Oceania Football Center

After 10 months Sarpreet Singh returns at a high level in Germany

Sarpreet Singh, the talented New Zealand international footballer, has made a triumphant return to football after a 10-month absence. Singh’s last match was in April 2022, when he suffered an injury to his osteitis pubis, a painful condition that affects the pelvic bone. After recovering from his injury, Singh was set to return to action for Jahn Regensburg, the 2. Bundesliga side where he was on loan from FC Bayern Munich. However, an administrative error by the club meant that Singh was unable to play for the first part of the season.

Despite these setbacks, Singh made a strong comeback in January 2023, playing a total of 258 minutes across four matches. He recorded one assist, one goal, and 10 key passes, demonstrating his skill and creativity on the pitch. Singh’s form is particularly impressive given his long layoff from the game, and it bodes well for his future prospects.

Singh is attached to FC Bayern Munich, one of the biggest and most successful football clubs in the world. However, he is currently on loan to Jahn Regensburg for the second season in a row. The 24-year-old midfielder has already made a name for himself in New Zealand when playing for the Wellington Phoenix he is looking to cement his place in European football.

Singh has also represented the New Zealand national team, the All Whites, on nine occasions, scoring one goal. He missed the team’s recent friendly matches against Australia, but his strong performances in club football suggest that he may soon be back in the international fold.

All White Bill Tuiloma is traded in Major League Soccer

Bill Tuiloma, the New Zealand international footballer, has a new team in United States. The defender has left Portland Timbers, where he spent six years, to join Charlotte FC, that is preparing for the start of the 2023 season.

Tuiloma’s move to Charlotte FC was completed last 16th February and it is reported that Portland Timbers will receive around 1.27 million NZD for the transfer, with potential add-ons of up to 160k NZD.

Tuiloma’s time with Portland Timbers was successful, as he helped the team win the Western Conference Championship in 2018 and reach the MLS Cup Final that same year. He also made over 100 appearances for the club in all competitions, establishing himself as a key member of the team. Prior to his time in the United States, Tuiloma played in French football for Marseille and Strasbourg.

Bill Tuiloma celebrates his goal against Solomon Islands for New Zealand last year – *Photosport*

Tuiloma has also been a regular member of the New Zealand national team, known as the All Whites. He has represented his country on 36 occasions, scoring four goals in the process.

At 27 years old, Tuiloma still has plenty of time to make an impact in Major League Soccer with his new club. His experience in French football and success with Portland Timbers will make him a valuable addition to the Charlotte FC squad, and fans of the club will be excited to see what he can bring to the team.

Alick Worworbu has instant impact for iCount Yatel FC

Alick Worworbu’s debut for iCount Yatel in the return of the PVFA Premier League was nothing short of spectacular. The 25-year-old midfielder, who joined the team from Fiji’s national league champions Rewa FC, made an instant impact as his team secured a 3-0 victory over Penama FC.

Worworbu’s goal in his debut for his new team was a testament to his skill and determination on the field. It was clear that he was eager to prove his worth to his new teammates and fans alike. His performance showed that he was ready to be a key player for iCount Yatel in the reimander of the season.

The midfielder’s experience playing in the OFC Champions League with Rewa FC has undoubtedly helped him develop his skills and hone his craft. It is clear that he is an upcoming star for football in Vanuatu and has the potential to make a significant impact in the PVFA Premier League.

iCount Yatel currently sits in third place in the PVFA Premier League table, and Worworbu’s arrival is expected to give the team a boost as they look to climb up the standings. With his skills and experience, he is poised to help his team achieve success in the league.

Vanuatu: Jason Thomas is back for Erakor Golden Star

The tall-defender Jason Thomas has a new team, or not that new to him: the Vanuatu international defender left iCount Yatel and returned to his boyhood club, Erakor Golden Star, where he has already achieved success.

Thomas has had a varied career in football so far, having played in Fiji and even spent some time in Cambodia. He has also represented Vanuatu at the U-20 World Cup in 2017, where he showcased his skills on the international stage.

Since returning to Erakor Golden Star, Thomas has wasted no time in making an impact. He made his debut in the team’s most recent 1-0 win over Tupuji Imere in the PVFA Premier League, and his experience and skills on the field were evident.

Thomas’s decision to return to his boyhood club has clearly paid off, as he has been able to find success and fulfillment in his football career. However, it has not always been smooth sailing for him. He recently had to take a break from football due to work commitments that took him to Australia, but he was able to come back and resume his career with Erakor Golden Star.

Solomon Islands’ Prince Tahunipue scores in his debut for Galaxy FC in Vanuatu

Prince Tahunipue made a sparkling competitive debut for Galaxy FC in the Port Vila Premier League, scoring a crucial goal in his team’s win over Shepherds United last weekend. The 28-year-old full-back, who had previously played in Australia and represented the Solomon Islands national team, was the most significant signing of the season for the Vanuatu football powerhouse.

Tahunipue’s arrival had generated a lot of buzz among Galaxy FC fans, and he did not disappoint in his first outing. The defender showcased his skill and experience on the field, helping his team keep a clean sheet while also venturing forward to score the opening goal of the game.

Galaxy FC’s victory was a much-needed boost for the team, which is currently sitting in second place in the Port Vila Premier League table, behind the defending champions Ifira Black Bird. With Tahunipue in their ranks, Galaxy FC will be hoping to reclaim the league title this season.

Prince Tahunipue celebrates his goal – *PVFA Media*

Before joining Galaxy FC, Tahunipue had played for the Henderson Eels in the Solomon Islands, where he had established himself as one of the most promising full-backs in the country. He had also represented the Solomon Islands national team in the OFC FIFA World Cup qualifying tournament last year, where his team narrowly missed out on qualification after losing to New Zealand in the decisive match.

With his talent and experience, Tahunipue is likely to be a key player for Galaxy FC this season as they try to overcome their rivals and clinch the Port Vila Premier League title. His impressive debut performance will have given fans plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the team’s prospects for the rest of the season.

Jaiyah Saelua: The first ever transgender to play OFC Champions League

Jaiyah Saelua is a trailblazing footballer from American Samoa who has made history as the first openly non-binary and trans woman to play in a FIFA World Cup qualifier and now in the OFC Champions League. Born in the US territory of American Samoa, Saelua identifies as a fa’afafine, a third gender that is widely accepted in Polynesian cultures.

In 2011, Saelua made headlines when she played in the FIFA World Cup qualifier for American Samoa, becoming the first openly transgender player to participate in a men’s international football match. She went on to represent the team in 15 matches, cementing her place as a key player in the squad.

In 2023, Saelua made history once again by playing in her first ever OFC Champions League match for her team, Ilaoa & To’omata, the FFAS National League Men’s Competition 2022 Champions in the country. As a center-back, Saelua played a crucial role in her team’s performance, showcasing her skills and determination on the pitch. “The Leone Whites were the undefeated champions of the 2022 FFAS National League! In the almost 25 years that I’ve played football, this will be my first time at this tournament“, said Saelua before the starting match of the tournament in a social media post.

The defender made history in the OFC Champions League in her team’s defeat to Samoan champions Lupe o le Soaga in the opening match of the OFC Champions League qualifying stage: “Extremely tough game today with such a horrible result, but with such a young team, we can’t expect anything except for them to do their best & to gain the experience from matching up against high level teams“, said Saelua in another social media post.

Jaiyah Saelua in action (no.5) – *Trina Gago*

Saelua’s achievements have paved the way for greater inclusion and acceptance of non-binary and transgender athletes in the world of football. She has become a role model for many aspiring footballers, showing that with hard work, dedication, and perseverance, anything is possible.

Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles throughout her career, Saelua has remained steadfast in her commitment to the sport she loves. Her story serves as an inspiration to people all over the world, reminding us of the power of sports to break down barriers and unite us all.

A-League: Brian Kaltak returns to action as Mariners fight to draw against Glory

The return of Brian Kaltak, the 29-year-old Vanuatu national team captain, to action in Australia for Central Coast Mariners was highly anticipated by both the team and the fans. After being controversially sent off in the previous match against Sydney FC, Kaltak was eager to prove himself on the field.

In the match against Perth Glory last Saturday (18th Feb), Kaltak had an impressive game overall, continuing to be praised by the local fans. However, it was the Tunisian Selim Khelifi who scored two goals upfront for Glory, putting Central Coast Mariners in a difficult position.

But with two late penalties scored by Socceroos member Jason Cummings, the Mariners managed to make a remarkable recovery and salvage a point from the game, ending it in a 2-2 draw.

Central Coast Mariners are currently sitting at the 2nd position in the A-League table, the most important football league of Australia. However, they are now seven points away from the top-placed Melbourne City, and every game counts towards their bid for the championship.

Kaltak (left) against Perth Glory – *CCM Media*

Kaltak’s return to action is a positive sign for the Mariners, as he adds depth and quality to the team’s defense. His leadership and experience will be crucial for the team’s success in the upcoming matches. With his authomatic addition to the as soon as he was available shows the coach Nick Montgomery really believes in Kaltak’s capabilities.

Solomon Islands international Ian Kalu moves to New Zealand’s league

Ian Kalu, the talented Solomon Islands international, has been signed by Napier City Rovers, a Central League club in New Zealand. The young defender played his last season for Waneagu United in the Telekom S-League, and he also has experience in Australian football.

Kalu was a key player for Solomon Islands in the OFC FIFA World Cup qualifying tournament, where his team lost a spot in the Intercontinental Play-off to New Zealand in the decisive match of the qualifiers. Despite the disappointment, Kalu’s impressive performances caught the attention of former Solomon Islands international Andrew Abba, who recommended him to Napier City Rovers.

Ian Kalu (right) playing against New Zealand in 2022

Napier City Rovers, coached by Englishman Bill Robertson, ended up in 8th position last season in the New Zealand National League after qualifying from the Central League to final national league stage. Napier will be looking to improve upon that result with the addition of Kalu. The 23-year-old defender has already touched down in New Zealand and is ready to start preparations for the upcoming season in the Central League.

Kalu’s arrival will undoubtedly bolster Napier City Rovers’ defense, and his experience at the international level will be valuable for the team’s success. With Robertson at the helm and a talented roster, Napier City Rovers will be hoping to make a strong push for promotion to the New Zealand National League in the upcoming season.

Overall, the signing of Ian Kalu to Napier City Rovers is a promising move for both the club and the young defender. It will be exciting to see how Kalu adapts to the Central League and contributes to the team’s success in the upcoming season.

Junior All Whites records win over Indonesia in Jakarta

The New Zealand U-20 side showed resilience and determination as they secured a 2-1 win against the Indonesian U-20 team in a warm-up match held in Jakarta for the upcoming U-20 World Cup to be hosted by Indonesia this May.

This victory came after a defeat in their first match against Guatemala by 3-1, showing their ability to bounce back and recover from a loss. The team coach, Darren Bazeley, must have been pleased with the team’s performance, which displayed their potential to compete in the tournament.

The Junior All Whites took the lead at the 58th minute through a goal scored by the powerful striker, Oliver Colloty, who proved to be a threat for the Indonesian defense throughout the match. In the 70th minute, Jay Herdman, a Vancouver Whitecaps’ player, doubled the lead for New Zealand, putting them in a comfortable position.

New Zealand celebrates their second goal – *Friend of Football NZ*

Despite the deficit, Indonesia did not give up and continued to push for a comeback. However, their efforts were too little too late as Ferrari managed to pull one back for Indonesia in the stoppage time with a header, but it was not enough to change the outcome of the match.

The New Zealand team will now face Fiji in their final match of the invitational tournament, hoping to continue their winning momentum and gain confidence for the U-20 World Cup. The team’s ability to recover from the first loss and secure a victory against Indonesia bodes well for their chances in the upcoming tournament.

Fiji U-20 allows comeback and loses to Guatemala in U-20 World Cup warm up tournament

This Sunday, Feb 19th, Fiji’s U-20 football team suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Guatemala’s U-20 side in Jakarta, Indonesia. This was the second match for Fiji in the invitational tournament, following their previous loss to the host nation, Indonesia. Despite the defeat, Fiji displayed a better performance, especially in the first half, where they managed to take the lead with a goal from Gulam Razool, a Ba player, assisted by Peniasi Rotidara. You can watch the goals of the match by clicking here.

Fiji’s U-20 team, coached by Rodolfo Zapata, is currently preparing for the U-20 World Cup, which will also be held in Indonesia. The invitational tournament is a crucial opportunity for the Fijians to hone their skills and test themselves against tough opposition before the World Cup.

Fiji vs Guatemala entering the field of play – *Vidio*

Fiji’s early lead in the match against Guatemala was a promising sign, but they seemed to tire quickly in the second half, which affected their performance on the field. They eventually conceded three goals, allowing Guatemala to take control of the game and secure a comfortable victory. Fiji’s defense was breached for the first time in the 69th minute of the game, which proved to be the turning point of the match.

Despite the defeat, Fiji’s U-20 team still has one more game to play in the invitational tournament, against New Zealand’s U-20 side later in the week. They will need to regroup quickly and work on their fitness levels to avoid a similar outcome against the Kiwis. The U-20 World Cup is fast approaching, and Fiji will need to be in top form if they hope to compete against the best youth football teams from around the world.