In a momentous recognition of talent and dedication, Vanuatu international Brian Kaltak has been awarded the coveted title of “Coach’s Player of the Year” for his stellar performances with the Central Coast Mariners in Australia. Affectionately known as the “Brick Wall of Gosford,” Kaltak’s defensive prowess has not only secured victories for his team but has also served as a beacon of inspiration for his homeland.
This marks the second consecutive year that Kaltak has been bestowed with this prestigious accolade, a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence on the field. As a cornerstone of the Mariners’ defense, his contributions have been instrumental in the team’s success, particularly as they strive to defend their A-League title.
Currently reigning champions of the Australian top-tier league, the Central Coast Mariners are on the cusp of further glory as they aim to clinch the Premier’s Plate this midweek. A victory or draw against Adelaide United in Gosford would solidify their position on top the regular season standings, setting the stage for a triumphant campaign.
Brian Kaltak – CCM Media
However, Kaltak and his teammates have their sights set beyond domestic triumphs. With international club football beckoning, the Mariners are set to clash with Al-Ahed from Lebanon in the grand final of the AFC Cup this upcoming weekend.
For Kaltak, this recognition not only highlights his individual achievements but also underscores the collective effort of the Central Coast Mariners. As captain of the Vanuatu national team, he carries the hopes and aspirations of his countrymen with pride, symbolizing the potential for greatness that lies within the Pacific island nation.
As Kaltak embarks on his second season with the Mariners, the trajectory of his career seems poised for even greater heights. With each accolade and triumph, he solidifies his status as a footballing icon, both in Australia and beyond. And as the Central Coast Mariners continue their quest for glory, Kaltak stands as a shining example of the power of perseverance and passion in the pursuit of excellence.
AS Pirae secured a resounding victory against Central (3-0) at Pater Stadium in a postponed match of the third round of Ligue 1 in Tahiti. Before the conclusion of the playoffs, the orange team has ensured their status as champions of Ligue 1, marking their fourth title in five years after victories in 2020, 2021, and 2022, and their twelfth title in history. Tefana had halted Pirae’s winning streak last season. The Faa’a-based team also triumphed (2-0) against Dragon on Wednesday night and currently sits in second place in the playoffs, tied on points with Venus.
Pirae’s dominance in local football over recent years has once again been confirmed this season. This dominance was challenged last season when Tefana claimed the Tahiti Ligue 1 championship title, with Pirae finishing as runners-up. It was also partially challenged this season when Tefana eliminated Pirae (1-0) in the eighth-finals of the Polynesian Cup. Faa’a’s team, emerging as Pirae’s main rival over the past two years, only succumbed in the penalty shootout in the two qualifying playoff matches for the OFC Champions League after two draws (1-1). Pirae has not had an easy ride this season, having to contend with the solid opposition of Tefana, but their championship title is well-deserved, especially considering their decisive victory (3-0) last Thursday against Tefana, which marked a turning point in the playoffs. Furthermore, Pirae has won all eight of their playoff matches so far, demonstrating that the orange team thoroughly deserves their title.
AS Pirae players celebrate – Christophe Fotozz
Wednesday night’s success against Central at Pater Stadium seals Pirae’s triumph, and its players did not miss the opportunity to enjoy a stress-free end to the championship. Despite the absence of three starters, Heimano Bourebare, who was ill, as well as Heirauarii Salem and Patrick Tepa, who were injured, Pirae immediately took control of the match against a rather defensive Central team. The red and black team initially struggled before regaining composure. They created the first major opportunity of the match in the 16th minute, with a shot from Hanoa Temaiana. Pirae maintained pressure but faced Central’s defense until the 32nd minute when Narcisse Xowie fouled Sandro Tau in the penalty area. Referee Norbert Hauata awarded a penalty to Pirae, which Ariiura Labaste converted to give the orange team the lead (1-0). Another penalty was awarded to Pirae ten minutes later when Désire Ngiamba was fouled in the six-yard box. Ariiura Labaste doubled the lead (2-0). Pirae maintained this advantage until halftime, with their substitute goalkeeper, Teva Durot, only having to deal with back passes.
The second half saw Central play with more rhythm, but apart from a few minutes after halftime and around the 75th minute when coach Raimoana Bennett’s team created three successive chances, Pirae calmly managed the second half by controlling the ball with occasional bursts of acceleration. Taniava Barsinas, who had come on three minutes earlier, extended Pirae’s lead (3-0) with a close-range goal.
The orange team expressed their joy with caution at the end of the match, well aware that the title had been virtually theirs since their victory against Tefana the previous Thursday. Their coach, Vatea Terai, remained measured: “I took over the team in January, and it’s therefore a great satisfaction to win the title, but I have only continued the work put in place by my predecessors. The players have shown incredible spirit, and their performances are the result of a lot of hard work. We can now calmly prepare for the Champions League, where we have big ambitions considering it’s being held in Tahiti, and we could become the first Tahitian club to win the tournament.”
The end of the Ligue 1 playoffs will lack interest, not only because the champion is already known. The runner-up position was significant as it theoretically qualified for the national playoffs of the Oceania Champions League, with Tefana and Venus competing for it. However, the Oceania Confederation recently changed the rules of the tournament, and only national champions will participate next season. Despite this recent development, Tefana still managed to win on Wednesday night against Dragon with two goals from François Moux scored in the 14th second and Tehotu Gitton (65th). Tefana and Pirae will face each other again (for the sixth time this season) next Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Louis Ganivet Stadium in a postponed match of the fourth round, a game lacking significance for both teams. Venus, no longer motivated by a possible participation in the Champions League, will host Dragon at the same time at their Mahina field.
The Vanuatu football star, captain of the national team, Brian Kaltak is very close of reaching another impressive milestone in his professional football career in Australia. The central back is just one match away from clinching the Premier’s Plate for Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, the title given to the top-placed team of the regular season of the most important club football league in the country.
The Mariners sit second in the table just one point away from the top-team Wellington Phoenix; the Gosford-based side has one match still to be played in the competition while all other teams have already completed all 27 matches of the regular season.
Brian Kaltak in action against Newcastle Jets – CCM Media
Kaltak and the Mariners will play at home this Wednesday (01th May) against Adelaide United and they just need to avoid defeat to celebrate the Premier’s Plate of the 2023/24 season. Drawing in points against Wellington will mean the first place is going to be decided on which of the two sides have won more in the season – Mariners registered 16 wins while the New Zealanders got 15.
Kaltak already helped Mariners win the A-League finals last season and will play the Grand Final of the AFC Cup in the upcoming weekend against Lebanon’s side Al-Ahed – a superb season so far for Mariners and a memorable stint for the Vanuatu star in Gosford.
Fijian football sensation Roy Krishna’s journey with Odisha FC has come to an abrupt end in India after his team suffered a heart-wrenching defeat in the semi-final clash against his former team, Mohun Bagan.
The second-leg encounter between Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan unfolded at the Kalinga Stadium with Odisha trailing 2-1 from the first leg. However, hopes were high for Krishna and his teammates to turn the tide and secure a spot in the final. Despite a valiant effort from Krishna, who featured for the entire game, Odisha failed to muster their usual impact against a determined Mohun Bagan side.
The match saw Mohun Bagan seize control early on, with Jason Cummings breaking the deadlock in the 22nd minute by capitalizing on a rebound in the box, sending shockwaves through the Odisha camp. Despite Odisha’s resilience, Mohun Bagan continued to press forward, creating a barrage of scoring opportunities.
As the game approached its climax, Mohun Bagan’s Sahal Abdul Samad delivered the final blow, finding the back of the net in the 93rd minute, sealing a 2-0 victory for his side.
Roy Krishna against Mohun Bagan – ISL Media
For Roy Krishna, the defeat marks the end of a remarkable season in India, where he showcased his prolific goal-scoring abilities. Throughout the campaign, the 36-year-old forward exhibited exemplary skill and determination, tallying an impressive record of 13 goals in 25 matches played for Odisha – the record of any Odisha player in a single season of the Indian Super League.
According to Transfermarkt, Krishna’s current contract is set to expire by the end of May, 2024, meaning the player will have to discuss a contract extension with Odisha or will find another club for the upcoming season.
In an electrifying showcase of futsal prowess, AS PTT emerged triumphant in a nail-biting finale against Mataks FC, seizing the coveted crown of the second edition of the OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League held in New Caledonia.
The exhilarating clash unfolded at the Arene du Sud in Paita, near Noumea, where nearly 2,000 fervent supporters filled the arena to capacity, igniting an atmosphere charged with anticipation and fervor.
AS PTT’s journey to glory culminated in a spectacular 4-3 victory over Mataks FC, a testament to their unwavering skill and determination on the court. The match reached a crescendo when Christ Pei etched his name in the annals of futsal history with a breathtaking bicycle kick goal, propelling AS PTT to a 3-2 lead with just over four minutes remaining. This moment of brilliance was swiftly followed by Jymaẽl Upa’s decisive tap-in, securing the championship for AS PTT amidst a tumultuous roar of celebration from their loyal supporters.
The showdown between these formidable opponents had been foreshadowed by a captivating 1-1 draw during round-robin play earlier in the tournament, setting the stage for a showdown of epic proportions.
From the outset, the intensity of the game was palpable, with both sides displaying a formidable array of skills and tactics. AS PTT seized the initiative with an early goal from Upa in the 5th minute, sending the home crowd into a frenzy of jubilation. However, Mataks FC swiftly retaliated, courtesy of a moment of brilliance from their captain, Ellis Mana, leveling the scores and setting the stage for a fiercely contested battle.
As the game progressed, Emmanuel Hmaen’s clinical finish in the 23rd minute provided AS PTT with a slender lead, only to be nullified by Clifford Misitana’s equalizer for Mataks FC. With the tension mounting and the prospect of extra time looming, Pei’s awe-inspiring goal tilted the scales decisively in AS PTT’s favor, paving the way for their eventual triumph.
Mataks FC demonstrated remarkable resilience in the dying moments of the game, as Billy Afi’s late goal injected a final surge of drama into the proceedings. However, it was AS PTT who emerged victorious, etching their name in futsal regional scenario with a thrilling 4-3 triumph.
New Caledonia players celebrate their glory – OFC Media
In the battle for bronze, Vanuatu’s UNV FC showcased their mettle with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Suva FC from Fiji, securing a podium finish in a fiercely contested encounter.
The conclusion of the OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League marked a fitting climax to an exhilarating tournament, showcasing the finest talents and exhilarating moments that futsal has to offer. AS PTT’s crowning achievement stands as a testament to their skill, determination, and unwavering spirit in pursuit of glory on the futsal regional stage.
In a groundbreaking move for women’s football, Solomon Islands’ own Ileen Pegi has etched her name in history by becoming the first female footballer to secure an international transfer deal from Koloale FC to AS Feminine of New Caledonia, the current runners-up of the OFC Women’s Champions League. The info was confirmed by Solomon Islands Football Federation.
Pegi, renowned for her goal-scoring prowess and blistering speed on the attack, has captured the attention of AS Feminine, the reigning champions of the French territory. The deal marks a significant milestone not only for Pegi but for the entire landscape of women’s football in the Solomon Islands.
Her new journey will see her featuring in the top division of women’s football in New Caledonia, competing in the New Caledonian women’s national championship. AS Feminine boasts an impressive track record, having clinched the New Caledonia National Championship three times, the New Caledonia Cup four times, and emerging triumphant in the inaugural OFC Women’s Champions League in 2023.
Ileen Pegi – OFC Media
Pegi’s contributions to her local club, Koloale FC, have been immense. She played a pivotal role in securing the Solrais Women’s Premier League title in 2022 and led her team to represent the Solomon Islands at the OFC Women’s Champions League in 2023. Notably, she also captained the squad that finished as runners-up in the recent OFC Women’s Olympic Qualifiers, losing to New Zealand in the final.
At 31 years old, Pegi’s transfer can mean new era for women’s football, underlining the increasing recognition and valuation of Solomon Islands players in the global and regional football community. Her departure is a testament to the talent emerging from the Solomon Islands’ football scene also in the women’s football – in the men’s scene a number of players already played overseas even in full professional enviroment such as Benjamin Totori, Micah Lea’alafa and most recently Raphael Lea’i.
Recognizing her exceptional talent and contributions, Pegi was bestowed with the prestigious title of the 2023 Solomon Islands Female Player of the Season. As she embarks on this new chapter in her career, she aims to continue captivating fans with her skills while striving for success with her new club on the pitch.
The new season of the most important football league of the Solomon Islands has started this weekend in Honiara. Six matches were played in Saturday (27th Apr) and Sunday (28th Apr) to kick-off the league that will once again count on 12 teams in the competition.
One of the highlights of the weekend was in the match of the reigning champions Solomon Warriors against the new-looking Real Kakamora side; Warriors captained by Vanuatu midfielder John Alick had to fight hard to overcome the reinforced team of Kakamora that counted on players such as the former Solomon Islands youth international Phillip Ropa and Paul Francis. To grab all points of the game, Warriors saw the debut of the Japanese player Kohei Matsumoto, the former Malampa Revivors and Hamilton Wanderers full-back is expected to be a key factor for the Franco Ne’e coached-side in order to defend the title in the new season.
Matusmoto (right) playing for Warriors – Solomon Warriros Media
Wearing the no.19 alongside another key player as Jaygray Sipakana and Gagame Feni, Matsumoto helped his side to start the season with a win. The 34-year-old player sustained a serious eye-injury when playing for Hamilton Wanderers in New Zealand, after a big period sidelined, the Japanese recovered from the injury but is forced to use proctetive glasses to play.
In the other matches of the first round of the Telekom S-League, Southern United overcame Honiara City by 3-2, Central Coast beat by 6-1 SOSA FC, Laugu United won by 5-0 Juniper Tree FC, Marist ended with a strong 5-1 win over Kossa and Waneagu and Henderson Eels draw in 1-1.
Competition continues this Wednesday (01st May) with matches being played at East End Stadium and Lawson Tama Stadium.
It has been informed by PRK Gulf Komara FC from Port Moresby on its social media account that the attacker Troy Dobbin will leave the club to pursue overseas challenges in Australia. “Our very own KOMARA BLOOD Troy Dobbin left this Morning for Brisbane, Australia […] Troy was one of our junior players drafted into Komara in 2019 as a 17 year old. He Left for a few seasons due to studies and returned to the Club last season, 2023“, wrote Komara on its social media.
Dobbin is set to join Lions FC in Brisbane; the club currently plays in the National Premier League in Queensland region and is a well-known club in the competition. Currently Lions is sitting second in the table of the NPL Queensland just three points behind the top-placed side.
Troy Dobbin (yellow) playing for Papua New Guinea
The forward has international experience for his country playing for the U23 team and most recently he made his full international debut for Papua New Guinea in the FIFA Series in Sri Lanka where the Kapuls played against the hosts and the Central African Republic, drawing 0-0 against Sri Lanka and losing by 4-0 to the African side; Dobbin played in both of the games.
It is a rare opportunity for a local-developped player in the country to pursue a career overseas – the first step into professionalism. It comes down now to the development of Dobbin in Brisbane in order to excel in his career and open the door for more Papua New Guineans to arrive in semi-pro NPL system.
The Fijian hero Roy Krishna continues to make waves in India; the 36-year-old striker put an impressive performance against his former team Mohun Bagan in Indian Super League semifinal to give his Odisha a slight advantage for the return match to be played in Kolkata.
Krishna, that already was instrumental for his side to reach this stage in the national league, had to help his side to overcome an early deficit as Manvir Singh scored for Mohun Bagan just at the third minute of play. But still in the first half Carlos Delgado managed to level the score and then the Fijian captain completed the comeback at the 39th minute.
Krishna celebrates his goal against his former team – ISL Media
Mohun Bagan’s striker Armando Sadiku was sent-off at the 67th minute of the game, but Odisha could not take advantage of the situation as the game goalscorer Carlos Delgado was also sento-off just seven minutes later.
Krishna’s goal proved to be decisive; it ended up giving final numbers to the scoreline and sends Odisha in place to compete for a spot in the grand final of the Indian Super League – competition that Krishna already won in the past. The decisive clash for Odisha and Mohun Bagan will be played this Sunday, April 28th, at Salt Lake Stadium.
Vanuatu’s international Brian Kaltak played all 90 minutes of the match of his Central Coast Mariners against FK Abdysh-Ata Kant in the second leg of the AFC Cup interzonal semi-final held in Gosford, Australia. His side had to fight hard to beat the Central Asian side, but ended up with a 3-0 victory that sealed their spot to the grand final match of the AFC Cup. In the first leg Kaltak even scored CCM’s goal in the 1-1 draw, but the job was finally done at home and now they advance to the grand final looking for its first ever international trophy.
Brian Kaltak – CCM Media
Miguel Di Pizio was the man of the match scoring twice in the late minutes of the game; the other goal was scored by the Brazilian full-back Mikael Doka. Now the current A-League champions will face Lebanon’s side Al-Ahed on 5th May in a venue that is still to be confirmed.
Kaltak already created history for Vanuatu and the South Pacific as a whole after becoming the first ever South Pacific Islander to win the A-League in the last season for the same Central Coast Mariners, now he can turn also into the first ever South Pacific Islander to win an international competition out of the Oceania Football Confederation.
In the current season in Australia top-tier league, Kaltak’s side also confirmed the spot in the upcoming AFC Champions League Elite, that is the most important club competition of the continent for the 2024/25 season – AFC Cup is the second most important comepetition, but it will be discontinued from the next season being replaced by the AFC Champions League 2.
Oceania Football Center 