After losing 2020 Inter-District Championship’s final earlier this month, Lautoka will have to look for a new head coach, as Ravinesh Kumar informed Lautoka Football Association that he resigned from his position on this Wednesday.
Kumar was appointed as Lautoka’s head coach in July and his debut was in a 2-1 loss to Ba. He coached Lautoka in fifteen matches: three wins, five draws and seven losses: “I’m not joining any other association but yes this is part and partial of football. I will say that this is a professional reason and I will not continue on with Lautoka,“ he said to FBC Sports.
Ravinesh Kumar stepped down from his position – Fiji FA Media
Despite the good campaign at 2020 Inter-District Championship, Kumar’s stint as Lautoka’s head coach will surely be marked by a poor record at Vodafone Premier League – the top tier league from Fiji. The Bluez have won just six points in seven games coached by Kumar.
Lautoka’s next match will be this weekend against Labasa at Subrail Park in the twelfth matchweek of Premier League. You can check the current Vodafone Premier League standings, results and top scorers by clicking here.
Solomon Warriors and Honiara City clashed at Lawson Tama Stadium in the eleventh matchweek of Telekom S-League – the national football league from the Solomon Islands. It was the last match of the first round and now teams will have a break as the mid-season transfer window opens next Monday.
Honiara City just needed 35 seconds to open the scoreboard. Junior Annie passed by a defender and crossed from the left to Cleophas Oriana who pushed the ball into the net. Sixteen minutes later, Tigi Molea was fouled inside the box by Prince Pue and Dennis Ifunaoa scored from the penalty spot to equalize.
Ifunaoa was having a great day and he found the net for the second time to put Warriors ahead in the 36th minute while Vanuatu international John Alick headed the ball into the net after a corner kick to extend the lead in the final minutes of the first half. The final goal of the contest was scored by Norman Winford in the beginning of the second half. At the final whistle, the score was 4-1 in favour of the Warriors.
Solomon Warriors’ players celebrating a goal – SIFF Media
Solomon Warriors finished Telekom S-League’s first round with nineteen points in ten matches. They are currently eight points behind league leaders Henderson Eels, which means that the team coached by William Omokirio will have a lot of work in the second round of the season.
On the other hand, newcomers Honiara City finished the first round in the sixth position with thirteen points – a solid campaign for a debutant. You can check 2020 Telekom S-League standings, results and top scorers by clicking here.
Erakor Golden Star and Galaxy FC clashed at Port Vila Stadium on this Wednesday to decide which team would advance to PVFA Top Four final. After a draw in the first 45 minutes, Galaxy FC scored four goals in the second half to stay alive in the tournament.
Kaltfer Kaltack opened the scoreboard for Erakor Golden Star in the 13th minute. However, they did not have much time to celebrate as Kensi Tangis equalized two minutes later. In the second half, Bong Kalo scored an early goal to put Galaxy ahead: 2-1.
Erakor Golden Star worked hard to fight against their opponents, but they did not manage to hold Galaxy’s powerful attack in the final minutes: Bong Kalo, Kensi Tangis and Brazilian star Roberson scored once each after the 80th minute. At the final whistle, the final score was 5-1 in favour of Galaxy FC.
Galaxy’s starting eleven against Erakor Golden Star – Vanuatu Sports News
Despite the heavy loss, Erakor’s staff is happy with their performance in the season as they reached the Top Four with a very young squad: “Our development goals have been achieved so far through our young players,” stated Erakor’s head coach Kalo Noel Benjamin after the match
Galaxy will face Ifira Black Bird at PVFA Top Four final. The winner of this match will advance to VFF National Super League to fight for the national title and a spot in 2021 OFC Champions League. You can check more information about 2020 VFF National Super League by clicking here.
Throughout the history of football, we have seen some families and surnames that have gained notoriety in the sport. The Maldini are one of the greatest examples: Cesare and Paolo have made history playing for Milan, each in their own time.
Another great example are the brothers Jerome and Kevin-Prince Boateng, who play for different National Teams and played against each other in the 2014 World Cup. Another notable case is the Tehau family, who had four of their number representing Tahiti in the Confederations Cup in 2013.
In Vanuatu it is no different either as Brian Kaltak, Jean Kaltack and Tony Kaltack are relatives and represented their nation internationally. However, there is a new surname that is calling the attention in the country: Kalotang.
Keiben Kalotang, Massing Kalotang and Tonly Kalotang: three young players that are starting to shine in Vanuatu. They are nephews of Noel Kalotang, former goalkeeper and current Erakor Golden Star’s goalkeepers coach. Keiben and Massing are brothers while Tonly is their cousin. All of them have passed through the Erakor Golden Star’s youth system.
Tonly (left), Kieben (middle) and Massing (right)
Tonly Kalotang left Erakor Golden Star and joined Ifira Black Bird last year. The 23-year-old forward became one of Ifira’s most important players this season, scoring important goals and helping the team win the 2019-20 PVFA Premier League title.
Massing Kalotang recently lived the best moment of his career by coming from the bench to save three penalty kicks to help Erakor Golden Star Tafea on shoot-out in the first round of PVFA Top Four. His elder brother, Keiben, is one of the most talented players to come from Erakor’s youth system in the past seasons.
None of the three have played for National Team at youth level. However, it would not be a surprise if we see the surname Kalotang in the next call-ups, both at senior level and at youth level.
After playing four matches for his new team in the U-19 National League, the young midfielder received the opportunity to train with the main squad, which means he will have the opportunity to train with some Denmark National Team players like Mathias Jørgensen, Peter Ankersen and Viktor Fischer.
Stamenic used to be a regular starter at New Zealand U-17 National Team and he was one of the most important players in the squad that went to Brazil to play FIFA U-17 World Cup last year. It seems only a matter of time before he makes his first-team debut for both All Whites and FC København.
The VFF National Super League is the national football championship in Vanuatu. This year’s edition began last Thursday when two matches of Group A were played at Soccer City in Luganville. As it was previously reported, five teams are in Group A while three other teams are in Group B.
Group B has not started yet. On the other hand, Group A reached its third matchday on this Monday and the results of the matches are only known thanks to the efforts of local people who provide this information in social media groups.
While other federations provide reports and updates about their national leagues, Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) has not made a public statement on the championship. The impression given by the federation is that they do not want people to know about what is happening in local football.
By the way, Malampa Revivors are leading the Group B with six points in two matches, followed by RueRue and Police with four points each. You can check the standings and results of 2020 VFF National Super League by clicking here.
Oceania Football Center would like to thank all those who provide information about the tournament in social media groups. You are helping Vanuatu football to come out of the darkness, unlike the local federation.
After being crowned champion of the 2019-20 ISPS Handa Premiership, Auckland City is back in action in New Zealand. The team, which continues to be coached by Jose Figueira, beat Manukau United 2-0 in a friendly match contested this weekend.
Many of the players who were in the squad last season have returned to the club, such as goalkeeper Cameron Brown, Argentinian striker Emiliano Tade and Vanuatu defender Brian Kaltak, who were in Auckland City’s starting eleven against Manukau United.
Brian Kaltak
Brian Kaltak is going to play his third ISPS Handa Premiership season with Auckland City. The 27-year-old central defender from Vanuatu has established himself as one of the best defenders playing in New Zealand and he must be a regular start in the team coached by Jose Figueira for another season.
The Navy Blues will debut at 2020-21 ISPS Handa Premiership on November 15 against Eastern Suburbs at Kiwitea Street. You can check the full schedule of the upcoming Premiership’s season by clicking here.
Regional football leagues were cancelled in northern New Zealand due to restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including Lotto NRFL Premier Men’s – the stronger regional league from New Zealand’s winter football season.
Despite that, local teams resumed their activities with training sessions and friendlies. One of these teams is Manukau United that recently played a friendly match against current ISPS Handa Premiership’s champions Auckland City FC.
This game was very special for seven young players: Avishek Nand, Aydin Mustahib, Etonia Dogalau, Jeremiah Ruawhare, Mohammed Nabeel, Rahul Naresh and Yunus Atiq. All these players had the opportunity to make their debut for Manukau United’s first team, after having participated throughout the year in the reserve team and the U-19 team.
From left to right: Nabeel, Ruawhare, Mustahib, Atiq, Naresh, Nand and Dogalau – Manukau United Media
Auckland City have beaten Manukau United by 2-0 with goals scored by Abdul Khalifa – who played the first half for Manukau United – and Jordan Vale in the second half as Navy Blues‘ head coach Jose Figueira made some tests in this match.
The Navy Blues will debut at 2020-21 ISPS Handa Premiership on November 15 against Eastern Suburbs at Kiwitea Street. You can check the full schedule of the upcoming Premiership’s season by clicking here.
Another young New Zealand player left the country to play abroad: Myer Bevan. The 23-year-old forward joined TS Galaxy FC from South Africa’s top tier league on a three-year contract.
It is not Bevan’s first experience abroad. Hehas already played in England, Sweden and United States. More experienced, the young striker will have the opportunity to show his talent and establish himself in a professional league. Oceania Football Center wish him good luck at his new club.
One of the themes recently addressed among football fans in Papua New Guinea and across the Pacific, where the name Hekari United FC has left a mark, is how and why the biggest national champions and 2010 OFC Champions League champions were unable to play in this year’s Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League final after being eliminated from the competition in the semi-finals for the second time in the club’s history.
This report will provide a summary of the 2020 season in detail and highlight some of the key issues that contributed to the team’s eventual semi-final loss to Vitiaz United FC.
To begin with, it should be noted that Hekari United this season had a very strong squad in the National Football League and had great depth in all positions. However, the fact that the team took third place, even with an excellent better squad, raises the question of whether the players were used correctly to maximise the overall performance of the team.
Let’s take a quick look at some of the changes in the squad during the middle of the season:
Hekari finished the first half of the season undefeated and sitting first in the ladder ahead of champions Lae City FC and debutants Vitiaz United FC. However, two results from the first half of the season that did not worry many fans by that time is that the team also drew against eventual finalists Vitiaz United and Lae City.
This unbeaten run with impressive statistics caused analysts and fans to tip Hekari for the top prize, especially after reigning champions Lae City FC suffered a shocking 1-2 defeat to Vitiaz United FC during the first half of the season.
Then came the OFC Champions League, which revealed many of the club’s weaknesses, prompting management to bring in reinforcements before the start of the second half of the season to address these areas: Carlos Onne and Gregory Togubai, two former PNG U-23 representatives, were brought in to add depth to the defence and midfield.
Both men had a debut to forget as the team succumbed to a 1-2 defeat (the first of the season) at the hands of a Percy Mataio coached Star Mountain side. The two players, however, are not to blame because the side also had a lot of rotations on the day and it looked like the men in yellow were underestimated. This defeat was followed by a long period of rest where football and sporting activities in general across Papua New Guinea came to a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following this result, Hekari dropped to third and gave the chance for Vitiaz United to move to the top followed by Lae City FC on the second spot.
Before the season resumed, Hekari also lost two regular starters who helped the team compete in the Champions League: Vinicius Reis and Erick Joe. The Brazilian duo were allowed to return home after their contracts expired at the end of June.
Vinicius Reis (left) and Erick Joe (right) left the team in June – Hekari United Media
Since Carlos Onne and Gregory Togubai were already in the squad at that time, it was only sensible to go after forwards in the third and special transfer window because Hekari did not have much quality and experience upfront. At the same time, Otto Kusunan was released to pursue a full-time job opportunity while Aisome Kila, Magalu Guena and Jonah Phillip were released to join Kutubu FC. Veteran goalkeeper Leslie Kalai was also released.
The third transfer window opened the way for Hekari to land two of the country’s best footballers: Raymond Gunemba and Nigel Dabinyaba. Both left Lae City FC after the resignation of coach Peter Gunemba. There was a bit of controversy and drama with the signing of both players, especially after their former boss Ian Chow went out in the media and publicly refuted the allegations of both men being fired from the club. PNG Football Association and National Soccer League’s board deliberated on the matter and set aside the participation of both players when the competition resumed while a decision was taken in the background.
Gunemba (left) and Dabinyaba (right) joined Hekari in the third transfer window of the season – Hekari United Media
Hekari played with FC Bougainville in the league’s resumption and managed to beat their opponents by 2-0 to keep the pressure on Vitiaz and Lae City FC. At the end of the week, Raymond and Nigel were allowed to play as the football council was convinced that both men were effectively released by their former club.
Since then, both players have become regular starters in the team, with Nigel playing in every game from the return to Hekari United to the semi-final. For Raymond, injuries were a concern and he was left out of some of the matches due to back injuries.
Having covered the whole season in detail, we now look at some of the key issues that led to the shocking but not surprising semi-final defeat. Many fans and analysts share the view that it was not Hekari’s best starting eleven that played in the semi-final against Vitiaz United FC:
1- If there is a reason why Hekari did not concede many goals in the first half of the season, it is Ishmael Pole. From his acrobatic saves to the distribution of the ball, he seems to have all the characteristics of a good goalkeeper. Everything was going very well for him until he was given a red card in the 1-0 defeat to Lae City FC, and had to miss two games due to suspension.
The young substitute goalkeeper, Dave Tomare, did well during Ishmael’s absence and his brilliant performances in the few games he started made it difficult for Eric Komeng to choose who to start with on the day of the semi-final. Although Tomare did an honourable job that day by saving two penalty kicks in the penalty shoot-out, but it would have been better if Ishmael, the more experienced player, had started this match.
2- The absence of Langarap Samol, who played very well when Daniel Joe and Carlos Onne were unable to play and definitely impressed even though he only had a few chances to play as a centre back. His absence from the squad for the semi-finals is one of the bad decisions taken that day. In the few games he played, Langarap brought stability to the defence and covered Carlos Onne, who sometimes prefers to advance with the ball.
Another thing that Samol’s inclusion brings to the team is the possibility to place Daniel Joe as a full back, where he is given the opportunity to play on the flanks, given his offensive quality and physical explosion.
3- To this day, fans still wonder why Gunemba was left on the bench. Hekari could have secured victory in the first 15 minutes, when the team offered danger to the opposing defense with Ati Kepo putting his opponents in trouble. If Raymond had been played as a striker, the chances of turning those chances into a goal would have been higher.
It is also important to remember that important players like David Muta, Koriak Upaiga and Michael Foster are already over 30 years old. Although they are great players, it is necessary to think about having younger players so that the team will not suffer in the next seasons.
Hekari United starting eleven in the semi-final’s clash against Vitiaz United – PNGFA Media
The big problem is that the team has not improved over their previous meetings with Lae City FC and Vitiaz United. If there was one thing Hekari would have learned from the previous meetings it is that their style of ball possession has failed to break stronger defensive teams down. Although it can be argued that it was their defensive errors that led to defeats, this does not mean that Hekari was better offensively. The poor decision making of the main players in the final third, as well as the average finishing, are also responsible for the eventual failure of the team in the most important game of the season.
Players were often too far apart from each other and their positioning limited the passing options of the midfielders. In addition, the attack is often concentrated on the flanks where offensive players like Ati Kepo and Nigel Dabinyaba have often found themselves trying to beat individual defenders. This has been noticed in many games and opposing teams have been able to defend well against this style of play.
The biggest loss caused by COVID-19 pandemics was the impossibility to count on the coach Jerry Allen, who is one of the great responsible for the success of Hekari United. Although Eric Komeng deserves credit for raising and assembling troops for the rest of the season, a change of coach often goes hand in hand with a change in the team’s playing style. The inability to adapt to Erick’s style may have been another reason for the team not winning the biggest matches.
It is not a season to forget, but a season to learn from the mistakes made so that the team can return to the top of national football.
