Oceania Football Center

Solomon Islands star Raphael Lea’i close to profissional debut in Europe

Solomon Islands’ man of the moment Raphael Lea’i might be close to achieve another huge milestone: the 19-year-old striker is set to make his professional debut for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s side FK Velež Mostar. The club is scheduled to play this Sunday (26th Feb) against Tuzla City as the M:tel Premier League, as the top-tier league of the country is known, returns to action.

Recently, Oceania Football Center stated the player was not cleared for the first competitive match of the year for his new team as some paperwork was still to be fixed. But the bureaucratic matters were met as today the Solomon Islands Football Federation announced they successfully completed the transfer paperwork and the deal is complete, making the player eligible to be registered for the Mostar-based side.

Raphael Lea’i singing his first professional contract – *FK Velež Mostar Media*

“Solomon Islands international Raphael Lea’i International Transfer Certificate (ITC) has been delivered this morning by SIFF in the FIFA TMS online platform after a week of administrative work behind the scenes between the Bosina and Herzegovina club FK Velez with Marist FC and Henderson Eels for the player’s release and first professional registration in Europe“, said the football entity on a social media post, – “This means Lea’i is now cleared to register for FK Velez in the Premier League BH and should be available to play on Sunday 26 February against Tuzla City“, concluded SIFF media on social media release.

Lea’i has been getting worldwide attention as he turned into the first ever Solomon Islander to break through European football and sign a professional contract. An entire nation is supporting Raphael Lea’i as well the South Pacific brotherhood and Oceania football fans worldwide.

OFC Champions League qualifying stage: Veitongo and Ilaoa & To’omata is cancelled

The second match of the day (24th Feb) in Apia counting for the OFC Champions League qualifying stage between Veitongo from Tonga and Ilaoa & To’omata from American Samoa has been cancelled.

According to multiple sources linked to the clubs, the bad weather conditions forced the match to be called off; the decisive encounter between Tupapa Maraerenga from Cook Islands and Lupe o le Soaga from Samoa will be played at 3pm local time.

The decision is said to be taken in order to preserve the pitch conditions for the match between the Samoan and Cook Islander teams that will confirm which of the two sides will book their flights to Vanuatu for the OFC Champions League group stage.

Both Veitongo and Ilaoa & To’omata are already out of chances to proceed to the group stage as both teams lost their two first matches in the competition.

Solomon Islands calls provisional squad for upcoming friendly matches

Solomon Islands Football Federation announced a list of 31 players for a provisional squad for the upcoming friendly matches in the next FIFA window – the Bonitos are set to play three friendly matches in Lautoka, Fiji against the hosts, the Fiji U-20 side and Vanuatu national team. You can check the full list by clicking here.

“The players are selected from the TSL 2022/2023 season. Five overseas players who are available to represent the country next week in Lautoka are also drafted in the squad“, said SIFF in its social media post release – “This is a opportunity for the coaches to look at the players and how they compete in international football leading up to the Pacific Games on home turf in November. The door is still open for other players to be part of the extended squad in preparation for the Pacific Games 2023 and the coaching staff will continue to assess player’s performance in the country and abroad” also was mentioned.

Felipe Vega-Arango, Solomon Islands national team head coach – *SIFF Media*

18 players started training sessions in Honiara as soon as the Telekom S-League finished under the guidance of the Spanish head coach Felipe Vega-Arango. The national team head coach also spoke to SIFF Media in an interview about the undergoing trainings and players’ availability – watch the interview here.

Also in interview to local newspaper, Arango mentioned he will cut the list to 23 players before travelling to Fiji: “We are going to travel with 23 players in total. Out of the 23, three players are already in Fiji. So only 17 players will be travelling from Solomon Islands to Fiji because our three players that are currently in Fiji have confirmed to join the team. If Prince confirms his national duty then we will be travelling to Fiji with only 16 players. Prince is playing really good in Vanuatu for Galaxy FC, so I think he will be joining the team as well“, the coach also expressed interest to count on Ali Mekawir in the team: “We also had a conversation with Ali Mekawir in Dubai and he also wants to be part of the team“, he added.

OFC Champions Legue: Nabenia saves the day for Rewa as he scores last minute equaliser against Suva

In an exciting and closely contested match at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, Suva and Rewa drew 1-1 in the OFC Champions League national play-off. Both teams fought hard for a win, but ultimately had to settle with a draw.

The first half of the game was largely uneventful, with both teams struggling to create clear chances. However, the game came to life in the second half, with Suva taking the lead in the 61st minute through a well-placed shot by Azariah Soromon, the Vanuatu international striker. Soromon had been a constant threat throughout the game, and he finally found the back of the net with a powerful strike that left Rewa goalkeeper stranded.

However, Suva could not defende their lead until the final whistle as Rewa refused to give up and continued to push forward in search of an equaliser. In the dying moments of the game, a cross from the right wing hit the post, and the ball rebounded towards Samuela Nabenia, who made no mistake in slotting it home to level the scores at 1-1.

Rewa and Suva players battling for the ball – *Fiji FA Media*

The goal was a huge relief for Rewa, who had been trailing for most of the second half, and it sparked wild celebrations among the team and their fans. Suva, on the other hand, were left to rue missed opportunities as they failed to hold on to their lead and secure a win.

It was a hard-fought and entertaining game between two evenly matched teams. Both sides can take heart from their performances, but will need to improve if they hope to progress further in the OFC Champions League.

On Sunday (26th Feb) the decisive encounter between the two sides will take place at Ratu Cakobau Park – the winner will seal a spot at OFC Champions League group stage to represent Fiji. The group stage will be played this May in Vanuatu.

Fijian international set to sign for Australian club

Few players from Oceania get a chance to play outside the Pacific Islands, in women’s football this is even rarer, apart from a few exceptions like Kiani Wong, Trina Davis etc. Now a player from Fiji will have this opportunity to raise her career, Vanisha Kumar will sign a one-year contract with Macarthur Rams in the Australian National Premier League.

Vanisha Kumar will join the Australian side in April as reported by local media, before that he will have the opportunity to play in the OFC Women’s Champions League that will take place in Papua New Guinea between March 9th and 17th for Labasa. This is going to be first ever edition of the regional tourmament for women’s football.

Kumar, that was born in Sydney, began playing football at the age of 11. Kumar parents hail from Lautoka. At the age of 15 she had an opportunity to try out for the Australia national team but declined as she was determined to represent her parents’ country.

Vanisha first tournament for Fiji was in 2011; she represented the country as well in the last edition of the OFC Women’s World Cup last year that was hosted in Fiji. The Kulas were beaten in the final match by Papua New Guinea.

FK Beograd’s head coach on Micah Lea’alafa signing: “It was a no brainer to add his quality on the books”

Recently, it was announced the move of Solomon Islands’ international Micah Lea’alafa to Australian football; the 31-year-old joined FK Beograd in Adelaide. The former Auckland City star is going to be a key addition to the team coached by former Vanuatu Football Federation technical director and advisor Joshua Smith. Oceania Football Center talked to new head coach of Lea’alafa about the move of the player and on his expecations for the season alongside his new signing.

“Micah’s been a player I’ve known for many years since he came to Australia to play futsal at Dural Warriors”, said Smith, “I’ve been following his career for many years and when the opportunity came up to sign him it was a no brainer for the club to add his quality on the books” added the Beograd’s head coach.

One of the main reasons Smith decided to pick Micah for the NPL’s South Australia top-tier side was his experience; the striker had played previously in professional environment and also got exposed to FIFA Futsal World Cup four times and also represented New Zealand powerhouse Auckland City at FIFA Club World Cup: “We have a very young and upcoming squad at Beograd this season and I believe Micah’s experience can really help our younger players develop into top footballers“, said the coach.

“We believe we can achieve something special this year; Micah coming into the squad gives us another quality player that can provide goals and assists for the group. The supporters want to be entertained and I believe Micah is the type of player who can do this“, said a hopeful Smith expecting a great season ahead for his side.

The Adeialde-based side was able to recruit important players in the recent seasons, mentions Smith: “Beograd is top environment, it just shows from the quality of players we’ve been able to recruit this season. Brian Kaltak joined us last season and then was signed by the Mariners“. When asked about Beograd being a possible pathway for Pacific Islands’ players to Australian football system, Smith explained: “Having the connection to Vanuatu and the Pacific Islands has definitely help me recruit them, I’m hoping we can keep the pathway going and attract more of the Pacific’s top prospects to South Australia and help them progress further“.

Lea’alafa can make his debut this coming Saturday (25th Feb) against MetroStars; the Solmon Islands’ captain new club started their season with a 1-1 draw last weekend and will hope to add his firepower to record their first season win.

Ifira Black Bird players speak after convicing win over Siaraga for OFC Champions League national play-offs

After an impressive display against Siaraga from Luganville at VFF Freshwater Stadium, Ifira Black Bird, the Port Vila champions, are very close to seal their place in the next edition of the group stage of OFC Champions League. The 3-0 win thanks to goals scored by Kerry Iawak, Alphonse Lency and Tonly Kalotang – watch the highlights here – gives the team coached by Robert Yelou a big advantage heading for their game in Luganville for the second leg of the national play-off.

“We knew we were going to win“, said Ifira BB’s winger Jonathan Spokeyjack in interview to Oceania Football Center – “In the first half we just stay hold and see how they play; in the second half we started pressing them to score goals” added Ifira’s number 7.

Ifira midfielder John Wohale was another played who speaked to Oceania Football Center after the match: “We felt so happy after the victory on the first leg of O-League play-offs! The oppoment team was strong and it was a tough game ’cause we know both teams train so hard for this tournament and for who get the chance to represent our country at OFC Champions League” said the Vanuatu international.

Spokeyjack and Wohale in action for Ifira BB – BREJ Pacific General Distribution Limited

Both players seem very focused on the second match for the play-offs; the Port Vila’s side already touchdown Luganville and are expecting another win: “We are going to win again“, said Jonathan Spokeyjack, while Wohale added: “We are looking forward to the second leg of the play-off“.

Siaraga will host Ifira Black Bird this Saturday (25th Feb) for the second leg of the national play-off in Luganville; the hosts will need to overcome a three-goal deficit if they want to achieve history and take place in their first ever OFC Champions League edition.

New Zealand-duo selected in ‘Team of the Week’ in Ireland

Nando Pijnaker and Max Mata, the New Zealand duo playing for Sligo Rovers in Ireland, have been recognized for their performance in the first matchday of the Irish top-tier football league. The team drew 1-1 against Shamrock Rovers, and both players were selected in the team of the week for their contributions to the match.

Pijnaker and Mata are no strangers to the international football scene, having already represented their country at the highest level. Pijnaker, a 23-year-old defender, has previously played for the New Zealand U-20 and U-23 teams, while 22-year-old Mata has made one appearance for the New Zealand national team.

Their solid performance in the first match of the league is a good sign for Sligo Rovers, who are hoping to improve on their fifth-place finish in the previous season. The team will look to build on this result and continue to compete at the highest level of Irish football.

Gagame Feni: “Kossa has a chance to play at OFC Champions League”

The Telekom S-League golden boot winner Gagame Feni is positive after the 1-1 draw of his side Kossa FC against Solomon Warriors for the first leg of the national play-off of OFC Champions League in Solomon Islands. The striker – who scored impressive 34 goals in the national league – was in the scoresheet one again in the match against Warriors, but unfortunately his side was not able to secure the lead as they conceded the equaliser in the early minutes of the second half. “The game was good, this if the first time for some of our boys to play in much higher level – Warriors is a consistent team all through the years” said the striker in interview to Oceania Football Center.

“I believe if we stick in our game plan and stay concentrated thorough out the game, we might have chance to play in the O-League” said Feni. Kossa counts on some important players with national team experience such as Joses Nawo and Molis Junior Gagame.

Gagame Feni in action against the Solomon Warriors – *TSL Media*

Throught the first leg, Kossa deployed a more defensive style of play that sometimes left Feni alone by himself as the sole striker for the team: “We know that they were going to come strong, so our goal was to stay intact and slide where the ball goes” adds the 30-year-old player regarding the tactics chosen by coach Eddie Marahare – “For us we need to work in some areas in attack for sure“, he also mentioned.

Feni and his teammates will be looking for a spot at the OFC Champions League group stage to be played this May in Vanuatu; Kossa has plenty of history in the tournament, but for a number of years the new Telekom S-League runners up did not participate in the regional competition,

Papua New Guinea women’s national team is defeated by Chinese Taipei

In a friendly match played at the North Harbour Stadium in New Zealand, the Chinese Taipei women’s football team recorded a convincing 5-0 win over their counterparts from Papua New Guinea. The match, played after both teams were knocked out of the intercontinental play-off for the OFC Women’s World Cup, gave the players an opportunity to showcase their skills at the international level.

From the start of the game, Chinese Taipei were in control and dominated proceedings. They took the lead in the 29th minute through a goal by Yen-Ping Chen, and then doubled their advantage just five minutes later thanks to Hsi-Hsuan Pao’s strike. Yu-Suan Su added a third goal for the team at the 36th minute, leaving Papua New Guinea with an uphill battle.

Despite their best efforts, Papua New Guinea were unable to break down the more experienced Chinese Taipei team, who continued to create chances throughout the game. Chia-Ying Ting added a fourth goal for Chinese Taipei at the 65th minute, and Hsiu-Sin Lee rounded off the scoring with a goal in the 76th minute.

For Papua New Guinea, this was a rare chance to showcase their talents at the international level, having lost their previous match to Panama by a score of 2-0. While the result may not have gone their way, the players will have gained valuable experience and will be looking to use this match as a stepping stone towards future success.

While there may not have been any major stakes at play, both sides were keen to put in a strong performance and give their fans something to cheer about. Chinese Taipei with a much more experienced side came up with the win, but it needs to be pointed that it is a very important experienced for the non-professional women from Papua New Guinea side.