Oceania Football Center

ISPS Handa Premiership reaches the fifth matchweek

The most important football league of the region is now close to their fifth matchweek: Auckland City retained the lead two weeks ago and now is two points clear of the current 2nd placed side Waitakere United. The Auckland City striker Myer Bevan is on fire – he scored seven goals in only four matches so far and he will hope to add more goals to his tally in his next match against Tasman United.

Waitakere United is the closest team to Auckland City in the table – they could be tied up with the Navy Blues if they had won a 10-men Eastern Suburbs in the previous matchweek – but they draw two matches in a row and now really need to taste another win to keep in the run.

A imagem pode conter: 3 pessoas, pessoas praticando esportes e atividades ao ar livre — Waitakere hopes to count with the efforts of its captain Sam Burfoot – *Simon Harmer*

Waitakere will be playing at Seddon Fields in the only match on Saturday of this round against Southern United. The team from Dunedin comes in a high for this match since they smashed at home Hamilton Wanderers by 4-0 in their last match in the season – a brace of Abdulla Al-Khalisy was enough for New Zealand Football to award him the ‘Player of the Week‘.

The first match of the Sunday will feature the Hawke’s Bay United in a good moment with three matches without a defeat and an Eastern Suburbs side hoping to grab another win, this time playing at Bluewater Stadium in Napier. Dylan de Jong scored the unique goal of his side in their previous clash against Waitakere – the Lilywhites were luck to hold the fast Waitak frontline and earn a hard fought point after losing their main striker Martin Bueno red carded at the end of the first half.

A imagem pode conter: 1 pessoa, sorrindo, praticando um esporte e atividades ao ar livre — Dylan de Jong is one of the young talents of the Lilywhites – *Simon Harmer*

Hamilton Wanderers will come very hungry after suffering a very harsh defeat against Southern United in their previous match in the league. The club dropped into the 9th position in the standings and will really their good football displayed in their win against Eastern Suburbs in the second matchweek return when they play against Wellington Phoenix Reserves at Porrit Stadium.

The Wellington Phoenix Reserves could not hold the powerhouse Auckland City and suffered a 3-0 defeat at WestPac Stadium. The young side is at the bottom of the rankings with just one point in the run and hopes to change this reality facing a Wanderers also in a bad moment.

A imagem pode conter: 1 pessoa — The former All Whites member Ricki Herbert knows Wanderers can do more – *NZF Media*

Team Wellington is having a very frustrating start with season with just one win in four matches. TeeDubs coach Scott Hales stated that the need to learn from their last defeat against Tasman United in Nelson and not allow the same mistakes to happen again. The side will be playing at David Farrington Park against the Lee Padmore coached side Canterbury United – both sides have the same amount points in the table, five.

Despite the good record of Hamish Watson in the league – four goals in four games – the striker did not score in the previous match of Team Wellington. The important returns of Mario Barcia and Justin Gulley to Team Wellington are still to have the effects expected by the fans.

Canterbury United draw the last two games against Waitakere United and Hawke’s Bay, just winning one match in the season – a 2-1 win against Southern at home. Aaron Clapham and his team will be looking to jump in the table with an important against his former club Team Wellington to be closer to the top of the table.

A imagem pode conter: 2 pessoas, pessoas praticando esportes, atividades ao ar livre e natureza — Hamish Watson scored four goals in the league this season – *TU Media*

The last match of the round will see the giants Auckland City facing Tasman United at Kiwitea Street. Tasman just recorded their first goal and victory of the competition against Team Wellington in the previous round while the Navy Blues won two matches in a row – 5-0 and 3-0 against Hamilton Wanderers and Wellington Phoenix Reserves respectively.

Tasman got a relief to have their first points in the table to leave the bottom of the standings. Auckland needs a win to maintain their lead that is now of only two points over Waitakere United. The strikers Myer Bevan and Logan Rogerson might be the biggest threat for a good defensive system created by the coach Jess Ibrom – defensive system that worked very well in their win against Team Wellington.

A imagem pode conter: 5 pessoas, pessoas sorrindo, pessoas praticando esportes e atividades ao ar livre — Auckland City hopes to keep their good campaign against Tasman – *NZF Media*

You can check the actual complete standings of the ISPS Handa Premiership and the top goalscorers by clicking here.

Hienghène Sport departs to Qatar

The Oceania representants in the FIFA Clubs World Cup Hienghène Sport departed today – 29th November – to Doha, Qatar where they will playing against the local champions Al-Sadd in the first round of the tournament. It is a do-or-die match for the OFC Champions League winners – a win would create history for the New Caledonians and make them proceed to the quarterfinals to face Monterrey from Mexico (CONCACAF Champions League winners) and a defeat would see Hienghène already eliminated of the tournament.

Hienghène Sport delegation celebrating 2019 OFC Champions League title

Hienghène Sport is having a dream season in 2019 after winning Coupe de Calédonie, Mobil Super Ligue and the OFC Champions League. The team coached by Tahitian football legend Félix Tagawa hopes to grab an upset in the most important tournaments of the club history.

Hienghène will feature in the same competition as some powerful teams will take place, as the English giants Liverpool and the traditional Brazilian side Flamengo. The New Caledonian club is only the second non-New Zealand team to play in the competition – the first since Hekari United upset Waitakere United in the finals in the 2009/10 edition of the continental tournament. The decisive match for Hienghène Sport will take place at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium at 12th December, 2:30 local time.

Martin Bueno hopeful with Eastern Surburbs start in ISPS Handa Premiership

The current title holders of ISPS Handa Premiership – the top-tier of football in New Zealand – Eastern Suburbs earned the national glory in the previous seaosn, but things are much more harder now and they are already feeling it. Eastern Suburbs in their first four matches in the league won two, draw one and lost one. The club is currently inside the top four zone of the league, but this is the just the starting of a tough competition.

The Lilywhites lost many of their players that helped then to lift the trophy in the last edition of the national league. The likes of Callum McCowatt and Tim Payne joined the professional outfit Wellington Phoenix and a partnership of Olé Academy with Torslanda IK from Sweden made several players from the champions squad to make their way to the Scandinavian nation.

Danny Hay, the coach from the previous season, had his success recognized and was given the spot of head coach in New Zealand national football team. For this season, Tony Readings took charge of Eastern Suburbs hoping to rebuild the team and defend the national honours.

Players as Reid Drake, Stephen Hoyle and Mohammed Awad were brought to reinforce the new squad build for the 2019/20 season of ISPS Handa Premiership. These players joined the talented full back Dylan de Jong, but none of their new players or even those who remained in the squad from the previous season had the credentials of the Uruguyan striker Martin Bueno. The South American prolific striker had a dream season with Napier City Rovers in the last New Zealand winter season, scoring in more than 20 games in a row for his side and winning the traditional Chatham Cup. Bueno, in the last edition of ISPS Handa Premiership, defended the colours of Hamilton Wanderers scoring ten goals in the season. Despite coming as the most important signing of the team for the season, Bueno almost got a deal overseas – in South African football top-tier – due his fantastic past seasons and would not be available to represent Eastern Suburbs: “I could not agree the economic budget of Polokwane. Then I went to SuperSport, played one game and scored two goals but I was supposed to sign if one of the strikers signed for Orlando Pirates – what did not happen, so I came back to New Zealand“.

Bueno (left) in the colours of Eastern Suburbs

“I think that we are doing well because we are a new team that never played together. We need a little bit of game time. This year the level is very equal so we need to play every game as a final“, says Martin Bueno regarding the start of the season of his new club. Martin also feels very open to give his impressions about his new coach Tony Readings: “I am really happy with Tony and the team as well – there are really good young players in the squad. He is a really good coach that likes to analyze the game really well. He give to us all his advice during the week to make sure that we make the less possible tactical mistakes. During the game we are free to play, create and enjoy our football“. Bueno has scored just once in the league until now – against Southern United FC – but he sees no problem with the little record: “To be honest the last year in the first four games of the season I scored one goal as well – so we need to wait to see what will happen“.

Bueno does not see much differences from the level of football players in the Central League – where he played for Napier City Rovers recently – and the ISPS Handa Premiership level: “Obviously the national league is a really good level and is getting better every year – but to be honest I do not see so a so higher level in comparison with the previous league I played. The first two games of the season I had some phisycal problems that did not help me to play well and enjoy the game. Against Southern I started to enjoy the game again and I felt really well. In the last game I was feeling really well but unfortunately I got red carded“. The red card shown to Martin Bueno in the match his side played against Waitakere United was very controversial and Bueno was really not happy with that: “I do not want to complain about the referee because I respect their job and I am not this kind of man. They take a decision because they thought that was the right the decision, but I did not elbow the opposite player – I didn’t even touch his face – he dive and grabbed his face when I touched his chest“. Martin Bueno hopes the Lilywhites can appeal to New Zealand Football to allow him to play their next match in the league.

Martin knows the expectance on him and his teammates are high due the recent success Eastern Suburbs had in the national league. – team that he is full of praise: “They made an amazing job and they really deserved it. I had the luck to work with Danny Hay for few weeks and I could see why he is the New Zealand head coach. He really deserves the All Whites role and I have no doubts that he will do an amazing job“.

The start of Bueno and Eastern Suburbs is not bad and they will have big challenges to overcome if they want to defend the honours of national champions. The ISPS Handa Premiership is not the only competition of the season for the Lilywhites – they are qualified for the OFC Champions League in 2020 and Bueno is also keen to take part of this tournament: “I do not know at the moment what will be our approach for Champions League. Our mentality now is just the next game – but obviously I think that will be a really nice and different experience“.

The next chapters of Martin Bueno and Eastern Suburbs will say what will be the outcome of their season – defending the national title and their adventure in the most important club championship of the continent.

Pago Youth marches to a dynasty in American Samoa

The 2019 football season in American Samoa is close to its end. Despite the lack of reliable information it is known that Pago Youth is leading the league – they won all their eleven matches in the FFAS Senior League so far, what makes them the favourite to represent American Samoa in 2019-20 OFC Champions League Preliminary Round.

If Pago wins the league, it will be their fourth straight league title. They have won seven of the last eleven editions of the tournament. You can check the current league standings by clicking here.

Molivakarua ready to leave Tupuji Imere

One of the most important players of Tupuji Imere in the current season, Elkington Molivakarua is ready to leave Vanuatu to work in New Zealand for seven months. His departure to New Zealand is schedule to happen next week.

Molivakarua (circled in red) with Tupuji Imere’s starting eleven against Galaxy FC

Molivakarua is not going to play this weekend against Erakor Golden Star because he is suspended and busy with work stuff. He is the current Tupuji Imere’s top scorer in the 2019-20 PVFA Premier League with two goals.

The 26 years old player is also a Vanuatu National Football Team player with three goals scored in thirteen caps. He took part of Vanuatu’s squad at 2019 Pacific Games.

Moving abroad for some months to work is very common among people in Vanuatu. Many players go to New Zealand and Australia to work for a period of time and then come back home when this period is over.

Unfortunately most of these players do not have the opportunity to keep on playing football in these countries. But according to Molivakarua, he really intends to keep playing football in New Zealand.

Hawai’i joins CONIFA

Hawai’i is an archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean that belongs to United States of America. The state encompasses nearly the entire Hawaiian archipelago, 137 islands spread over 1,500 miles (2,400 km). The volcanic archipelago is physiographically and ethnologically part of the Polynesian subregion of Oceania.

Hui Kanaka Pōwāwae (local football association) joined Confederation of Independent Football Associations on 28 November 2019, being the fifth member from Oceania in CONIFA, with Kiribati, Mariya, Tuvalu and West Papua.

Port Vila Premier League: decisive moments are coming

Half of the season is gone and Ifira Black Bird emerges as favourites to win the league above Tafea and Galaxy. The eighth matchweek of Port Vila Premier League reserves lots of emotions for the fans.

ERAKOR GOLDEN STAR vs TUPUJI IMERE

Last Meeting: Erakor Golden Star 3-0 Tupuji Imere (WO)

Erakor Golden Star needs to recover from two bad results (lost to Yatel and drew against Sia-Raga) and they are going to face Tupuji Imere that needs to win urgently. The clash between both teams did not happen because Tupuji Imere did not show up to the match due the death of one important person in their village.

David Chilia is confirmed as Tupuji’s head coach to face Erakor. According to him, they still have some difficults with their offensive systems but he advised “we will come back stronger“. Tupuji is currently in the seventh position with four points.

After playing some matches as central defender and defensive midfielder, James Chilia will probably come back to his main position – goalkeeper. Tupuji Imere will not count on Rodney Serveux (injured). Elkington Molivakarua, one of the most important players, is ready to move to New Zealand to work.

Erakor also needs to win to keep up with the leaders and losing is not an option for them.

Erakor Golden Star players. Source: Vanuatu Sport

GALAXY vs YATEL

Last Meeting: Galaxy 14-0 Yatel

After being smashed by Galaxy in the opening match, Yatel brought some players to strengthen their squad and it really worked. Their last loss was against Sia-Raga in the second matchweek. Since then they won twice and drew three matches. A good recovery for Yatel. “We have learned a lot of lessons […] We worked hard” said Richard Iwai (Yatel’s head coach) to Vanuatu Sports News.

Talking about recoveries, Galaxy needs to recover as soon as possible. Currently in the third position with eleven points, they really need to win to keep their position.

This match will not be another smash for Galaxy. Yatel already proved what they are able to do and they can be a good challenge for Galaxy “Our hope is just to give them a good game” said Yatel’s president John Tougon.

TAFEA vs SIA-RAGA

Last Meeting: Tafea 2-0 Sia-Raga

Currently in the second position, win is a must for Tafea this weekend and it is known by players and coaching staff “We have to win this match, no excuse to draw or lose” said Tafea’s player Bob Jeffery.

Harrison Massing (suspended) is the only absence confirmed for this match. Cyril Leo is sick and his availability for the match is still unknown. Anyway the morale is high there “Sia-Raga is a good team with young players […] but we can beat them again” said forward Jordy Tasip who scored twice against Sia-Raga in the last meeting between both teams.

Sia-Raga is currently in the sixth position with eight points but they have been a good challenge for every team. They will surely play hard to avoid Tafea’s win.

IFIRA BLACK BIRD vs MAUWIA

Last Meeting: Ifira Black Bird 2-0 Mauwia

Ifira Black Bird can not stop winning! They are leading the league with seventeen points in seven matches and they are still unbeaten this season. With this amazing record it is obvious they are already thinking about winning the league but they know they need to work hard to be the champions “The boys are really committed to achieve what they are aiming for […] We must play every game as a final to give distance to other teams” said Daniel Natou.

The best point of Ifira BB so far is their defense: they suffered only one goal in the league. On the other hand Mauwia has the worst attack in the league scoring just five goals so far. It does not seem that Ifira is going to have a tough challenge but Mauwia improved a lot in last matches, specially in the 3-1 win against Sia-Raga.

Ifira Black Bird squad. Source: Vanuatu Sport

Oceania Football Center wishes good luck to all teams!

Semmy and Wanderers are not having a good start of season

With some important players in the squad – alongside their biggest star Tommy Semmy – as Derek Tieku and Jake Butler, Hamilton Wanderers are not having the start of season they were hoping for.

Their first game of season, away from home, seemed the team coached by Ricki Herbert to be smashed by 5-1 against Team Wellington. They could bounce back at home against the current title holders Eastern Suburbs with a convicing 3-0 win – where Semmy scored his first goal of the season.

But the good moment just got a break after the second round: two harsh defeats in a row against Auckland City and Southern United put the team from Hamilton in the 9th place in the table – and before the season there were high expectations and a real hope to make it to the top four, as Tommy Semmy revealed in an interview.

It is not being the season Tommy Semmy expected so far

Semmy lost a penalty kick in their most recent defeat against Southern United and mentioned the team is through some problems: “There are a lot of injured players in our squad. We are doing well upfront but there is still a lot to fix in defense“, said the Papua New Guinean international. The defense is really a problem for Hamilton Wanderers in the season so far – they are the the team which most conceded goals in the league (14). The Brazilian defender Rodrigo Morais is yet to make his debut for Wanderers in the season as well – something that could help the team in this area.

Despite the bad start, Semmy also added that the experienced coach Ricki Herbert knows the team can do a lot more: “The coach is a little disappointed about the defeats but he knows we can do a lot better – every game is a game“.

Tommy Semmy and his teammates will be playing their fifth game in the season this weekend against Wellington Phoenix Reservers at Porrit Stadium in Hamilton hoping to find their way back to victories.

Jean-Philippe Saïko scores his first goal for Tasman United

🇫🇷 LIRE EN FRANÇAIS ICI

The Tasman United new forward Jean-Philippe Saïko scored his first goal for his new club in his fourth match in the season. Tasman shocked the New Zealand powerhouse Team Wellington to score their first three points in the table of ISPS Handa Premiership. Until this game Tasman United did not even scored a goal in the run, being Saïko the first player to find the nets of the team based in Nelson.

The highlights of Tasman United win against Team Wellington

Recently in interview with Oceania Football Center, Saïko mentioned he was really happy to have this chance to play in top-tier of football in New Zealand and to have an experienced coach as Jess Ibrom in charge of the team. The club from Nelson had a nightmare start in the season losing all their three starting matches, but finally could bouce back against one of the most important teams of the league to find their first three points. Tasman currently is ranked 8th out of ten teams in ISPS Handa Premiership.

A imagem pode conter: 2 pessoas, pessoas praticando esportes e atividades ao ar livre — Saiko (left) in the first win of Tasman in ISPS Handa Premiership – *NZF Media*

The New Caledonian international that recently had stint in his country with OFC Champions League finalists AS Magenta and had seven years of experience in the lower French leagues, was one of the most important signings of Tasman United for the 2019/20 season.

Saïko and his side will be getting back to action this weekend for the fifth matchweek of ISPS Handa Premiership when they travel to Auckland to play the current top-table team Auckland City FC.

Lea’alafa plays 55 minutes in Maritzburg defeat

The Solomon Islands international forward Micah Lea’alafa recently helped his new club in South Africa to qualify for the grand final of Telkom Knockout, the South African Cup – but his team last match did not have the result Maritzburg United fans expected. The club lost at home to SuperSport by 2-0 for the ASBA Premiership, the first tier of football in South Africa. The New Zealand players Dan Morgan and Jeremy Brockie also featured for Maritzburg United alongside Lea’alafa but could not change the outcome for their side.

A imagem pode conter: 1 pessoa, praticando um esporte e atividades ao ar livre — Lea’alafa in his last game against SuperSport – *Maritzburg United Media*

Lea’alafa played 55 minutes of the match and was subbed by his coach Erick Tinkler to give place to Thabiso Kutumela. Dan Morgan also was replaced but in the 71th minute of play to give his spot to another New Zealander, the striker Jeremy Brockie that started the game in the bench.

The Solomon Islands international is still to score or assist for his new club. He played 296 minutes in total for Maritzburg United in seven matches. It was reported that Lea’alafa was off some matches of the South African side due a minor injurty, that let him out of field for some weeks. In the last two matches of Team of Choice, the former Auckland City player started the matches – in both of them being replaced in the second half.