Oceania Football Center

Sanni Issa: a successful trajectory in Oceanian football

It is not uncommon to see foreign players in Oceania. There are some well known players like Argentinian forward Emiliano Tade, Portuguese forward João Moreira and Spanish defender Ángel Berlanga. These players came from South America and Europe to make history in Oceania – specially for Auckland City FC. However there is an African player that deserves to be highlighted: Sanni Issa.

Issa is a 29-year-old forward that currently plays for Manukau United in Lotto NRFL Premier League – the top-tier of winter football season in the northern region of New Zealand. Nevertheless his story as a footballer is bigger than winter leagues. The Nigerian forward arrived in Oceania in 2010 to play 2010-11 OFC Champions League for Lautoka from Fiji and he could not imagine that it was just the beginning of a long career in Oceanian football.

The African forward also played for Rewa and Suva before joining Ba FC to write his name in OFC Champions League history. He scored nine goals in eight matches to help the Men in Black to reach 2012-13 OFC Champions League semi-finals. Issa was the top scorer of the tournament and he was also elected the best player in the tournament – “It was very special to me. It really opened the doors for me in Oceanian football,” – he said.

Issa (right) receiving his 2012-13 OFC Champions League awards.

Issa moved to Vanuatu to represent Amicale FC in 2013-14 OFC Champions League. The Nigerian player almost felt the taste of being continental champion but Amicale lost to Auckland City in the final after two tight matches – “Auckland City have a big story in the competition. It is always difficult to play against them,” he pointed.

Sanni’s quality called the attention of Auckland City that signed him for 2014-15 season. He played only eight official matches for the Navy Blues but it was enough to write his name in the history of Oceanian football one more time. Issa played an important role at Auckland City’s historical campaign in 2014 FIFA Club World Cup helping the team to finish the tournament in the third position.

The third place match was contested by Auckland City and Cruz Azul from Mexico and it was decided in the penalties after a 1-1 draw in the regular time. Issa had the very difficult mission to shoot the last penalty of his team – “It was scary moment for me but I was confident,” he revealed.

The game would end if he scored the penalty. But if he lost Cruz Azul he would still have another opportunity to tie the series – “I had a lot of confidence on taking it but at the same time I was praying when I was going towards to take the penalty,” he added. For the happiness of Issa and his teammates, he scored and the Navy Blues took the bronze medal to New Zealand.

Issa celebrating his goal against Cruz Azul

It has been ten years since the Nigerian player arrived in Oceania and he could notice the evolution of the game in the region throughout the last decade – “I think football in Oceania changed a bit […] You can really see some teams from the Pacific Islands being a challenge to Auckland City and Team Wellington. It is tougher now,” pointed Issa.

When asked about playing outside the OFC region, he answered clearly: “I had the opportunity but injuries and family commitments did not allow me to go”. He is living in New Zealand since 2014 and he only left the country to represent Ba in 2017 OFC Champions League. Currently playing for Manukau United, the 29-year-old striker is already making plans for the future – “I am looking into the possibility of becoming a football coach,” he revealed.

The Nigerian forward built a solid career in Oceania and he is a very respected striker in the continent. He is very happy in New Zealand and pretty sure that he made the right choice when he moved to Oceania in 2010.

Vanuatu: 2020 PVFA Independence Cup confirmed

Good news for Ni-Vanuatu football. It was confirmed by Port Vila Football Association (PVFA) president Felix Stephen that the traditional PVFA Independence Cup will be played this year.

The Cup is set to begin on July 4 and the final match must be contested on Vanuatu Independence Day (July 30). This edition will surely be special for Ni-Vanuatu citizens because this will be the 40th anniversary of the country’s independence.

The Independence Cup is a knockout tournament with eight participants. Tupuji Imere is the current champions as they won 2019 edition after beating Tafea by 3-1 in the final match. You can check the last edition’s results by clicking here.

The adventure of Elliot Ragomo in Brazilian professional futsal

Solomon Islands are impressive when it comes to futsal – the Kurukuru have already taken part in three FIFA Futsal World Cups and will travel to Lithuania in 2021 to represent OFC at the 2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup, where they will play in the fourth consecutive competition at world level.

With Elliot Ragomo as captain, Solomon Islands outdid New Zealand on penalties at the last OFC Futsal Nations Cup 2019, securing another place in the world’s premier futsal tournament. Ragomo is one of the most famous player of Solomon Islands’ futsal – his performances and history in the sport prove why he captains the Kurukuru being also constantly praised in Oceania.

In 2016 Ragomo and his compatriot George Stevenson travelled to Brazil for a trial period with the professional club Minas Tênis Clube – a club that plays at the highest level of futsal in the South American country. In the following year Elliot Ragomo returned to Brazil, this time to integrate the senior team of the Minas Tênis Clube.

Ao lado de Zequinha, Elliot escuta as instruções do técnico Paulo César Cardoso (Foto: Divulgação / Minas Tênis Clube) — Elliot Ragomo (right) and Minas Tênis Clube staff member – *Minas Tênis Club Media*

“It is fantastic to be with these players, play futsal, train with eles, all of this is a great achievement for me. As a player from Solomon Islands, I’ve always dreamed to be here with these world class players,” said Ragomo to Minas Tênis Clube website in 2017.

Ragomo was part of the team that played in the Liga Nacional de Futsal – the highest level of futsal in Brazil – but he did not participate in any matches. Ragomo’s stay at the Minas Tênis Clube was mostly part of an exchange programme, but for one Solomon Islander it was definitely something big: he was involved with a club playing in one of the best futsal leagues in the world, from a country that invented the game of futsal.

Ragomo was emotional when talked to Oceania Football Confederation about his achievement: “Even though I am very far away from home, I still remember one thing very clearly and that is I am from Solomon Islands and this is my country,” he said. “I would like to dedicate this achievement to my people and every kid back in the Solomon Islands.”

The player received many praise from local and regional media during that period; as for Solomon Star News, Loop PNG and OFC – indeed a remarkable moment for Solomon Islands and Oceania sport.

Elliot Ragomo training with Minas Tênis Clube – *Minas Tênis Clube Media*

Ragomo is now back to his country, helping Marist FC to win the SIPA Futsal Championship earlier this year after leading Solomon Islands to another regional success at the OFC Nations Cup. Ragomo and his teammates will certainly be doing their best to continue flying the Solomon Islands flag at the 2021 FIFA Futsal World Championship in Lithuania.

This article is part of the series ‘Brazil and Oceania: a Football connection‘.

Fijian young-star Kishan Sami has ‘A-League goals’

Kishan Sami recently was officialy announced as a Manukau United player by the Auckland-based club social media accounts. The player has been part of Manukau squad preparing for the start of the Lotto NRFL Premier League.

Sami, a 20-year-old full-back or midfielder, is a product of Ba academy in his country and already represented his former club at the highest level of regional football in the OFC Champions League. The player recently moved to New Zealand, dreaming for a full professional contract in a near future.

In his announcement post, the played set his goals for his career: “I am to win the league and play from my heart to attract A-League clubs,” stated Sami. The player also revealed that he prefers to play as midfielder.

The young talented player is going to have his first season away from his country in 2020 as the Lotto NRFL Premier League is close to its start – this weekend the first fixtures of the season are set to be played. The Fijian already played 13 matches for the senior national team of his country scoring one goal.

Lautoka’s Shazil Ali suffers harsh injury

There is no good news for Lautoka fans; one of their most influential players suffered a very serious injury and is on the verge of losing the upcoming Vodafone Premier League games and even major cup tournaments.

The attacking midfielder Shazil Ali suffered a serious injury during his personal training – a broken leg. Lautoka and many other clubs from the Fijian Vodafone Premier League are still not back in normal training. The players are adopting a self-training programme, as they are supervised by their clubs.

Shazil Ali (left) playing for Lautoka – *FFA Media*

Shazil scored four goals in the current season of the Vodafone Premier League – he is the top goalscorer of the season so far alongside Avinesh Suwamy of Nadi. Shazil also represented Lautoka in their last participation at OFC Champions League last February in Vanuatu.

This is not the first time Shazil suffers a broken a leg – he already sustained the same injury in the past. Oceania Football Center wishes to the player a fast recovery and return to the football pitch.

Roy Krishna and Labasa’s IDC glory

Roy Krishna is one of the most important players Fiji has ever produced; the 32-year-old striker has already achieved glory in New Zealand and India in his successful career. In 2011 Krishna already was an accomplished player in New Zealand’s premier league, playing for the giant Waitakere United. The player who is born in Labasa returned to his country to help his home club in the Inter-District Championship.

The last time Labasa won the major tournament in Fiji was in 1994 – Roy and his teammates had a long battle to come. The competition was held in the TFL National Stadium, in Suva – the first match of Krishna’s return to Labasa was against Ba, the match would end in a 2-2 draw, but Krishna had a very fast impact scoring one goal in the match.

Roy cleared for Labasa | FijiFootball.com.fj — Roy Krishna playing for Labasa

Labasa finished at the top of the Pool 1 in the championship, that also had Ba, Rewa, Savusavu and Nadi. In the semifinal, Krishna and Labasa took on Lautoka hoping to be back to the final and finish their drought of IDC’s titles.

Krishna was the man of the day as he scored the only goal of the clash to give Labasa the entry in the grand final. Ba would be opponent in the decision, as they won Suva in the other semifinal thanks to a goal of the star-midfielder Malakai Tiwa.

See More:
Krishna finds the net: Fiji football at 2016 Olympics;
Roy Krishna extends his contract with ATK Mohun Bagan;
Roy Krishna: making Fiji proud.

The grand final match had thousands of people in the stands supporting their favourite teams; Labasa counted not only on Krishna, but as well on important players as Taniela Waqa and Maciu Dunadamu. Both sides played a very physical match in a pitch in bad conditions. But the quality of Krishna was something Ba did not have in their side: the star-player created a rare goalscoring chance for the striker Maciu Dunadamu that with a fantastic finish found the top corner of the goal and put Labasa ahead.

Labasa managed to hold the pressure and keep the advantage until the end of the game; finally Labasa could celebrate the IDC glory after 17 years. “Roy Krishna of Labasa was declared the 2011 Courts Interdistrict Championship Player of the Tournament after he helped his team win the coveted Lloyd Farebrother Trophy at the TFL National Stadium in Suva yesterday,” said a report of FijiSun in 2011.

“Krishna means Lord in Hindi and Roy was in tears when he received his prize after the final. “This is an honour but I dedicate it also to my teammates and the fans of Labasa,” he said. The top striker was carried off the field by Labasa fans who enveloped the team as the final whistle sounded and the celebration began“, also is reported by FjiSun.

After helping Labasa to clinch the IDC’s trophy, the star Krishna moved back to Waitakere United where he played more three seasons before joining Wellington Phoenix. Currently, Krishna is rated as one of the best players ever from Pacific region, but he never forgot his roots – as we can see in this story of 2011.

Sports Foundation facilities approved for use in Papua New Guinea

Great news for football clubs from Papua New Guinea. It was confirmed by Papua New Guinea National Soccer League Secretariat that PNG Sports Foundation (PNGSF) facilities in Port Moresby, Lae and Goroka have been approved and granted for use.

It means that National Soccer League clubs from these cities can use these facilities for training. Clubs from Port Moresby must make bookins through the VMT at Taurama Aquatic & Indoor Centre (TAIC) while clubs from Lae and Goroka must contact PNGSF offices for access.

The Papua New Guinea National Soccer League is currently set to resume in August. You can check the current league standings by clicking here.

Kavaia Rawaqa: I am ready to be back to National Team

The current year did not start very well for Rewa’s player Kavaia Rawaqa. The 29-year-old left back missed the beginning of 2020 Vodafone Premier League due to an injury and the football activities were suspended in Fiji when he resumed training.

He was one of the players called by National Team’s head coach Flemming Serritslev to attend the National Camp in February but he got injured and this injury prevented him from training – “I was in the National Team camp but they told me to rest due to an ankle injury,” said Rawaqa.

This ankle injury prevented him to play for Rewa in the beginning of the season, that is why he has not played any official match so far in the season. Now he is fully recovered and ready to help Rewa in their next challenges when football resumes in Fiji, but he recognizes that he had a great support during this period out of the pitches – “My wife always support me. She helped me during this hard time,” he said.

Rawaqa (right) playing for Fiji against New Zealand

Football tournaments are set to resume in the next month and Rawaqa is ready to stregnthen Rewa’s squad for the remainder of the season. The Delta Tigers are currently leading Vodafone Premier League with twelve points in five matches and they are focused on staying on top – “We can keep winning if we work as a team and I am sure that we will move ahead […] We want to win the league,” he stated. Rewa never won the National League and he knows that they need to work hard to achieve their goals.

The left back is very excited to resume playing to have another opportunity to impress Flemming Serritslev and book a spot in the Bula Boys – “I am ready to be back to National Team,” pointed Rawaqa. He made his international debut for Fiji in 2017 and he has already represented his country in 21 matches.

After passing by bad moments in the first semester of the year, he is ready to shine with Rewa and left a message to his teammates – “Never lose your hopes, this crisis is not the end. Be strong and get ready to the upcoming tournaments“.

Terai Bremond: pursuing a professional career as a footballer in Europe

Terai Bremond is one of the most talented footballers from Tahiti. The 19-year-old defensive midfielder is playing for Toulouse youth teams since 2017 and he was part of Tahitian squad that played FIFA U-20 World Cup last year.

The 2019-20 season was not so good for Bremond and Toulouse. The Tahitian player got injured (pubalgia) and missed many U-19 matches while his club had a terrible season in French Ligue 1 at senior level.

Recovering from injury, Bremond talked to Tahiti-Infos about the next steps of his career and he lets it clear: becoming a professional player is his main goal at the moment. The Tahitian player saw many teammates being promoted to the first team and having opportunity but his time has not come yet.

Bremond is working hard to have an opportunity

The young footballer from Tahiti has already played some matches for Toulouse II – a reserve squad that plays in the fifth tier of French football but he wants more and he does deserve more. The defensive midfielder turns 20 next year and he is working hard day in day out to have an opportunity with Toulouse or any other team at senior level.

Bremond is very talented and he can surely make the next level in France. Tahitian football fans are excited with the possibility of having a pro player in Europe just like Marama Vahirua did many years ago.

Tahiti: 2020-21 season set to begin in September

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After cancelling 2019-20 football season due to COVID-19 pandemics, Tahitian Football Federation (FTF) already has a proposed schedule for 2020-21 season.

According to Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) the next season of Tahitian football must begin in September. The biggest novelty is that the Ligue 1 VINI – the top-tier of local football – will have 12 teams and not 10 because there was no releagation last season.

SEE ALSO
Tahiti: 2020-21 season to have two more teams in local top-tier league
AS Tiare Tahiti qualifies for French Cup

2020-21 Ligue 1 VINI will have 12 teams fighting for the title

Current league champions AS Pirae will try to stay on top while some strong sides like AS Vénus and AS Tiare Tahiti must fight for the title in the upcoming season.