confidence to the squad.

Joining Kaltak are Jared Clark and Jeffrey Taso, both defenders with substantial experience in Australian football, and Alex Saniel, a prolific striker known for his goal-scoring abilities. Alex Saniel made a lot of success in Fiji for teams like Lautoka and Suva in the past before moving to State League 2 side Nothern Demons. These players bring a wealth of talent and international experience to the team, making Vanuatu a formidable contender in the tournament.

Saniel, Tasso, Clark and Kaltak pcitured in the arrival at Port Vila airport – *VFF Media*

Vanuatu is set to kick off their campaign against the Solomon Islands on Saturday, 15th June, at Freshwater Stadium. This opening match is highly anticipated, as both teams are known for their competitive spirit and footballing prowess. The encounter promises to be an exciting start to the tournament, with Vanuatu looking to leverage their home advantage and the expertise of their Australian-based stars.

The OFC Nations Cup is a significant event in the region, offering teams the opportunity to showcase their talents and compete for the prestigious title. For Vanuatu, the return of their captain and key players bolsters their chances of advancing far in the competition. Fans and supporters are eagerly awaiting the team’s performance, hopeful that their nation’s colors will shine brightly on the regional stage.

Raphael Lea’i gets his first taste of football in Australia before reeturning to Solomon Islands for OFC Nations Cup

Prominent football talent from the Solomon Islands and the South Pacific, Raphael Lea’i, has signed with Adelaide City FC for the rest of the National Premier League (NPL) South Australia season. Lea’i made his initial appearance in a reserve match against Adelaide Comets, which ended in a 3-2 win for Adelaide City. He played for 65 minutes, displaying his abilities and promising potential. The decision to limit his time on the pitch was made to keep him fresh for his upcoming international responsibilities.

Lea’i’s debut performance was closely watched by local fans eager to see how he would adapt to the new team and league. His seamless integration into Adelaide City’s gameplay highlighted his versatility and readiness to take on higher-level competitions. Although he didn’t score, his involvement in key plays and his dynamic presence on the field were noted as positive indicators of what he can offer in future matches.

Following the match, Lea’i promptly returned to the Solomon Islands to join his national team for the OFC Nations Cup campaign. The tournament, which will be held in Vanuatu, is a significant event for the region and provides Lea’i with an opportunity to showcase his talent on an international stage.

Upon completing his national team duties, Lea’i will rejoin Adelaide City. The anticipation among fans is high, with many looking forward to his contributions on the field. His first minutes as Adelaide City player has already set expectations, and there is a sense of excitement about the potential successes he can bring to the club when he enters the senior NPL squad.

Raphael Lea’i in Adeladei City’s colours – *Joshua James*

Lea’i’s journey from the Solomon Islands to Adelaide marks a significant step in his career, after a disappointing experience the player had in professional football in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As he continues to develop and perform both domestically and internationally, he not only enhances his own career prospects but also brings greater attention to the football talent emerging from the Solomon Islands and the South Pacific region. His progress is being closely followed by fans, and his future in football looks exceptionally promising.