Fiji: Ba’s Faazil Ali under trials with Wellington Phoenix

Young Fijian star Faazil Ali, member of Fiji’s U20 World Cup squad that participated in Argentina, has taken a significant step in his career by embarking on a trial period with the Wellington Phoenix football club in New Zealand. Hailing from Ba, the 20-year-old central striker is making waves in local football scene and seeks a major transfer to New Zealand’s professional side.

Honing his skills in the local football scene, Faazil Ali has established himself as a central striker for Ba, the most prestigious football club from Fiji. His role as a central striker highlights his ability to lead the attack, find the back of the net, and create scoring opportunities for his team. With a strong goal-scoring record and the potential to adapt and excel in different playing styles, Ali’s journey to success seems promising.

Faazil Ali’s trial with the Wellington Phoenix marks a critical juncture in his career. The Wellington Phoenix, based in New Zealand, competes in the A-League. A successful trial could potentially pave the way for Ali to secure a professional contract, giving him the opportunity to further develop his skills in a more competitive environment. Fiji Football Association in partnership with Oceania Football Confederation facilitied the trials for the player. It is still unsure if the player would be kept for Nix‘s first squad; it is more likely he would stay in Wellington Phoenix Reserves, playing in the Central League in New Zealand’s national league.

Faazil Ali in action for Fiji U20 at FIFA U20 World Cup

As a central striker, Ali has proved himself as a prolific scorer in the local football scene. A very tal player, the 20-year-old is very strong, something pretty important for a classical ‘Number 9’.

Faazil Ali’s trial with the Wellington Phoenix marks a significant milestone in his career as a budding football talent from Fiji. His involvement in the U20 World Cup and his role as a central striker for Ba have set the stage for his potential success in the professional football arena.

Hekari United records wins in Indonesia’s West Papua tour

New Guinea’s Hekari United showcased their prowess on an Indonesia tour to West Papua. The former OFC Champions League winners played two – one for the women’s team and another for the men’s team – that took place at the Lukas Enembe Stadium in Jayapura, as part of the celebrations for the 78th anniversary of Indonesian independence.

The Hekari United women’s team faced off against the Indonesia Papua Select women’s team in a thrilling encounter. The game was intense and full of action, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Nenny Elipas emerged as the hero for Hekari, scoring an impressive brace to lead her team to victory. However, it was her goal in injury time that truly sealed the deal, securing a dramatic 2-1 win for Hekari United. The match demonstrated the team’s resilience and determination, as they fought until the very last moment to claim victory.

The following day, the Hekari United men’s team took the field against the Indonesia Papua Select men’s team. The match was fiercely contested, with both sides displaying their skills and tactics. Team captain Daniel Joe of Hekari made a significant impact by converting a penalty kick at the 26th minute, putting his team in the lead. However, the Indonesian side managed to level the score before the first half came to a close.

The second half of the match continued to be a battle of wits and athleticism. Ati Kepo managed to give Hekari the advantage with a goal, only for the Indonesia Papua Select team to equalize once again. The seesaw battle persisted until the 83rd minute when Solomon Rani stepped up for Hekari United, scoring the decisive goal that ultimately secured the victory for the Papua New Guinean side. In the Indonesian side it is highlighted former Indonesia national team star and captain Boaz Solossa, that is born in West Papua and currently plays in Persipura Jayapura, the local club that currently plays in the national second-tier league. Solossa scored both goals of Indonesia Papua Select, but not enough to beat Hekari.

Hekari United players celebrate the winning goal – Hekari United Media

The success of Hekari United during their Indonesia tour not only highlighted the team’s skill and determination but also serves to promote Hekari and Papua New Guinea football on the international stage.

As the Indonesia tour comes to an end, Hekari United now shifts their focus to the PNG Premier Soccer League. Buoyed by their impressive performances in Indonesia, the team is likely to carry this momentum forward into their domestic league matches. Fans and football enthusiasts alike eagerly await their return to the league, eager to see how their international experience translates into their local competitions.

Solomon Warriors climbs to the top as Telekom S-League contest tightens

In a thrilling turn of events, the Solomon Warriors have taken the reins of the Telekom S-League after a grueling campaign spanning 15 matches. The team, led by the astute Franco Ne’e, displayed their prowess with a hard-fought victory over the formidable Henderson Eels. This victory, coupled with the unexpected downfall of former league leaders Central Coast to Waneagu United, allowed the Solomon Warriors to ascend to the coveted first position.

As the league race unfolded, it became clear that every point was crucial, and the contest for the top spot was nothing short of intense. Honiara City also seized the opportunity presented by Central Coast’s misfortune, advancing to the second position in the league standings. This shift in positions left Central Coast trailing in the third place, a surprising setback for the former frontrunners.

The match between the Solomon Warriors and the Henderson Eels was a spectacle of soccer prowess and determination. The Eels struck early, with Tony Lifia netting a goal at the 16th minute, putting them in a commanding position. However, the current champions, the Solomon Warriors, showcased their mettle as they rallied in the second half. Alvin Hou delivered the much-needed equalizer, revitalizing their chances in the match. The drama reached its peak in the 85th minute when Edward Kasute’e Jr. found the back of the net, securing a vital victory for the Warriors.

Warriors celebrates their winning goal – TSL Media

With the national league title on the line, the competition was incredibly fierce, and the points were tightly contested. The Solomon Warriors, eager to defend their hard-earned championship, faced an uphill battle to maintain their lead. Presently holding a mere one-point advantage over Honiara City, they could not afford any complacency.

Central Coast remained in the hunt, trailing closely in the third position, just two points adrift of the Warriors. Waneagu United also lurked close behind, trailing by a mere three points, making it a race that was far from decided. Even Kossa, the fifth-placed team, proved to be a serious contender, with only four points separating them from the summit.

The ongoing contest for supremacy in the Telekom S-League served as a testament to the competitiveness and skill of Solomon Islands football. With every match being a potential turning point, the league unfolded as a captivating drama where fortunes swung dramatically and unpredictably. As the season progressed, fans were treated to a thrilling showcase of determination, talent, and the undying spirit of competition.

Shockwaves as Fiji FA “former” vice-president convicted of drug dealing in New Zealand

In a shocking development that has sent shockwaves throughout the sporting and business communities in Fiji and New Zealand, Aiyaz Musa, the Vice-President of the Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA), has been convicted of drug dealing in Auckland. This revelation has tarnished the reputation of not only Musa but also raised questions about the integrity of the association and its leadership.

The case came to light following a joint investigation conducted by New Zealand law enforcement agencies and Fijian authorities. The investigation unveiled a complex drug trafficking network that spanned across international borders, implicating Aiyaz Musa, a prominent figure within the Fijian football scene.

Musa, who was re-elected as the Vice-President of Fiji FA during the presidency of Rajesh Patel, was well-regarded within the football community. However, recent events have shattered this image as Musa’s involvement in illicit activities has come to the forefront.

The conviction is particularly stunning as it implicates not only a prominent sports official but also a businessman with significant influence across various sectors in Fiji. Musa’s ties to both the sporting and business world have added another layer of complexity to the case, leaving many bewildered by the extent of his alleged involvement.

Aiyaz Musa’s resignation from his position as Vice-President of Fiji FA just days before his conviction has raised suspicions and questions about the timing of his decision. The association, in a media statement, confirmed his resignation and expressed its commitment to upholding transparency and fair play within the organization. The statement also reiterated the organization’s dedication to cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.

Rajesh Patel, Fiji FA President, and Ayiaz Musa – Fiji FA Media

The conviction of Aiyaz Musa has sparked debates within the Fijian community about the need for stronger measures to prevent corruption and unethical behavior within sporting organizations. Many are calling for a thorough review of the association’s leadership and its practices to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future.

The sudden fall from grace of Aiyaz Musa serves as a sobering reminder that corruption can infiltrate even the most seemingly reputable institutions. As legal proceedings continue, the football community in Fiji will be closely watching the developments, hoping for justice to be served and for measures to be implemented to prevent similar incidents from occurring again.

Musa’s actions have tarnished the reputation of football in Fiji and marred the image of the Fiji FA, expressed by Rajesh Singh, the former Fijian Sports Minister to RNZ. He emphasized the need for the government to investigate the association’s matters, similar to their scrutiny of the Fiji Rugby Union.

Rajesh Singh also remarked that while Musa’s resignation from football roles was acknowledged, it was regrettable that the Fiji FA had not conducted thorough background checks on him. Both FIFA and the Fiji FA have always advocated for organizations to be “Drug Free,” making Musa’s actions detrimental to their principles.

Singh questioned how Musa managed to attain the role of VP in the Fiji FA and hold a significant position within FIFA. In 2021 Musa was elected to a FIFA Governance spot, indicated by the Fiji FA. The current Fijian government, represented by Sports Minister Jese Saukuru and Finance Minister Biman Prasad, has recently issued cautionary statements regarding the FFA. They have called for a reorganization of the association and its management.

PNG’s powerhouse Hekari United to play commemorative matches in Indonesia

Former OFC Champions League winners Hekari United are currently in Jayapura, capital of the province of Papua in Indonesia to play two commemorative friendly matches at Lukas Enembe Stadium in the same city. Hekari United’s management was invited by local authorities to play against Papua Indonesia Select in matches scheduled for 18th August and 19th August – the women’s and men’s sides of Hekari will play one match each.

The matches are part of the commemorations of the 78th Indonesia Independence Day, that is 17th August. Firstly, the matches were scheduled to be play against local pro-side Persipura Jayapura, currently playing the second-tier of Indonesian football, but due management issues of the local club, opposition was switched.

The Indonesian Tour of Hekari United will affect directly on the PNG Premier Soccer League as, recently stated by league management, there will be a two-week break. Ahmjad Tekwie, PNGFA Competitions Manager, stated that the competition is set to restart at 2nd September and this period will be used to update the status of the clubs taking part in the national league. PNGFA General Secretary, Gordon Manub, also stated that PNGFA granted permission to Hekari United to make their trip to Indonesia for the friendly matches.

Kurukuru’s head coach Damon Shaw expresses his dissapointment on Solomon Islands recent performances

Solomon Islands is looking to seal a spot in the upcoming 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup; if they do so this will be the 5th time the Kurukuru will take part in the most important tournament of this sport. To make this happen the team coached by the Englishman Damon Shaw will have to win once again the OFC Futsal Nations Cup – this time the tournament will take place in New Zealand this coming October.

Shaw’s team already played eight preparative matches for the upcoming regional tournament: two 5-0 losses to Vietnam, a draw and two narrow defeats to Australia and three heavy defeats in Thailand at Continental Futsal Championship – where they lost to Myanmar, Thailand and Mozambique.

Solomon Islands head coach Damon Shaw talked to Oceania Football Center and expressed his dissapointment on the recent performances of his team, but he also points to good signs the Kurukuru had shown in the previous friendly tournament: “We are obviously disappointed with the scores and the performances on the whole. We are pleased with the first 15 minutes against Thailand, when we showed that we can compete and should even have been in the lead“, mentioned Shaw.

According to the coach, fitness is one of the main issues that made Solomon Islands record heavy losses – including a 10-1 defeat to the home side Thailand, one of the best-ranked teams of Asian continent: “We need to improve our fitness to compete at this level over a full game or tournament but that is something that will take time and I believe so much in the future of this team“, he said.

Damon Shaw, Kurukuru head coach

“However, the aim is World Cup qualification and it’s been another valuable outing in our preparation for the OFC Futsal Nations Cup“, added the coach pointing the biggest goal for his side: “True champions show themselves after defeat and I expect us to bounce back in the next games before we go to New Zealand. The team is together and I know these boys will be stronger now“, said the coach, indicating the Kurukuru will have more friendly matches before competitive futsal in the main tournament.

Shaw, when asked if he has already a fixed team for the tournament, said that the best fit players available will be called-up: “I will take the best team that’s available, performing and fit“, said the English coach – “They know what is expected of them and if they don’t perform they know there are players lying in wait“, added Shaw stating that the players must step up and battle for its place in te final squad.

Around a decade ago Solomon Islands recorded a win against Thailand; this month the Kurukuru were completely unmatched by the Thai side – showing signs of a possible stagnation of the development of futsal in the country. “I don’t think we’ve stagnated, we’ll see the real progress when we play Australia and teams in the OFC. If you compare what the Thai players have had in the last ten years to what the Solomon Islands team has had, we are of course playing catch up. We need to ensure the next five or ten years are consistent and we’ll see progress against Asian nations“, mentioned the coach.

Shaw also stated the Kurukuru keep searching for tough opposition in order to improve its game with harder challenges: “We’re deliberately seeking the highest level opposition and will continue to do so, until we catch up“, he added.

Solomon Islands is grouped with alongside Tahiti, New Caledonia and Samoa in the OFC Futsal Nations Cup. The tournament starts on 1st October, held at Pulman Arena in Auckland, New Zealand.

New Zealand international Joe Champness returns to action with a debut goal in Turkey

After a challenging period of being without a club for nearly a year and a half, New Zealand international Joe Champness found a new home. The talented player’s journey took a positive turn as he signed with Adanaspor, a Turkish football club competing in the second tier. The signing marked a new chapter in Champness’ career, offering him an opportunity to reignite his passion for the game and showcase his skills on the field once again.

Champness made a remarkable entrance into his new team. In his debut match of the season against Boluspor, he left a lasting impression by scoring a goal that contributed to Adanaspor’s 2-0 away victory last Friday (11st August). This triumphant start not only showcased his footballing prowess but also signaled his intent to make a significant impact in his new surroundings.

Champness (right) celebrates – 5 Ocak Gazetesi

Prior to joining Adanaspor, Joe Champness had experienced a stint with Giresunspor, another Turkish club, where he competed in the first-tier league. Despite his undeniable potential, circumstances led him to a period of uncertainty in his professional journey. However, his determination, dedication, and undying passion for the sport drove him to persevere and seek new opportunities to reignite his career. Champness left Giresunspor after only 13 matches played for the club due unpaid salaries; the attacker terminated the contract and proceeded with a FIFA Dispute Resolution claim. FIFA found in favour of Champness and awarded him €790,000 Euros (1.33 million New Zealand Dollars) plus interest.

JOWIC, as Champness is known in the music world, will be looking pave his way back to the All Whites. The player is known for having a break in his football career in the past in order to pursue a career in musical industry as a rapper. It was tought the player could had done the same after being for so long without competitive football, but he recently signed a new deal with Adanaspor, as mentioned, and already proved his capabilities to be a key figure in the battle for promotion to Turkey’s top-tier.

Brian Kaltak scores in penalty shootout, but Mariners bow out of FFA Cup in Australia

In a highly anticipated match that marked the beginning of the Australian football season, the Central Coast Mariners faced off against Sydney FC in the FFA Cup. One particular player stole the spotlight – the 29-year-old Vanuatu national team captain, Brian Kaltak. Returning from his homeland where he was celebrated as a national hero after leading the Mariners to victory in the previous A-League season, Kaltak’s presence on the field was eagerly awaited by fans and supporters alike.

Although he started the match on the bench, Kaltak’s impact was palpable as he came on as a substitute in the second half. With the Mariners trailing behind, Kaltak injected fresh energy and enthusiasm into the team’s performance. Central Mariners found themselves in a difficult position, but their resilience and determination never wavered.

As the match unfolded, the Central Mariners demonstrated their mettle. Bouncing back in the late stages of the game, they managed to claw their way to a commendable 2-2 draw against their formidable opponents. The crowd was electrified as Harrison Steele found the back of the net in extra time, giving the Mariners a tantalizing lead.

However, just when it seemed like victory was within reach, Sydney FC fought back valiantly with a late goal from Jaiden Kucharski, equalizing the score once again. The roller-coaster of emotions had only begun. The match eventually reached the dramatic climax of a penalty shootout, where the tension was palpable and every kick held the weight of the season’s hopes.

Brian Kaltak ready for his penalty kick – CCM Media

Brian Kaltak, the Vanuatu star, displayed nerves of steel as he confidently stepped up to take his penalty. With precision and determination, he found the back of the net, sending a resounding message to his teammates and the opposition alike. Unfortunately, despite Kaltak’s valiant effort and the collective determination of the Mariners, luck was not on their side. After a grueling penalty shootout that saw 19 penalties taken, the Mariners ultimately bowed out with a 10-9 defeat against Sydney FC.

While the FFA Cup journey might have ended in disappointment, the Central Coast Mariners now shift their focus to the upcoming A-League season, a competition they currently hold the title for. With Brian Kaltak’s leadership and experience, the team remains determined to defend their championship and continue making waves in the Australian football scene.

Furthermore, the Mariners have another avenue for redemption and glory. Having secured a spot in continental football as they will play the AFC Cup, they have a chance to prove their prowess on an even larger stage. The disappointment of the early FFA Cup elimination will undoubtedly serve as motivation for the team to excel and make their mark in both domestic and international competitions.

Season is over for Micah Lea’alafa in Australia

The conclusion of the season for Micah Lea’alafa‘s club, FK Beograd, in Australia has been bittersweet. The team displayed a strong performance in their last game of the regular season against Sturt Lions, securing a convincing 3-1 victory. Lea’alafa, the talented 32-year-old striker from the Solomon Islands, played a pivotal role in this crucial match as a starter, contributing to the team’s success with his skills and determination on the field.

Despite their triumphant last match, the overall outcome was not as favorable for FK Beograd. The other results from the final matchday did not align with their aspirations, and the club narrowly missed out on a spot in the NPL SA Final Series. The disappointment was magnified by the fact that they fell short of qualification by just a single point.

Micah Lea’alafa in action – Active Illustrated

Throughout the season, Lea’alafa emerged as a driving force for FK Beograd. His goal-scoring prowess was evident as he found the back of the net six times, showcasing his ability to create opportunities and capitalize on them.

However, despite Lea’alafa’s individual achievements and the team’s valiant efforts, the ultimate goal of securing a place in the postseason football in South Australia remained elusive. The disappointment of missing out on the NPL SA Final Series was a tough pill to swallow, especially considering the narrow margin by which they fell short.

As the season draws to a close, Beograd and its fans are left reflecting on the journey and the moments that led them to this point. While the outcome might not have aligned with their hopes, the club’s resilience, Lea’alafa’s contributions, and the dedication of the entire team have laid the foundation for future endeavors. The disappointment of missing the postseason by just one point will likely serve as motivation to strive for even greater success in the upcoming season.

Chronicles of PNG Football Chaos: Scheduling blunder adds to season of controversies in National Premier Soccer League

In yet another unfortunate incident, the Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) and the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) board have once again displayed a lack of organization and professionalism, causing disruption and frustration for teams and fans alike. Gulf Komara, a team participating in the league, recently highlighted a blunder made by the NPSL/PNGFA office that resulted in a scheduling mishap.

Gulf Komara, through its official social media account, revealed that they were unable to board their intended flight to Lae for a scheduled match against Morobe Wawens FC. The reason cited was a booking error committed by the NPSL/PNGFA office. The team was erroneously booked to travel on Sunday, rather than the correct day, which was Saturday – the day the match was originally scheduled. This oversight not only reflects poorly on the administrative competence of the league organizers but also disrupts the overall flow of the tournament.

However, Gulf Komara later provided an update on the same post, indicating that the issue had been resolved, and they were now confirmed to travel to Lae on Sunday, August 12th. The match against Morobe Wawens FC was set to take place at 3 pm on the same day – the match ended up in a 1-1 draw at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium, Lae. Despite this glaring scheduling error and its subsequent rectification, neither the PNGFA nor the NPSL board issued any official statements or comments in response to the incident.

This mishap is unfortunately not an isolated incident within the context of the ongoing NPSL season. The league has been marred by a series of controversies and problems that have contributed to an overall sense of disarray. One notable instance was the controversial inclusion of defending champions Lae City FC, who lost their main sponsor mere weeks before the start of the tournament. This eleventh-hour decision to include a team raised questions about the fairness and transparency of the league’s decision-making processes. Ian Chow, the former sponsor of Lae City, decided to pull out his support to the seven-time national champions due alleged unfair treatment of his team in favour of Hekari United, team linked to PNG Football Association’s president John Kappi-Nato. Lae City managed to get last-minute sponsor that kept them able to pay the fess requested to participate in the national league.

Gulf Komara squad at the airport – Gulf Komara Media

Furthermore, the start of the season was plagued by a number of delays, casting doubts on the league’s ability to maintain a structured and timely schedule. The lack of effective marketing and information dissemination surrounding the games added another layer of frustration for the local football community and fans, who found it difficult to keep track of fixtures and events.

These recurring issues reflect a systemic problem within the PNGFA and the NPSL board, raising concerns about their capacity to manage a professional football league effectively. The absence of prompt and transparent communication in response to blunders such as the scheduling mishap involving Gulf Komara only serves to exacerbate the frustrations of both teams and fans.

In order to restore credibility and promote the growth of football in Papua New Guinea, it is imperative for the league organizers to address these issues promptly, implement transparent decision-making processes, and enhance their organizational and communication capabilities. Only through such efforts can the NPSL hope to regain the trust of stakeholders and foster a more successful and harmonious footballing environment for all involved.