Oceania Football Center

Star Mountain and Gulf Komara draw in a well played friendly

The 2019-20 Papua New Guinea National Soccer League season is close to restart after four months as it is scheduled to kick-off on 1st August. Local clubs are already training and some of them are playing friendly matches like Star Mountain and Gulf Komara that clashed in a friendly match on Friday.

As it was previously reported, no spectators were allowed to watch the friendly match between the two clubs due to COVID-19 protocols. The fans surely missed something great as the final score was a 4-4 draw.

The biggest name of the match was Star Mountain’s Steven Inia who scored two goals from the penalty spot and delivered an assist to Willie Yumb in a corner kick. The other goal scored by Star Mountain were netted by Joseph Waiwai. On the other hand Numa Kila scored a brace for Gulf Komara while Kenneth Ara and Jordan Tavan scored once each. Both teams keep their preparations for the league’s resumption. Star Mountain will play another friendly match today against FC Bougainville.

Star Mountain will face Vitiaz United while Gulf Komara will face Lae City in the upcoming round of Papua New Guinea National Soccer League. Both matches are going to be contested in Port Moresby on August 1st.

Horizon Patho and JS Baco to meet in Mobil Super Ligue

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The second round of 2020 Mobil Super Ligue will finish this week when Horizon Patho will face JS Baco at Stade La Roché in Maré. Both teams are going to play their first official match in four months as both teams did not play last week.

Horizon Patho and JS Baco will fight hard to win as both teams lost in the opening round of the league in March. JS Baco lost to AS Wetr by 4-0 while Horizon Patho lost to Hienghène Sport by 5-1.

JS Baco and Horizon Patho will meet in Maré – *Mobil Super Ligue Media*

That is the only match of the weekend as the other four matches of the second round were contested last week. Oceania Football Center wish good luck to both teams. You can check the current league standings by clicking here.

Suva and Rewa ready for a huge battle as Ba aims the top in Vodafone Premier League

After many months the Vodafone Premier League is finally going to have a complete matchweek with all four matches being contested in the same weekend. There will be some key clashes this weekend as current league leaders Rewa will visit their rivals Suva at ANZ Stadium and current league champions Ba will need to fight for the win against Nasinu. Scroll down and check all you need to know about this weekend’s matches!

Labasa will receive Nadi at Subrail Park. Both teams are going to play an official match for the first time in four months. The Babasiga Lions received great news during the week as it was confirmed that Siotame Kubu is going to remain with the team for the remaining of the season. Labasa’s head coach Ronil Lal confirmed that Kubu is going to be in the starting eleven against Nadi and expressed his thoughts about the upcoming clash – “We have just trained for four weeks […] It will be a very physical game,” he said.

Ronil Lal confirmed that Siotame Kubu will be in Labasa’s starting eleven against Nadi

On the other hand Nadi must count on their key players Avinesh Waran Suwamy and Rusiate Matarerega to fight for the win. The Jetsetters also added some power to their team by signing with former Lautoka’s player Navneel Nand that is very excited to debut for his new club.

The second match of this weekend will be contested between current league champions Ba and Nasinu. The Men in Black lost many players during the last transfer window but it was not a problem for them as they have beaten Navua and Lautoka in the past seven days to keep their unbeaten run in the league – “We have to win more games. We will chase for the title,” said Ba’s forward Samuela Drudru after the match against Lautoka. However Ba’s goalkeeper Misiwani Nairube got injured against Lautoka and it is not known if he is going to be available to face Nasinu so it would not be a surprise if 17-year-old Isikeli Sevanaia were the starting goalkeeper this weeend.

Nasinu also has some problems for this match as Atkin Kaua and Jared Rongosulia are currently stuck in Solomon Islands due to borders restrictions. The Giant Killers are not in a good position in the league table and head coach Tani Vonolagi knows the importance of this match – “We hope to give Ba a good game,” he told to Fiji Football Association’s media. The players also know the importance of this match – “We need to work hard in every part of the field to close the up,” said Nasinu’s forward Marlon Nonone in an exclusive interview with Oceania Football Center.

Nonone playing for Nasinu against Nadi – *Fiji FA Media*

The third and fourth matches of the weekend are scheduled to take place on Sunday. Current league leaders Rewa are going to face their rivals Suva that brough many talented players in the past transfer window. The Capital City Boys will have the support of the crowd at ANZ Stadium in this tough challenge against the Delta Tigers – “The players are really focused. I watched the training sessions and I saw their eagerness and motivation,” said Suva’s president Ritesh Pratap.

The Capital City Boys are not going to count on Solomon Islands international Michael Boso who is not in the country which means that goalkeeper Beniaminio Mateinaqara and defender Laisenia Raura who recently joined the team must use their experience to lead Suva’s defense. Currently in the third position with eight points, the players know the importance of this match – “We need to win if we want to fight for the title,” said Simione Nabenu.

Rewa will not count on Bruce Hughes and Samuela Nabenia as both players are suspended. On the other hand goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau and left-back Kavaia Rawaqa are back from injury and they must be on the starting eleven on Sunday. It is a very important game for Rewa because they will keep themselves in the first position if they win – “We really need to beat Suva,” said Rewa’s head coach Marika Rodu.

Rodu and his players will have a tough challenge this weekend

The Delta Tigers are eager to win the league for the first time ever and it was announced by team’s president Nazeel Buksh that they have received the International Transfer Certificate (ITC) of Solomon Islands international Allen Peter and the defender must travel to Fiji to join the team when borders reopen.

Another player that is facing problems to return to Fiji is Lautoka’s forward Alex Saniel who is currently stuck in Vanuatu. The Bluez will face Navua at Uprising Resort Ground on Sunday and they have to win to get closer to the leaders. It is expected that defender Arami Manumanubai is going be in the starting eleven as Sekove Finau was red carded against Ba on Wednesday.

Navua is currently in the eighth and last position in the table and they need to work hard to grab some points in order to fight against relegation. Experienced forward Apisai Smith brought some hopes to the fans after scoring twice against Ba last weekend but they need more if they really want to remain in the top-tier of Fijian football.

You can check the current league standings by clicking here. Oceania Football Center wishes good luck to all teams.

Dennis Ifunaoa: I really want to see women’s football developing in Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) offered a MA Grassroots Coaching Certificate course as part of the preparation for the National Women’s Premier League. It was a three-day course that started on Wednesday and finished on Friday at SIFF Academy.

Thirteen coaches from Women Football Clubs attended the event that was ministered by SIFF’s technical director Moses Toata. One of the attendants was Solomon Islands international Dennis Ifunaoa who took part of the course as Naha FC representative – “I am very happy. It is a big achievement for me,” stated Ifunaoa.

Ifunaoa’s team Naha FC played the Women’s Preseason Tournament and advanced to the quarter-finals where they lost to Koloale – “I am still a player but I am trying to help the development of women’s football in my country. I want to thank SIFF and Naha FC for the opportunity of attending this course,” he said – “I will put it all in practice during the training sessions […] I really want to see women’s football developing in Solomon Islands,” he added.

The 28-year-old forward was part of Solomon Warriors’ squad that won 2019-20 Telekom S-League – the major football league in the country. Oceania Football Center congratulates Ifunaoa for this willingness to help in the sport’s development in his homeland.

Controversial referee calls and silly mistakes mark Phoenix defeat to Sydney

Wellington Phoenix fans can not be happy on the result of the very first competitive football match of the club after the COVID-19 pandemic. Phoenix got beaten by Sydney by 3-1 – a mix of bad luck, controversial referee calls and silly mistakes of the Nix marked a night to be forgotten.

The team stars Gary Hooper and Ulises Davila started from the bench, Jaushua Sotirio and Ben Waine took their spots in the starting team. Both Hooper and Davila recently joined Phoenix after being a long period in their home countries. The first half saw both sides lost some opportunities – New Zealand’s first choice goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic was impressive with some important shot-stops in the first half. The likes of Reno Piscopo and David Ball were dangerous to Syndey’s defense, but despite some good chances created by both sides, the result at the break was locked into 0-0.

The story of the game seemed to be the same in the second half; Kosta Barbarouses was dangerous for Sydney alongside Milos Ninkovic and Adam le Fondre. Reno Piscopo was in a good night, being always a threat for Syndey’s backline. The introduction of Callum McCowatt in the half time in place of Ben Waine seemed to give more pace and creativity to Phoenix.

The things suddenly change in the match when Liberato Cacace was fouled inside the box by Ryan McGowan – a perfect call by the referee. The young talented Australian youth international Reno Piscopo made no mistake from the penalty spot and give a much needed lead for the New Zealand-based club. Just after the goal, Piscopo made room for Gary Hooper and Ulises Davila was also introduced in place of Jaushua Sotirio.

It was an unfortunate night for Davila as one of his first touches in the match was a handball inside the box; the referee awarded a penalty to Sydney as the Mexican failed to control the ball and it touched his arm inside the penalty area. Adam le Fondre gave no chances to Marinovic as he put Sydney back to the game.

A controversial call for the assistant referee happened when the Mexican Ulises Davila finished to the goal, the ball was deflected on Hooper and it ended up in the back of the net. It could had been the second goal of the Nix, but the assistant referee put his flag up to show Hooper was in an offside position. One of the measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the A-League is the no usage of the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) until the end of the current season; the call should had been overtuned if the VAR was there as Gary Hooper seemed not to be in offside as TV images shown during the clash.

It was not a great for Wellington Phoenix – *Phoenix Media*

Unfortunately for Phoenix, another mistake of Davila – giving away possesion in the middle of park – allowed Ninkovic to release the sub Trent Buhagiar free – the attacker passed Marinovic, Steven Taylor and put Sydney ahead already inside the 80th minute mark. Marinovic might be blamed for leaving his goal too early, being driblled by Sydney’s striker and allowing an almost empty net finish. Two minutes later, the same Buhagiar was released in an one-on-one situation with Marinovic, the goalkeeper could save the first shot, but Buhagiar approached the rebound and it chipped it over the defenders to score the third for Sydney: three mistakes, three goals allowed.

The result breaks the four winning-streak run of Wellington Phoenix in the league, but the team continues placed in the 3rd position in the ladder. The New Zealand-based side will take on Perth Glory next Wednesday (22th Jul) at BankWest Stadium.

Navneel Nand: I am excited to debut for Nadi

Navneel Nand is one of the players that joined a new team in the past transfer window in Fiji. The 23-year-old player left Lautoka and joined Nadi for the remainder of 2020 football season in Fiji.

According to reliable sources, Nand is alrady cleared to debut for The Jetsetters this weekend against Labasa at Subrail Park and he shared his current feelings with Oceania Football Center – “I am excited to debut for Nadi,” he said.

Nand playing for Lautoka in 2020 OFC Champions League – *OFC Media*

The young midfielder was being a regular starter in the Bluez before the COVID-19 pandemics but he decided to leave the team – “I want to make my name […] I will do my best,” stated Nand.

Nadi did not have a bright start in the current Vodafone Premier League season as they are currently in the fifth position with six points in four matches. You can check the current league standings by clicking here.

Ronil Lal: a very physical contest awaits Labasa against Nadi

One of the most important matches of the weekend in Fiji for the Vodafone Premier League will see Nadi take on the current Battle of Giants, Inter-District Championship and Champion vs Champion winners Labasa. The match will be certainly important for both sides; Labasa fans will be happy to count on the their star-player Siotame Kubu as the attacker announced he is going to stay in Labasa after strong links a move to Lautoka.

The coach Ronil Lal, one of the fan favourites in Labasa, talked to Oceania Football Center about his expecations on this very important game.

“The preparation went well. But fitness is still a challenge. After a long break and we have just trained for 4 weeks. But I am expecting a tough game“, said Lal. The COVID-19 forced break caused problems for Labasa and all teams in Fiji, but their preparation needs to be ready if they want to improve in the national league rankings.

“It will be a very physical game. Nadi has players with good shooting ability. So the will look for every opportunity to shoot“, said Lal on his analysis on Nadi. Nadi will count on the likes of Avinesh Suwamy and Rusiate Matarerega and if the Babasiga Lions want to win, they will certainly need to stop them.

Allen Peter confirmed at Rewa; borders restrictions still a problem for him

Rewa are pursuing something unprecedented in the club’s history – win the national football league. The Delta Tigers are on the top of the ladder with twelve points in five matches and they want more and more.

As it was previously reported, Rewa tried to sign with some good players for the remaining of the current football season. One of these players is Solomon Islands’ defender Allen Peter who last played for Laugu United in 2019-20 Telekom S-League.

It was confirmed by Rewa’s president Nazeel Buksh that they managed to sign with Peter – “We already have his ITC (International Transfer Certificate) with us,” he stated. The biggest problem now is the same that is being faced by Nasinu and Suva that also have players from Solomon Islands – borders restrictions.

SEE ALSO
Marlon Nonone: we need to close Ba up
Siotame Kubu remains with Labasa
Hughes and Nabenia to lose Rewa’s crucial match against Suva

Allen Peter playing for Solomon Islands National Team

Peter is currently in Solomon Islands so he is not able to join Rewa at the moment. However he is already a Rewa’s player as his ITC is already with the team – “Peter will be joining us once we can confirm a flight for him,” said Nazeel Buksh.

Rewa will face their biggest rivals Suva at ANZ Stadium on Sunday. You can check the current Vodafone Premier League standings by clicking here.

Marlon Nonone: we need to close Ba up

Nasinu’s last match in Vodafone Premier League was in March. The Giant Killers will be officially back to the pitch this weekend with a tough mission: stop current league champions Ba at Fiji FA Academy tomorrow.

It is already confirmed that Atkin Kaua and Jared Rongosulia are going to miss the game as both players are currently stuck in Solomon Islands due to border restrictions. On the other hand, there is another player from Solomon Islands that is cleared to play and is likely to be in Nasinu’s starting eleven in tomorrow’s game: Marlon Nonone.

Nonone moved to Fiji last year because he received a scholarship to study in Fiji and he joined Nasinu earlier this year. The 21-year-old forward understands the importance of this match and pointed what they need in order to fight for a good result against their opponents – “Ba is a good team. They are well organized when they have the ball possession […] We need to work hard in every part of the field to close them up,“ he said.

SEE ALSO
Siotame Kubu remains with Labasa
Hughes and Nabenia to lose Rewa’s crucial match against Suva
Suva: Michael Boso unavailable for unknown period

Nonone (right) playing for Nasinu against Nadi – *Fiji FA Media*

He also expressed his thoughts about the absence of his countrymen Kaua and Rongosulia – “It is going to be a little harder to me because I have a good ball combination with them. We understand each other very well inside and outside the pitch,” stated Nonone.

According to FBC News three new players must be available to represent Nasinu this weekend: Asish Chand, Patrick Sarwan and Semi Vakatalai. It is also known that Isikeli Ratucava left Suva to rejoin the Giant Killers but there is no information if he is available or not for this match.

Nasinu is currently in the seventh position in 2020 Vodafone Premier League season with four points in five matches. You can check the current standings by clicking here.

Malakai Rakula: Roy Krishna is ‘like a king’ for Fijian Football

Fiji football has lots of stories to tell; many remarkable moments. One of the most important figures of Fijian football history is certainly the current national team captain and ATK-MB star Roy Krishna. One of Krishna’s teammates in the national, the new Lautoka player Malakai Rakula expressed his feelings on Krishna – about the importance of the player to local football and also what Roy Krishna represents to Fiji as a country. “He is very down to earth, very humble. He is a ‘one-million-dollar man’, but he is always there to help,” said Rakula to Oceania Football Center.

“When we were in Samoa, for Pacific Games, people saw him and ask: is he Roy Krishna? Really, the one-million-dollar man and he is so humble” said Rakula, “he was always there to assist us in the pitch“, completed the Fijian international.

When asked about the importance of Krishna for Fiji, Rakula did not hesitate: “he is ‘like a king’ in Fiji” said the new Lautoka signing – “his hardwork make him go so far, to suceed in A-League and in India. The whole Fiji is proud of him, he represents our country very well“. Rakula also praised the capabilities of Krishna inside the pitch: “Roy is very different – professional player -, but he is always there to assist us in order to represent Fiji very well. He is very fast, a complete striker”, expressed Rakula.

Rakula played with Krishna for several times in the Fiji national team, together they clinched the bronze medal in the last Pacific Games edition in Samoa in Men’s football tournament. Last year, Fiji won by 1-0 a friendly match against Mauritius where Malakai Rakula provided one beautiful assist to Krishna to score the winning goal: the duo combines very well. You can watch winning goal of Krishna and the assist of Rakula in this match by clicking here.