Oceania Football Center

Lae City: Defense vs. Attack

The reigning national champions of Papua New Guinea have recently been involved in a series of incidents that have drastically changed the team’s structure and history: Lae City achieved success through the leadership of head coach Peter Gunemba, who counted on players such as Nigel Dabinyaba, Ronald Warisan and Raymond Gunemba – Lae City won the last five editions of the PNG National Soccer League.

However, after a bad campaign in the 2020 OFC Champions League, Lae City chairman Ian Chow decided to sack coach Gunemba and replace him with Bob Morris. The move enraged fans and players alike, with a number of players leaving the team, including their stars Dabinyaba and Raymond Gunemba. Of the victorious Lae City team, only a few players remained in the squad, the most famous of them being Papua New Guinea internationals Emmanuel Simon and Jacob Sabua.

In order to strengthen the squad after this turbulence, Chow brought a number of players into the club, the most famous of whom are defenders Alwin Komolong and Felix Komolong, both with national team experience. The Komolongs have played football in the United States college system; Alwin played in the German professional football league and Felix Komolong has played in New Zealand’s top league and also in Lae City’s rival Hekari United. The other top-signings of Lae City for the remaining of the season are also part of the defensive system: the goalkeeper Charles Lepani and the defender Nigel Malagian – and the Papua New Guinean international Philip Steven is also in the squad since the start of the season, another central defender.

Emmanuel Airem (left), Nigel Malagian (center) and Joshua Oscar (right); all part of the defensive system of Lae City

With Simon, Sabua and the team’s only two foreign players, Ecuadorians Gustine Icaza and Abdias Aguirre, in midfield, the only problem for Lae City seems to be in attack. With Gunemba and Dabinyaba having left the club, there are few options for new head coach Bob Morris in attacking positions. The best of these options at the moment seems to be the young Albert Morgan Jr., who has already scored three goals in the current PNG National Soccer League season; another recent signing from Lae may also come in handy at this time – Alu Awi has also scored for the reigning national champions this season.

If any team wants to score goals in Lae City, it will not be easy because of the quality the club has brought to its defensive system. Although the quality in the back and in the middle of the park is not a problem, Lae can only rely on very young players in attack, who are still far from the level Dabinyaba and Gunemba had in their golden age for the club they just left.

Lae City will expect to continue their winning streak of national titles when the PNG National Soccer League returns to action this August after the break due COVID-19 pandemic. The club currently is the 2nd in the ladder of the national league sitting behind the surprising Vitiaz United.

Lea’alafa and Le’ai: present and future of Solomon Islands National Team attack

Football has been played around the world for around a century; the game is changing and evolving from generation to generation, and new characteristics are being introduced by new players, coaches and all those involved in the creation of the sport. It is a must to always prepare the younger generations to perform more and better than previous generations so that football can continue to develop and create a good environment to achieve the expected results.

One of Oceania’s most promising young players, Raphael Le’ai, is already a reality for his club Henderson Eels, having already scored two goals in his club campaign in the current edition of the OFC Champions League. Le’ai was the top scorer of the Telekom S-League season in his country and has already played in tournaments on the world stage and received international recognition. The still 16-year-old was recently called up for a first training session with the Solomon Islands national team and had the most famous player in Solomon Islands football at the time, Micah Lea’alafa, at his side.

Lea’alafa, a dual national team player, has represented Solomon Islands at three FIFA Futsal World Cups and also won the OFC Champions League, playing an important role for New Zealand giants Auckland City. Recently, the 29-year-old striker had a short stint with South Africa’s top club Maritzburg United.

The meeting between Lea’alafa and Le’ai means a lot; two important generations for Solomon Islands’ sport. Lea’alafa was in the first ever FIFA Futsal World Cup played by the Kurukuru in 2008, Le’ai was the star-player of Solomon Islands in their first ever FIFA football tournament in 2019 – the U17 World Cup in Brazil. The fans just can not wait to see both players playing together in the pitch – the development process has to keep going on.

Salesh Kumar: Fijian football must move forward

One of Fiji’s most famous footballers has given his views on his career and the development of football in his country – it is always very important to hear the experiences of those who have been successful in the sport. Salesh Kumar, a Fijian international who has played in New Zealand for most of his career, has achieved many successes: The midfielder is a rare example of a player who has represented ‘both red and blue sides‘ of Auckland – Waitakere United and Auckland City – the local city derby. The historic player won the New Zealand national league twice and the OFC Champions League once – now in the final stages of his football career, plyaing in the NRFL Lotto Division 2 for Onehunga Mangere’s side, Kumar shared his thoughts on his successful career and what he sees on the horizon for Fijian football.

Salesh starting sharing his thoughts about this time in both Auckland football giants: “My time playing for Auckland and Waitakere was great. I enjoyed it – a different environment was a new challenge for me,” stated the now 38-year-old player, “the structure from Fiji in comparison to New Zealand is very different – the coaches, resources and attitude of players especially – I think it is a matter of culture and mentality,” explained Salesh Kumar.

Kumar (left) representing Auckland City against Waitakere in 2008

The experienced player gives a suggestion to what can be done to decrease the gap between Fijian football structure to New Zealand: “I think attaching/sending coaches to overseas football clubs and academies – especially Europe – for a year or two too see how things are done; once they see and live how professional coaches behave everything is going to change – cultural and mentality issues I mentioned,” says Kumar.

Kumar played 13 matches for the Bula Boys making his debut in 2003; since then the midfielder had the chance with various great footballers; one of them is Roy Krishna: “He is one of the best players ever of Oceania. It was great to see how he worked hard and achieved what he got now,” says a proud Kumar. Salesh and Roy played together in Fiji’s remarkable 2-0 win over New Zealand in 2008 – before that day, Fiji had last won New Zealand in 1988. The then 21-year-old prodigy Krishna scored a double and made history for his country.

Despite all his memories, Salesh Kumar is unhappy with the progression of football in his country: “The results can prove it, look to the last Pacific Games editions. Compare Fiji and Papua New Guinea, for example, how much they have improved in the last 15 years and how much Fiji had,” said Kumar, “But I still think they can compete, they are good“, added the veteran.

The 38-year-old is continuing his career and intends now like to pass on what he has learned from the game of around two decades of experience: “I wish to continue in the game, keep enjoying and help in the development of the young players,” said Kumar, “I would love to help the development of football in Fiji, althought I did not think about this possibility yet,” mentioned the Fijian football legend.

A well-known player like Salesh Kumar always has something to tell about his experiences. If the younger generation of football players can follow his steps, the future of Fijian football will certainly be very bright.

Cook Islands FA starts international research to find eligible players for National Teams

The Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) is looking for players who are descendants of Cook Islanders that have interest on representing Cook Islands internationally. CIFA announced the beginning of the research through an official statement on their official social media.

A football player is eligible to play for Cook Islands National Teams if a Father/Mother, Grandfather/Grandmother, or Great Grandfather/Great Grandmother were born there.

Applicants must be older than fourteen years old and have evidences that prove their eligibility to represent the nation. Interested people must contact CIFA General Secretary on email cifa@cisoccer.org.ck

Cook Islands recently started their preparation for their upcoming international challenges on youth level that must take place later this year or in the first months of 2021.

Ba set to have exhausting sequence in Vodafone Premier League’s resumption

The 2020 season of Vodafone Premier League is going to resume on July 11 when current league champions Ba and newly promoted Navua will clash at Fiji FA Academy. People are already excited with football resumption Fiji but it must be bringing some worries to Ba.

The Men in Black are set to have an exhausting sequence. They are going to face Suva on July 12 – only one day after facing Navua. Ba will also face Lautoka on July 15 and Nasinu on July 19. A harsh sequence of four matches in nine days.

The first three matches were set to be played in February but they were postponed in order to give Ba more time to get ready for 2020 OFC Champions League.

SEE ALSO:
2020 Vodafone Premier League updated schedule
Lautoka without two key players for Vodafone Premier League resumption

Ba (black) will face Navua on July 11. Source: Fiji FA Media

Fijian clubs are already used to play back to back games in the season, specially in Fiji FACT, Battle of the Giants and Inter-District Championship. However it is clear and scientifically proven that it is such a bad habit that should be changed in Fijian football culture.

FIFA recomendations are clear: clubs must rest at least 48 hours between two matches. In some countries this time is extended to 66 or even 72 hours because lack of rest affects players performance – increasing injury risks. It is understandable that Fiji Football Association (FFA) had to take some decisions and make some changes regarding 2020 national football season but there is no need to make a team play two games in two days.

The coaching staff of the Men in Black must be careful when Vodafone Premier League resumes. It has been almost four months since they played their last official match and despite having some weeks to get ready for these challenges it is not enough.

This sequence will put Ba players under a high injury risk. We hope that all players will be able to play without getting injured but if they do, it is going to be your fault, FFA.

Another European opportunity for Joel Stevens

Joel Stevens is having his second opportunity as a football player in Europe. The 25-year-old forward left his former club Southern United in December and departed to Sweden to do some trials with local clubs.

He signed with IFK Värnamo from Swedish third-tier in February and recently made his official debut for his new club. Värnamo also count on another New Zealander in the squad – Francis de Vries.

Stevens (left) playing for New Zealand U-20 National Football Team

Sweden is not an unknown country to him as he spent a season there two years ago. He played for Husqvarna FF in 2018 and scored three goals in 21 matches in the third-tier of Swedish football. Now he is back to European football trying to prove himself in order to keep playing in Europe in the upcoming years.

Stevens made his official debut for New Zealand National Football team in 2014. He also represented his country in 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

New Zealand: football is back to North Island as NRFL starts

After the start of Central League season in Wellington region, football is finally totally back to North Island in New Zealand as the Northern Regional Football League is back to action. The three top-divisions had a very good start in the past weekened as the current season is likely to be one of the best ever in terms of football quality in the competition.

In the top-league, the Lotto NRFL Premier League, five matches kicked-off the season; Manukau was smashed at home against the newly promoted Forrest Hill Milford by 5-1 – match that marked the official debut of the Fijian international Kishan Sami for Manukau. In a very entertaining match, Bay Olympic was behind the scoreboard twice in the match, but managed to recover and beat Hamilton Wanderers by 5-4 despite the braces of Derek Tieku and Tommy Semmy for the visitors.

Waitakere City did not have any chance against the new club in the league – Auckland United – as the newly formed team celebrated their first ever win by 3-0 thanks to a hattrick of Andrew Milne. Melville United gave a lot of fight for a very good side of Central United – at the end of the day the brace of Angus Kilkolly helped Central to win by 4-3.

The current champions of the league, North Shore United, were surprised by a good team of Birkenhead United as the title holders were defeated by 2-0. Nicolas Zambrano and Alexander Greive scored one each for the visitors. To finish the round, Western Springs stunned the stellar squad of Eastern Suburbs as they smashed the Lilywhites by 3-0.

Image may contain: 1 person, playing a sport and outdoor — Semmy (left) scored a brace for Hamilton, but not enough for a win – *Lotto NRFL*

In the Lotto NRFL Division 1, the most interesting match was the 3-3 draw between Ellerslie and Bucklands Beach; East Coast Bays took the top of the table after the first round as they smashed Takapuna by 6-1. In the Lotto NRFL Division 2, the debut of Solomon Islands’ Charles Mani for Hibiscus Coast was positive as his team won by 3-0 against Greenhithe Catimba. Fencibles United recorded the biggest win of the divison as they smashed Uni-Mount Bohemian by 6-0.

You can check the full standings and results of all divisions of the NRFL by visiting our sessions of New Zealand national tournaments.

Avinesh Suwamy to lead Nadi back to contention

After 15 years playing for Ba, Fijian football star Avinesh Suwamy moved to Nadi at the beginning of the 2020 season. The now 34-year-old midfielder showed what he is capable of even before the national league’s forced break due to the COVID-19 pandemic; Suwamy scored four goals against Nasinu and helped his side to an important victory.

Of the Nadi’s four games, the Jetsetters have won twice and lost also twice – they currently sit in 4th place in the Vodafone Premier League. Suwamy is the current top scorer in Fiji’s premier league alongside with Lautoka’s Shazil Ali, who scored four goals each.

See More:
Avinesh Suwamy: a legend of the Men in Black;
Avinesh Suwamy destroys Nasinu.

The last time Nadi won the Vodafone Premier League was in 2015; with the experience and quality of Avinesh Suwamy, Nadi now expects to fight for national glory once again. If the Jetsetters are looking to lift the trophy again, they will be hoping Suwamy and players like Rusiate Matarerega and Ame Votoniu can lead them back to the top of the table.

Suwamy (green) captaning Nadi against Nasinu for Vodafone Premier League – *FFA Media*

Nadi enjoyed the best moment of their football history back in the 1980’s when they won five national leagues in six seasons. Since then, Nadi won just three times the Fijian top-tier division. The last major title of the Jetsetters was in 2017 when they won Fiji FACT.

Leon Kofana: ready for a professional contract

One of Solomon Islands’ most promising footballers seems ready for a full professional opportunity abroad, the strong defender Leon Kofana just celebrated his 18th birthday and, alongside other key players such as Raphael Lea’i and Charles Mani, Kofana seems to belong to a golden generation of footballers who will come to the football-mad Solomon Islands.

According to FIFA regulations, a football player can only sign a contract with a club based abroad if he is at least 18-years old – Kofana’s recent birthday now entitles him to take advantage of any opportunities that may arise in the near future in overseas’ football.

Although he is still very young, Kofana has already had some good experiences in his career: he helped the Solomon Islands U-17 side qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup – he played all the matches in both qualifiers and also the World Stage event, which was held in Brazil in 2019. Kofana had a scholarship to Scots College in New Zealand, where he played school football and also appeared in training and friendly matches for the Wellington Phoenix youth squad. In 2020, Kofana returned to his country to represent Henderson Eels in the OFC Champions League, where he was a key figure in the successful campaign that qualified his team to the knockout stages.

Kofana recently signed a two-year contract with the Solomon Islands-based football agency Basi Futbol. Thanks to the efforts of his representatives, Kofana recently spent two weeks under trials with Australia’s top-club Melbourne Victory – just before the outbreak of COVID-19. According to reliable sources, there are already some proposals from overseas to acquire the services of the young Solomon Islands player, but due to the current state of concern on health regulations, negotiations have been put on hold.

Fiji FA releases 2020 Vodafone Premier League updated schedule

After lots of speculation, Fiji Football Association (FFA) released the updated schedule of 2020 Vodafone Premier League – the top-tier league in the country.

The first match will be contested between current league champions Ba and newly promoted Navua on July 11 at Fiji FA Academy while the first complete matchweek is scheduled to take place on July 18 and 19. You can check the updated schedule by clicking here.

Ba played only one match in the league so far because their matches were postponed before COVID-19 pandemic in order to give them more time to get ready for 2020 OFC Champions League group stage.

The Men in Black will face Suva on July 12 just one day after facing Navua. Ba will also play a third match on July 15 against Lautoka at Churchill Park.

Rewa is current league leaders with twelve points in five matches and they are currently being followed by Suva and Lautoka. You can check the current standings by clicking here.