Oceania Football Center

Deux et deux font quatre

(2020 la couronne du roi d’Océanie en jeu.)

Félicitation au club de Lupe o le Soaga et Tupapa Maraerenga pour leurs qualifications à la phase de groupe de la O’league. Ils rejoindront respectivement le groupe C à Nouméa en Nouvelle-Calédonie et le groupe C à Papeete a Tahiti.

Aujourd’hui, Océanie Football Center se penche sur la cas du groupe A; HEKARI UNITED, EASTERN SUBURBS AFC, ABM GALAXY FC et HIENGHÈNE SPORT. Le groupe A s’annonce comme étant le plus relevé du tournoi, les équipes du chapeau A s’affronteront en Papouasie- Nouvelle-Guinée du 16 au 22 Février 2020. Dans cette poule nous retrouvons les deux équipes non Néo-zélandaise qui ont remportées la O’league. l’équipe hôte de ce groupe l’Hékari United qui a remportée la compétition en 2010. Et la deuxième, l’équipe de Hienghène Sport de nouvelle Calédonie, l’actuel champion. A contrario, dans ce groupe nous retrouveronsles deux autres equipes qui participeront pour la première fois à la compétition, il s’agit d’Eastern Suburbs AFC de Nouvelle-Zélande et ABM Galaxy FC du Vanuatu.

L’acte 2

Groupe A, Port Moresby, PNG, Stade de PNG, du 16 au 22 Février 2020. Découvrons dès à présent les forces en présence avec le hôte du groupe.

HEKARI UNITED 🇵🇬

Image may contain: 11 people, people smiling, people standing and outdoor — *Hekari United Media*

2016 Nouvelle-Zélande date de la dernière apparition du Hékari United en O’league, une campagne qui c’est soldé par une deuxième place derrière l’équipe de Wellington, en ce temps il n’y avait que le premier de chaque groupe qui était qualifié. Bien dommage, car il y avait du potentiel dans cette équipe. C’est durant ce tournoi qu’un certain Tommy Semmy va faire l’étalage de tout son talent au point d’attirer l’attention de certains club Kiwi. Trois ans plus tard voici les protégés de John et Vonnie KAPI-NATTO au plus haut niveau du football Océanien et cette fois ci les ambitions du club sont clairement affiché, remporter la O’league une deuxième fois.

Pour atteindre leur objectif l’équipe basée à Port Moresby s’est renforcé en recrutant des joueurs locaux tel que Michael Foster, capitaine de la sélection Papou, ou des joueurs venant d’Océanie comme Anthony Talo, gardien de la sélection salomonaise ou l’internationale Samoan Vito Laloata. Le club a également fait appel aux services de joueurs internationaux comme Éric Joe Ribeiro Moreira (Erick Joe: nous allons gagner la O’league) et Vínicius Reis Kryzozun, deux joueurs de nationalité Brésilienne. Il faut également souligner le retour du technicien Salomonais Jerry Allen à la tête de l’équipe Papou, petite anecdote Jerry Allen a était l’entraîneur de Hékari United lors du sacre continental de 2010.

En tant que club hôte, Hékari United pourra compter sur le soutien de ses supporters « the red army ». Des supporters qui se rendront en nombre au PNG Stadium pour encourager leur équipe lors de leur premier confrontation avec les Néo-Zélandais d’Eastern Suburbs AFC lee 16/02/2020 à Port Moresby. Rappelons le Hekari United est le premier club non Néo-Zélandais a avoir remporté la ligue des champions il y a 10 an de cela face à l’équipe Kiwi de Waitakere United.

EASTERN SUBURBS AFC 🇳🇿

Image may contain: 1 person, grass, outdoor and nature — *ESAFC Media*

Waitakere United, Auckland City ou encore Team Wellington sonne comme des noms de club Néo-Zélandais dont les fans de football on coutume d’entendre, du moins pour ceux qui suivent la O’league. Eastern suburbs Association Football Club vient rajouter le sien dans ce club fermé, en effet L’équipe de la Banlieue-Est d’Auckland Créé en 1934 participera pour la première fois à la ligue des champions d’Océanie 2020. Si le club fait ses premiers pas sur la scène continentale, il en est tout autre sur le plan nationale. Autant dire que l’ESAFC, en 85 ans d’existence a eu le temps d’écrire son histoire et marquer de son empreinte le football Néo-Zélandais. L’actuel champion de Nouvelle-Zélande a remporté 6 titres de la Chatham Cup (Coupe de Nouvelle-Zélande) et deux titres de champion de Nouvelle-Zélande en 1971 et le dernier en date de la saison 2018/2019, un titre qui lui a permit d’accéder à la O’league 2020. L’ESAFC est un des meilleurs club formateur d’Aotéaroa, mais également l’un des plus populaire avec un service de communication de qualité; chaîne YouTube, page Facebook, Instagram, site internet, disposant même d’une présentatrice en la personne de Bonnie JANSEN qui interview les différents acteurs du club, joueurs et staff une première en Océanie.

2018/19 une très bonne saison pour les « Lilywhites », alors entrainé par Danny HAY Eastern Suburbs AFC se qualifier pour les play-off de ISPS HANDA PREMIERSHIP en terminant 2 ème du championnat, Ils affrontent en demi final le club de Canterbury United Fc et l’emporte 1-0. En final ils disposeront de Team Wellington 3-0. Après cette exploit l’équipe voit partir leur meilleur attaquant de la saison 2018/2019, Callum William McCowatt qui du haut de ses 19 ans avait marqué 16 buts rien que pour la saison 2018/2019, toutes compétitions confondues et qui évolue aujourd’hui chez les Phoenix de Wellington. Quand à l’entraineur Danny Hay il prendra les reines de la sélection nationale, les « All-Whites ». Des départs il y en aura celui récemment de l’arrière gauche Dylan DE JONG 22 ans qui évolue actuellement dans le championnat Israélien avec l’Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona.

Il faut croire qu’avec les bons résultats de la team les dirigeants ont fait un bon travail de recrutement, en effet, pour la O’league les Lilywhite pourront compter sur des joueurs tel que Martin Bueno, Adam Thurston ou encore leur excellent gardien Danyon Drake. Actuellement ESAFC sont troisième de championnat, une place qui les qualifierait pour les play-off. L’équipe entrainée par Anthony David Readings reste sur deux victoires en championnat 6-1 contre Canterbury United Fc et 3-0 contre Hamilton Wanderers. Des victoires qui annonce une montée en puissance à l’approche de la O’league.

ABM GALAXY FC 🇻🇺

Image may contain: 27 people, outdoor — *Galaxy FC Media*

Créé en 2014 l’équipe basé à Port-Vila sur île d’Éfaté au Vanuatu participera pour la première fois à là ligue des champions d’Océanie 2020. Il faut dire qu’en 6 ans d’existence le club Au Bon Marche Galaxy FC a su se hisser du plus bas niveau du football Ni-Vanuatais au sommet du football local soit un titre de champion de la deuxième division de Port-Vila 2014/2015, un titre de champion de la première division de la capitale durant la saison 2017/2018. En 2019 ils finissent champion de la première division de Port-Vila en battant le Taféa FC en final et par la même occasion se qualifie pour la phase de groupe de la O’league 2020. Malgré une première participation en O’league, le club de la capitale Vanuataise pourra compter sur des joueurs qui ont une solide expérience de la O’league nous pensons au jeune Bonk kalo internationale Ni-Vanuatais qui est passé par le Lautoka FC et qui a joué la coupe du Monde des U-20 en Corée durant l’année 2017. Un autre recrue de renom Kenji Tanjis qui avait fait le bonheur des guerriers des Salomon en finissons plusieurs fois meilleurs buteurs de la Telekom S-league ou encore l’internationale Salomonais Gagame Féni qui avait connus la O’league aux côtés de Kenji Tanjis chez les guerriers des Salomon et qui poursuivra l’aventure avec le Suva FC (Fidji). Mélangé à des joueurs internationaux comme l’anglais Terence Carter les Galaxy auront toute leur chance de se qualifier pour les quarts comme les trois autres équipes. (le grand début de Terence Carter avec Galaxy). Terence Carter est l’un des plus gros coups que l’ABM Galaxy FC a effectué sur le marché des transferts. Le joueur qui a évoluait dans le championnat Australien et dans le championnat universitaire aux Etats-Unis a déjà marqué 6 buts avec son nouveau club.

Ainsi L’équipe entrainé par le duo Batram Suri et Moise Poida aura vraiment à cœur de sortir des phases de poules vu les gros moyens et joueurs mise à leurs dispositions par le propriétaire du club l’homme d’affaire Andrew LEONG. Une équipe d’AMB Galaxy FC qui nous ferait presque penser a une autre équipe Vanuataise l’Amicale FC deux fois finalistes de la O’league 2011 et 2014, mais ceci est une autre histoire.

Pour leur premier match de O’league les Vanuatais d’Au Bon marche Galaxy FC rencontreront le champion en titre Hienghène Sport de Nouvelle-Calédonie le 16 Février à 12 h au PNG Football Stadium!

HIENGHENE SPORT 🇳🇨

2019 restera pour le club de Hienghène Sport comme l’année de toutes les réussites. En effet, l’équipe située sur la Côte-Est de la Nouvelle-Caledonie, dans la commune du même nom Hienghène. Hienghène sport “Koi Theen” devient le champion d’Océanie en disposant d’un autre club Calédonien l’As Magenta sur le score de 1-0 au stade Numa-Daly à Nouméa. Une finale qui devient Historique pour de nombreuses raisons, l’équipe de Hienghène Sport devient le premier club Calédonien à remporter cette compétition et le deuxième club ne faisons pas partie de la fédération Néo-Zélandaise à soulever le trophée après Hékari United (PNG) en 2010. Ainsi le club se qualifie pour la coupe du monde des clubs organisé par la FIFA à Doha au Qatar pour y affronter en match de barrage le champion du pays hôte, Al Sadd. Après une très belle prestation les bleus et blanc entrainé par Félix Tagawa s’avoueront vaincu dans les prolongations sur le score de 3-1. Dans la même année le club Calédonien devient championne de la Super Ligue Mobil pour la deuxième fois de son histoire et par la même occassion remporte une troisième coupe de Calédonie à son palmarès.

Selon un communiqué de la fédération Calédonienne de football le champion 2019 a enregistré un seul départ, il s’agit d’un défenseur Erwan Ausu, le joueur joueurs pour une équipe de la deuxième division Calédonienne. Le club Cagou compte bien renforcer ses lignes de nouveaux joueurs sont attendu et parmi eux il y aura le Japonais Kohei Matsumoto qui avait déjà joué pour le club lors du match de barrage contre les Qatari d’Al Sadd en 2019.

Comme nous le souligné Joseph Athalé lors d’un interview accordé a Océania Football Center (interview Joseph Athalé ; un guerrier Kanak prêté au football) il n’y aura pas de grand changement. L’équipe en bleu et blanc se déplacera en Papouasie-Nouvelle Guinée avec des joueurs qui ont connu le haut niveau, des joueurs expérimentés tel que Joseph Athalé, Antoine Roïné, Roy Kayara, Rocky Nyikiene et leur emblématique capitaine Bertrand Kaï.

La rédaction de l’Océania football Center souhaite bonne chance aux équipes qui vont s’affronter dans le groupe A.

Jeudi prochain nous nous intéresserons au groupe B, Luganville, Vanuatu:

Malampa Revivors FC
Lautoka FC
Lae City Dwellers
Henderson Eels FC

Tony Kaltack never sleeps

Vanuatu international Tony Kaltack was one of the most important players from Solomon Warriors in the 2019-20 Telekom S-League. He scored 19 goals to help his team to win the league and he is already confirmed as part of Warriors squad for 2020 OFC Champions League.

Kaltack is back to Vanuatu on vacation and if you think that he is just resting so you are completely wrong. He is playing for Erakor Golden Star in the 2020 PVFA Opening Cup and he also scored a goal in the 4-2 win against Yatel to help Erakor qualify to the semifinals.

The 23 years old forward must come back to Solomon Islands soon to begin his preparation with Solomon Warriors squad for the Champions League.

Lae City grab late winner as Hekari romp past Kutubu

What began as a somewhat controversial day in the Papua New Guinea National Soccer League finished with a bang as Lae City saved their own skins with a comeback victory against FC Bougainville in Port Moresby, while league leaders Hekari United surged forward with a comfortable victory against FC Kutubu in Goroka.

The full results from Saturday’s action. The game between Star Mountain and Morobe Wawens was called off after Wawens failed to make the journey to Port Moresby.

The day began with the revelation that Morobe Wawens had not received funding from the NSL for their trip to Port Moresby to play Star Mountain due to being in arrears from the previous season. Wawens therefore were unable to make the trip. It is still unclear whether the game will be forfeited, or the NSL will agree to play the game at a later date.

That was the 1pm kick-off; thereafter we were treated to four 3pm kick-offs across all four NSL venues this season: Tusbab Stallions entertained Vitiaz United at the Laiwaden Oval in Madang; FC Kutubu hosted eight-time champions Hekari United in Goroka at the National Sports Institute; Lae City travelled to Port Moresby to take on FC Bougainville; while Morobe United were visited by Gulf Komara in Lae.

In Madang, what was billed as the game of the day did not disappoint, and in the end was the ‘tale of two keepers’, with the men in gloves playing key roles in the outcome of the match.

Stallions, still reeling from their late defeat against Hekari last weekend, started strongly, dominating possession and wasting several clear cut chances in front of goal. Against the run of play, though, former Wawens striker Randall Passam hit a speculative shot towards Leehan Manasseh in the Tusbab goal, who made a mess of the save, bundling the ball into the back of the net for the opening goal.

Further invigorated, Tusbab continued to attack, and a combination of profligacy in front of goal and some superb goalkeeping from young Vitiaz ‘keeper Russell Chris kept the score at 1-0. Chris demonstrated excellent decision making, meeting long balls almost as a sweeper-keeper to repress any potential Tusbab counter, while showing a safe pair of hands in several key saves towards the end of the half.

Eliud Fugre of Vitiaz United on the ball during Saturday’s game against Tusbab Stallions. Photo: Conrad Wadunah

Vitiaz grew into the game in the second half, despite Tusbab coming out strongly, and with the balance of play turning in Vitiaz’ favour, last week’s hero Joel Tiampo fired a superb volley into the far corner past the outstretched Manasseh to give his side a two-goal cushion. Thereafter, Vitiaz, growing in confidence, demonstrated solidity at the back and a few choice skills further forward to indicate they were well in control of the game. With Tusbab bereft of ideas, the NSL newcomers were able to close out the match with no real issues.

In Goroka, the game was won almost as soon as it kicked off. Kutubu, who were hoping that home advantage would play a part against eight-time champions Hekari, soon learnt that you cannot switch off for a single moment, as Kolu Kepo fired in his fourth goal of the season within the first ten minutes. Nerves settled, Hekari, who were playing with Brazilian Erick Joe in defence for his NSL debut, quickly scored two more, with winger Patrick Aisa grabbing the second and Ati Kepo adding the third. Just before half-time, a lapse in concentration at the back allowed Morris Karesa to give hope to the hosts, who went into the changing rooms trailing 3-1.

Image may contain: 11 people, outdoor — Hekari United before their match against Kutubu – *Aporo Mai Media*

The second half was a quieter affair, with the brief Kutubu revival quelled by a comfortable defensive performance from the league leaders, and shortly before full-time, Koriak Upaiga added the cherry on top of a rather smooth Hekari performance with his second goal in the space of two weeks.

In Lae, a balanced game saw Morobe United and Gulf Komara pick up a 1-1 draw which, in reality, doesn’t help either side with their push towards the playoffs. Jordan Kaven scored his second goal of the season to put Gulf Komara up in the first half, while an Emmanuel Simongi penalty levelled the scores midway through the second half. Both sides remain 8th and 9th respectively.

Having kicked off ten minutes later than the rest of the matches, the game at Port Moresby between FC Bougainville and Lae City gave us drama right to the wire. Lae, who were coming off a shock defeat against Vitiaz last weekend, started both of their Ecuadorian imports, but again fell behind in the first half thanks to a goal from Bougainville attacking midfielder David Mosim, and the one-goal lead remained until half-time.

Image may contain: 11 people, people standing and outdoor — The Lae City side before their clash against Bougainville – *Leo Jakanduo*

After coming out for the second half fired up, Lae took a while to find the breakthrough, with talisman and captain Raymond Gunemba hitting the equaliser halfway through the second half. They were not content to return home with a draw, however, and with just over five minutes to go, Gunemba lifted a curling free-kick from a wide position up into the air and over the despairing arms of the Bougainville goalkeeper, the ball hitting the post before ricocheting into the net. The comeback, it appeared, was complete.

However, there were more twists to come. Bougainville, who could have easily collapsed after Lae’s second goal, came forward with the clock ticking down, and sensationally levelled the scores with a goal from central midfielder Gwama Taukuro, his first of the season. With only injury time to go, it seemed as if Lae would drop further points this week.

However, the final twist demonstrated the fight of champions: PNG international Jacob Sabua, who had come on as a substitute midway through the second half, smashed in a winner with the final kick of the game, handing Lae a much needed victory, to the dismay of FC Bougainville and their supporters.

Lae City players Raymond Gunemba (#7) and Jacob Sabua celebrate their last-minute winner. Photo: PNGFA

Results

Star Mountain v Morobe Wawens (match not played)
FC Bougainville 2-3 Lae City
FC Kutubu 1-4 Hekari United
Morobe United 1-1 Gulf Komara
Tusbab Stallions 0-2 Vitiaz United

See here the updated standings, results and top scorers of the season so far in the PNG National Soccer League.

Gagame Feni scores a brace to lead Galaxy’s win against Tupuji Imere

Galaxy faced Tupuji Imere yesterday in the 2020 PVFA Opening Cup. The Blues needed the win the match to qualify for the semifinals and they did it. However it was not as easy as it seems.

Tupuji Imere opened the scoreboard with a goal scored by Charles Kaltanak but things got harder for them in the end of the first half because one player was sent off and they needed to play with 10 men.

Galaxy managed to recover in the second half to take the lead and win the match. Solomon Islands international Gagame Feni tied the match while Bong Kalo scored a penalty kick. Feni also had time to score one more goal to seal the 3-1 win.

Gagame Feni scored a brace for Galaxy. Source: Galaxy FC Media

You can check the results and top scorers of 2020 PVFA Opening Cup by clicking here.

Kishan Sami and Malakai Rakula ready for trials in New Zealand

Fijian players Kishan Sami and Malakai Rakula travelled to New Zealand for trials. Both players are set to train with Manukau United FC.

Manukau recently signed with Fijian goalkeeper Mohammed Alam so there is an open door for Fijian players there. However Sami and Rakula might come back to Fiji soon to play 2020 OFC Champions League for Ba.

Kishan Sami (left) and Malakai Rakula (right)

It is not known if they will join Manukau or not. However they might rejoin Manukau after the Champions League in case of being hired by the New Zealand side.

Henderson Eels and Solomon Warriors 2020 OFC Champions League squads released

Solomon Islands Football Federation released last night the Henderson Eels and Solomon Warriors official squads for 2020 OFC Champions League. Both teams could not add foreign players due to the local transfer rules.

Current Telekom S-League champions Solomon Warriors will not have any new player. However they have lost legendary forward Benjamin Totori that joined Ba from Fiji. Totori is the only player that left the team so it means that Warriors will count on some key players like Tony Kaltack, Jerry Donga, John Alick, Molea Tigi and Gibson Daudau.

Henderson Eels had their biggest news when they announced that Raphael Lea’i and Leon Kofana would stay with the team for the continental tournament. On the other hand they are not going to count on some good players like defender Andrew Rarangia and midfielder Shadrack Dola that are not in the team list released by SIFF.

The Henderson Eels are drawn in the Group B while the Solomon Warriors are in Group C.

Ollie Bassett joins Australian club

Ollie Bassett is the newest player of St Albans Saints SC from Australia. Albans will play 2020 National Premier League Victoria after being crowned as 2019 NPL Victoria 2 champions.

Bassett (in black) will play for St Albans Saints SC

Bassett was playing for Team Wellington in the 2019-20 ISPS Handa Premiership before joining Saints. His former teammate Hamish Watson also moved to Australia to play for Melbourne Knights.

The 21 years old attacking midfielder scored six goals in ten matches for Team Wellington.

Atkin Kaua finishes trials in Europe

The Solomon Islands international Atkin Kaua that was undergoing trials in Europe is set to return his homeland after not securing a professional contract in Europe in his first stint in the continent. The player had issues with work permit, despite being accepted by one of the clubs the midfielder trialed with.

Kaua was in Malta, European country, since the middle of January where he landed to trial with 1st tier side Tarxien Rainbows. The midfieder got to know really the club and its training facilities and trained with the club for nearly a week. Then, the midfielder when to 2nd tier side Mqabba where he played a trial match to be evaluated by their staff. It seems Atkin was not succesful in those two opportunities, as he went for a third team to show his capabilities – St George’s FC also from the Maltese professional 2nd tier is where Atkin had his last stint in Europe.

Oceania Football Center talked to general manager of Laugu United FC Steven Ofo – the responsible for funding the travels of the player – stated that unfortunately bureaucracy not allowed Kaua to turn into the first Solomon Islands to sign a professional football contract in European continent. “There were good news for Kaua as he was accepted by Santa Verena FC from Malta, but he is not going to have enough time to get his work permit“, stated Ofo.

Oceania Football Center did not have access to St George’s FC response to Atkin Kaua trials, but as a fourth team stepped in the case we may assume he was not succesful as well in St George’s FC. The good news is the 3rd tier side Santa Verena was interested in the player and wanted to sign him, but the European transfer window finishes 1st February, 2020 and the Maltese league system has its last month of competiton in Abril, so they could not wait for Atkin. The work permit issue is necessary for any individual to work in another country and it would take for around three weeks to be prepared.

Image may contain: 1 person, playing a sport, standing and outdoor — Kaua in action for Laugu United – *Laugu Media*

Steven Ofo also said he thinks It is possible to send Kaua again for trials in Europe: “Probably in July if we got finances, then we will send him back because the league in Malta starts in August“. Ofo also said that the Paul Driessen, the responsible for organizing the trials for the player, suggested another move: “Paul suggest that Atkin should go to Norway for trials as their league begins in March. But I told him due to financial problems Atkin has to come back“, stated the Laugu United representative.

Ofo stated the club is worried with their finances, but they hope Laugu can keep backing their players to pursue full professional careers overseas. The financial issue was crucial to make Kaua comeback to Solomon Islands, if not he could get another opportunity as suggested: “We still have to register for the new S-League season that is coming as well“, said Ofo worried about the finances of Laugu United.

It is important to remember Laugu United made his way back to Telekom S-League this season, after more than one decade absent from the top-tier football in Solomon Islands, so the concern of Ofo has its foundantions to keep his side competitive in the next years, then needing a decent financial level to play against teams as Henderson Eels and Solomon Warriors. In 2019 season Laugu counted with important players as Allen Peter, Darold Kakasi and even Atkin Kaua, that helped a lot his side being one of the top goalscorers with 11 goals scored. Laugu finished the season in the 6th position.

Atkin Kaua is expected to travel back Solomon Islands this Tuesday (04th Feb, 2020) with many good football experiences in the bag, to help the development of the 23-year Solomon Islands international and of his countrymen back in his national league.

Morobe Wawens fail to show for NSL Round 6 after denial of travel funds

With Morobe Wawens due to travel to Port Moresby this weekend to face Star Mountain in the sixth round of Papua New Guinea National Soccer League fixtures, Oceania Football Center reports exclusively that the side have failed to make the journey to the nation’s capital due to a dispute over travel funds and outstanding payments.

Wawens first XI last weekend, which earned a 3-2 victory over FC Bougainville in Lae. Photo: FC Bougainville

Wawens’ vice-president Peter Seske released an angry statement on social media earlier today claiming that the NSL had failed to make the funds available for their trip to Port Moresby due to an outstanding payment from the previous season which has not yet been settled.

“Morobe Wawens was instructed by the NSL board to meet its own team travel cost to Port Moresby for the round 6 match against Star Mountain FC,” Seske said. “Wawens has paid the full registration fee for this season, yet the NSL has disqualified the club because of an outstanding debt of K35,000 from last season.”

Seske is thought to be angry particularly because it is unclear how the NSL will punish the clubs which still owe funds from the previous season, but which are not taking part in this year’s NSL competition, as well as the decision to punish a club this season for last season’s outstanding funds.

Seske also wrote that the club will be appealing for a wash-out of the fixture, rather than a forfeiture, so that it might be arranged for another date before the end of the season. It is unclear whether the NSL board will agree to this.

Seske’s anger may be very real, but there are always two sides to the story: as early as November 2019, the NSL board came out ahead of the new season with a tough stance against outstanding payments. As reported in the Post Courier on 28 November, the secretariat said that “defaulters from last season have been informed to pay the outstanding fees, including this season’s fees,” taking a strong stance with a ‘no pay, no play’ motto. It could be argued that the NSL are merely making good on that promise.

There’s likely more to come on this story, and questions are still to be answered: how long have Morobe Wawens been aware that they wouldn’t receive funding this weekend? Are there any other clubs that still have outstanding payments? We expect a comment from the PNGFA and NSL office in the coming days.

Above all, we hope the fans who made the journey to the Sir John Guise Stadium this weekend are not too disappointed, and that they are able to witness an excellent game of football between FC Bougainville and Lae City later this afternoon.

Wasasala takes Suva forward

Suva visited Labasa at Subrail Park in the 2020 Vodafone Premier League’s opening match and they pulled their inner strenght to blow Labasa’s party with a setback.

Babasiga Lions opened the scoreboard with Antonio Tuivuna in the first half. Akuila Mateisuva saved a penalty kick taken by Shahil Dave to keep Labasa ahead but Christopher Wasasala tied the match in the 37th minute. Wasasala also scored in the second half to give the win to Suva.

Wasasala started 2020 the same way he finished 2019: scoring goals. He was the top scorer of 2019 Inter-District Championship and now he scores a brace in his first official match of the year. Antonio Tuivuna was also awarded in the 2019 IDC as he won the Golden Ball Award.

Nigerian players Michel Oyesanya and Jibola Afonja did not play for Suva today. They might debut for Capital City Boys against Ba at ANZ Stadium next week. Labasa will host Navua at Subrail Park on February 8.