Oceania Football Center

Calvin Ohasio reflects on Solomon Islands’ OFC Nations Cup campaign: “We need to stay together and train together”

Calvin Ohasio, the 24-year-old full-back for Solomon Islands, recently reflected on his team’s disappointing campaign in the OFC Nations Cup. The Solomon Islands were eliminated in the group stage after losses to New Zealand and Vanuatu. Despite the setbacks, Ohasio remains optimistic about the future and emphasized the need for unity and consistent training among the young squad.

Reflecting on the team’s performance, Ohasio noted, “The team played well, but we need to stay together and train together because the team is very young.” He highlighted the challenges of international competition, responding to fans’ disappointment with the results. “They did not understand how the team struggles with international duties. It’s not easy,” he explained.

Looking ahead, Ohasio expressed hope for better outcomes in future tournaments. “I hope the team really competes well in the coming qualifiers,” he said, underlining his belief in the potential of his teammates.

Ohasio, who plays his club football for Central Coast in the Telekom S-League, remains committed to the growth and development of the national team, aiming to turn their recent experiences into valuable lessons for future success.

Suva FC adds Solomon Warriors’ strikers duo

Jaygray Sipakana and Gagame Feni have officially been confirmed as new players for Suva FC, the Digicel Fiji Premier League side, according to an announcement by the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF). This confirmation puts an end to recent rumors regarding the transfer of these two key players from the Solomon Warriors.

In a press release, SIFF stated, “Solomon Warriors duo Gagame Feni and Jaygray Sipakana have confirmed their transfer to Suva FC. Both players, experienced in the Fiji FA competition, were instrumental in the Warriors’ last season’s TSL campaign and the recent OFC Champions League outing.”

Sipakana and Feni pictured – *TSL Media*

Both players bring valuable experience to Suva FC. Feni, who has previously played for Suva, achieved notable success with the team, while Sipakana has experience playing for Nadi in Fiji. Their addition to the Suva squad is expected to bolster the team’s attacking options and overall performance in the upcoming season.

The arrival of Feni and Sipakana to Suva FC marks a significant move in the team’s efforts to strengthen its roster with proven talent. Fans and supporters of Suva FC will undoubtedly be eager to see the impact these two experienced players will have on the pitch.

‘The Brick Wall of Port Vila’: Brian Kaltak’s Vanuatu can make history against New Zealand; will the captain lift his country first-ever major trophy?

Today, June 30th, Vanuatu’s hero Brian Kaltak has the chance to lift a trophy for his nation for the first time, as well as secure their first-ever OFC Nations Cup victory. However, their path to glory will be a formidable one, as they face New Zealand, the current champions and a powerhouse in the South Pacific. In the group stage, New Zealand triumphed over Vanuatu with a decisive 4-0 victory, highlighting the challenge ahead for Kaltak and his team.

Kaltak stands out as the only professional player in the Vanuatu squad, bringing valuable experience from his two-time championship-winning stint with Central Coast Mariners in Australia’s A-League. There, where he is known as ‘The Brick Wall of Gosford’, from where he can bring his leadership and skills to make it crucial if Vanuatu is to match up against New Zealand’s fully professional squad. Definitely, today, Kaltak will need to turn himself into the ‘The Brick Wall of Port Vila’.

To emerge victorious, Vanuatu will need to elevate their performance, drawing strength from the local crowd at Freshwater Stadium, Port Vila for the grand final match of the OFC Nations Cup. New Zealand secured their place in the final by defeating Tahiti 5-0, while Vanuatu earned their spot with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Fiji.

All eyes will be on Brian Kaltak and his team as they strive to make history and bring home the OFC Nations Cup for the first time.

Fijian scoring sensation Sairusi Nalaubu poised for New Zealand move

Sairusi Nalaubu, the prolific striker for Fiji’s national team and current player for Lautoka in the Digicel Fiji Premier League, is on the verge of a significant move to Manurewa FC in New Zealand’s Northern League. This potential transfer underscores Manurewa’s commitment to providing a pathway for South Pacific talent, particularly from Fiji, to reach higher levels of football.

Sairusi Nalaubu during OFC Nations Cup – *Fiji FA Media*

Currently representing Fiji in the OFC Nations Cup, Nalaubu has established himself as a formidable forward, earning the title of top scorer in the Digicel Fiji Premier League for four consecutive seasons. A source within Manurewa FC has revealed that the club has already applied for Nalaubu’s International Transfer Certificate (ITC), pending acceptance from Lautoka.

In addition to Nalaubu, Bruce Hughes, a former Suva attacker, is also set to join Manurewa FC, further strengthening the club’s roster and highlighting its dedication to integrating Fijian talent into the team.

Spokeyjack’s great performance propel Vanuatu to historic OFC Nations Cup final

Jonathan Spokeyjack’s superb performance against Fiji was the highlight of the OFC Nations Cup semifinal, earning him the Man of the Match award. His magnificent goal in the 2-1 victory not only showcased his talent but also secured his team a historic spot in the grand final for the first time ever. After the game, the Ifira Black Bird player spoke to Oceania Football Center about his thoughts on the match.

“We all trust each other and fight for our small nation as a team, following what our head coach and his assistant told us to play and follow our game plan,” Spokeyjack said. “We also listened to what our captain, Brian Kaltak, told us to do in the game today.”

Reflecting on the significance of the match, Spokeyjack added, “It was a game that we all needed to win because it’s now or never to play this semifinal again, but thanks to the Almighty, we made it.”

He also expressed gratitude to the supporters, saying, “Thank you to all our great supporters. You helped us win today for our nation. We all deserve it.“

Spokeyjack and his team will now face New Zealand in the grand final this coming Sunday.

Raphael Lea’i officially announced by his new club in Australia

Adelaide City FC of NPL South Australia has officially announced the signing of Raphael Lea’i, the 20-year-old international from the Solomon Islands. Lea’i, fresh from participating in the OFC Nations Cup with his national team, brings a wealth of talent and potential to his new club.

In their announcement, Adelaide City FC expressed their excitement about Lea’i’s arrival: “We are thrilled to announce the signing of 20-year-old Raphael Ohanua Le’ai Jr from the Solomon Islands! Rapha, as he’s known, boasts an impressive football resume for his age. As a striker, he has netted 107 goals in just 75 senior club and international games. His senior journey began with four years at Henderson Eels FC in the Telekom S-League. In 2023, he made a significant move to Bosnia, playing for Velež Mostar. Recent trials with Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory brought Rapha to Australia, where he has now found his home in black and white.”

Raphael Lea’i – *Adelaide City FC Media*

The post continues to highlight Lea’i’s immediate impact at the club: “Having just returned from the OFC Nations Cup with the national team, Rapha has already made a great impression, fitting in seamlessly with the squad and showing his vibrant character in the dressing room. We can’t wait for you all to see him in action and to give him a warm welcome to the club.”

Lea’i’s move to Adelaide City marks a significant step in his burgeoning career, and fans eagerly await his debut in the black and white jersey.

Vanuatu makes history to reach first-ever OFC Nations Cup grand final after beating Fiji at Freshwater Stadium

In a historic feat, the Vanuatu national team reached their first-ever OFC Nations Cup grand final by defeating Fiji 2-1 at Freshwater Stadium in Port Vila. This milestone achievement was celebrated widely across the football-loving nation. Vanuatu will face New Zealand in the final on Sunday, marking a significant moment for the team and their supporters.

Both teams were vying for their first final appearance, with Fiji having previously finished third in 1998 and 2008, and Vanuatu’s best results being fourth place in 2000, 2002, and 2008. Fiji coach Rob Sherman made strategic changes, including the return of Scott Wara and Setareki Hughes replacing Sairusi Nalaubu. Vanuatu’s coach Juliano Schmeling also had to make several substitutions due to injuries, bringing in Kerry Iawak, John Wohale, James Iamar, and Tasso Jeffrey.

The match atmosphere was electrifying, with a strong turnout from the local community and the large Fiji contingent in Port Vila. Fiji started aggressively, with Vanuatu’s new goalkeeper Iamar making crucial saves early on. Despite Fiji’s dominance, Vanuatu capitalized on their opportunities. Johnathan Spokeyjack scored the opening goal in the 12th minute, sending the home crowd into a frenzy – a minute before Bong Kalo had just lost penalty kick by hitting it into the post, but luckily Spokeyjack had the chance and took it with a sublime finish.

Spokeyjack and Kaltak celebrate Vanuatu’s first goal- *VFF Media*

Fiji equalized quickly in the second half, with Sitiveni Cavuilagi scoring his first international goal. However, Vanuatu regained the lead through Jason Thomas’s header from a corner taken by Godine Tenene in the 57th minute. The game became an intense end-to-end battle, with both sides fighting hard until the final whistle.

The victory sparked celebrations throughout Port Vila, as fans rejoiced in Vanuatu’s remarkable achievement of reaching the OFC Nations Cup final for the first time.

Potential return to Fiji is on the horizon for Solomon Islands’ star striker Gagame Feni

Gagame Feni, the dynamic striker from the Solomon Islands, is making headlines once again as rumors of his potential return to Fiji’s Suva FC gain traction. The 31-year-old forward, currently playing for Solomon Warriors, showcased his goal-scoring prowess in the recent OFC Champions League, netting both of his team’s goals before their exit in the group stage. His impressive performance has reignited interest from Suva, a club where Feni previously enjoyed a prolific stint, earning the admiration and love of the Fijian football community.

Feni’s tenure with Suva in the past saw him become a fan favorite, thanks to his consistent ability to find the back of the net. His return to Fiji would be highly anticipated, given his reputation as a formidable goal scorer in the region. At 31, Feni continues to be a significant threat on the field, as evidenced by his recent international appearances for the Solomon Islands in the Pacific Games held in Honiara last year and the OFC Nations Cup.

Gagamw Feni dining the colours of Suva – *Fijivillage*

Local sources indicate that Feni is in advanced negotiations to rejoin Suva, with a formal announcement expected soon. This potential transfer is creating a buzz among Suva fans, who are eager to see their former star don the club’s colors once more. Adding to the excitement is the news that Jaygray Sipakana, Feni’s teammate from Solomon Warriors, is also expected to join Suva soon. With the transfer window in Fiji still open, Suva supporters are hopeful that the deals will be finalized in the coming days, bringing two of their beloved goal scorers back to their ranks.

All Whites dominates Tahiti to confirm favouritism and clinch berth at OFC Nations Cup grand final

New Zealand dominated Tahiti with a resounding 5-0 victory in the semi-final of the OFC Men’s Nations Cup at VFF Freshwater Stadium in Port Vila on Thursday, securing their place in the final. Coach Darren Bazeley made only one change to the squad that beat Vanuatu 4-0, reintroducing Ben Waine to replace Max Mata. Tahiti, under Samuel Garcia, had to make one forced change due to an injury to Eddy Kaspard, with Kevin Barbe stepping in, while Matatia Paama missed the match due to suspension.

Tahiti last triumphed over New Zealand in 1995, but their recent close encounter, a narrow 0-1 loss during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, had given them some confidence. However, New Zealand swiftly took control of the match. Liberato Cacace’s early free-kick hit the post, allowing Finn Surman to score his first international goal in the eighth minute. Cacace continued to pressure Tahiti’s defense but was twice denied by the post.

Tahiti’s first real threat came after nearly 20 minutes when Tyler Bindon cleared a corner off the line, and Tauhiti Keck’s long-range effort went wide. New Zealand doubled their lead just before halftime, with Waine scoring from a Kostas Barbarouses assist. Barbarouses himself scored in injury time, ensuring New Zealand’s dominance.

New Zealand’s Ben Waine celebrates his goal – *OFC Media*

In the second half, Tahiti showed some resistance, with captain Teaonui Tehau coming close to scoring. However, New Zealand extended their lead further when Cacace set up Waine for his second goal, and Barbarouses added another, capitalizing on a rebound from an Alex Grieve attempt. Despite creating more chances, New Zealand couldn’t add to their tally, thanks to some last-ditch defending by Tahiti.

New Zealand now awaits the winner of the Fiji-Vanuatu semi-final to determine their opponent in the final on Sunday.

From Tailevu Naitasiri to the OFC Nations Cup: Mosese Nabose’s unyielding journey with the Bula Boys

Mosese Nabose, the 25-year-old full-back for Fiji and Tailevu Naitasiri, recently made his debut for the Fiji national team at the OFC Nations Cup. The excitement of being named in the final squad and the starting eleven was immense for him. “For me, it’s a huge thing to make the final cut squad and also to be named in the starting eleven,” Nabose shared. The experience of hearing the national anthem on home soil was particularly moving. “Listening to the national anthem at home is something else, it’s like giving your best no matter what the circumstances are. Defending on our own soil is on another level where families and supporters are there to watch, willing to do anything to achieve our goal which will make everyone happy.”

Mosese Nabose in action against Samoa – *Fiji FA Media*

Despite playing for a team that is currently at the bottom of the league, Nabose’s personal dedication and hard work have been instrumental in his fitness and tactical awareness. “Our team is at the bottom of the league and individually I really worked hard to get my fitness level up to that of the other district reps and also learn their tactics by observing them,” he explained. He emphasized the importance of team performance in his selection for the national squad. “The team performance is the main key to my selection because without them I wouldn’t be selected to the national squad. I am a forward player, build-up starts from the backline, and through them, I was able to score goals and assist some. Our team performance is the major factor to my selection.”

As the team heads to Port Vila, Vanuatu, to play the semifinal match against the hosts, Nabose is prepared to give his all. His journey from a local league player to a national team defender is a testament to his perseverance and dedication, inspiring many young players in Fiji.