The disappointment of losing the greatest opportunity to grace the Oceania football arena has taken a drastic toll on Uncles FC. That is the word coming out of Fishing Village. Uncles FC has disintegrated with the likelihood of its most desirable stars leaving the club. Leading the exodus would be mercurial striker, Benjamin Totori, whose football career must be resurrected. Seeing Roy Krishna head off to the A-League must have been a real disappointment, therefore, any hopes of keeping himself relevant lies in his consistency and appearance at the highest level possible. The Solomon Star reported that Commins Menapi has resigned with Marist FC and Benjamin Totori has made an appearance with Marist FC strongly signaling that he is on the verge of signing with the club. Marist FC will be Solomon Islands representative at the O-League and this gives Totori the chance to maintain his place as one of Oceania's more recognizable strikers. Other reports reaching our news desk indicate that Judd Molea will be signed by Zome Mars; now a big spending club with the backing of prominent businessmen in Honiara. He will join beach wonder boy James Naka and this may just produce one of the best 1-2 punches in football in Honiara. Most other lesser known players who were all integral parts of the club will also leave the club. Hekari FC of Papua New Guinea will almost certainly sign other players left behind. Joining this exodus of players is James Naka who is currently signed with Navua FC of Fiji. Jack Whitney, Solomon Islands sensation at the Futsal Qualifiers is also with Navua. Totori may also soon join the club if he fails to sign with Marist FC. Joe Luwi, Naka's compatriot has also played with Navua in the Fiji FACT but may not feature in the upcoming BOG tournament. I applaud the initiatives taken by these players to make a living from the sport they love but what is happening now is simply nothing more than football mercenary; hired sportsmen brought specially to win tournaments and this will not help clubs develop and it may impede the development of football. Manchester United is successful because it focuses on building a club that consistently performs by recruiting wisely and then spending money to develop a wholesome product. Not employ one shot wonders who will beonly there for short periods of times and for specific tournaments. The disintegration of such a well organized club like Uncles FC has only fueled the market for football mercenaries and takes away from football a great deal more than a win in FACT, in O-League or the Super 8 in Honiara. In this regard, respective football administrations must strengthen laws to encourage clubs to concentrate on developing a pool of great players rather than hiring and firing for short term gains. Mercenary has no place in football development.

I am afraid, I just need to ask this question. Lately, I have noticed that some post on the Oceania Football Confederation website will either have comments disabled or otherwise, older comments are deleted and the threads are no longer available for further commentary.  Which begs the question - Is the OFC watchdogs out to clamp down to the online rivalry that exist on this space?  Or have they become delusional about the obvious highjacking of the site by die-hard Solomon Islanders?

Passion about football runs deep in these sunny islands and most Solomon Islanders will head out in droves to watch their favorite teams play.  Add a Solomon Islands national side who is consistently winning and you see the numbers spike.  Nowhere else in Oceania will you find such passion.  We firmly believe and some quitely quip from time to time that we are indeed "the Brazilians of the South Pacific".  Our onfield displays do support that notion.  We do not play "jogo bonito" but play a similar free flowing game and like the Brazilians there are days we have a talent laden team which regularly loses.  So we are the South Pacific Brazilians.  In the heydeys when England played the long balls, kick and chase football; the Fijians were surely the English of the South Pacific.  The Samoans are the Greeks of the South Pacific; a one hit wonder that can upset any perenial favorites.  

But back to the original intent of this post.  Why have we seen the comments removed.  I agree the quality of commentary has deteriorated considerably and it has become overrun by Solomon Islanders but has anyone taken a look at the ESPN website.  The racism, insinuation and hate that goes on there is certainly overwhelming.

So what is it that the OFC media team has found so frustrating to even think about disabling commentary on their news items?  Every deserving soccer fans in Oceania deserves a good answer?  If we are experiencing some upgrade glitches then by all means let us know too.  Otherwise, the policing is best left to the "guys in blue" and let the talk continue even if it just some silly Solomon Islanders carry on with their usual banter.

I spoke with Dr. Kenton Sade, Uncles FC’s Team Manager/President, a few years ago and asked him what his vision for the club was. He said in the long term, “we hope to qualify for the O-League in 2009″. After the results of today’s game, that vision is still very much alive. But if the arrival of soccer ace Benjamin Totori, Judd Molea and Kidston Billy to spearhead that campaign was supposed to be a good omen; it has produced little result. As a matter of fact, this touted “star-studded” lineup has done little to calm the nerves of the ever faithful Uncles FC faithful. Last week, the team crumbled and lost 2-1 to powerhouse Makuru FC. To be fair to Makuru, they were exceptional and in that game they were able to score goals when it mattered. This week, Uncles FC dug themselves a pit hole and then climbed out of it in dramatic fashion.

 As usual by the time this Uncles faithful was still making his way to the field, Uncles was already up by a goal.  But judging from last week when they went up first only to lose in the end, I was still skeptical.  A fairly contested game ensued before Benjamin Totori was sent through by Kidston Billy, he beat his men, left Francis Aruwafu sprawling and as he was about to tap the ball in Aruwafu caught him in the foot sending the mecurial striker crashing to the ground.  Judd Molea calmly slotted the spot kick, Aruwafu reacting a split second too late.  Half time and Uncles were up by 2 goals.

Then complacency set in, Judd miskicked passes and tired legs in the defense finally showed worrying signs of wilting under the Marist onslaught.  Marist coach Patrick Miniti was forced to bring in Johan Doiwale.  His fresh legs shredded the Uncles defense and within 5 minutes of his arrival he had already provided a well timed pass for Marist to score their first goal.  5 minutes later he was the recepient of a better pass and his piler left little hope for the Uncles keeper to shut out.  The Uncles bench reacted quickly by bringing in a defensive midfielder Stephen Sikou then moments later adding Steven Riqeo the towering 6 footer replacing an injured Eddie Ngaitini.

It was then that a clearly frustrated Kidston Billy turned the tide as he found Judd Molea.  Molea’s beautifully timed pass to Totori set the speedstar towards goal.  Totori sent the crowd into a major frenzy as he tipped the ball over the oncoming Aruwafu.  Moments later it was Totori who was now provider as he set Billy on his way towards goal.  From close range, Kidston Billy squeezed the shot under Aruwafu to put Uncles up 5-2.  Stephen Sikou drove the final nail into the coffin as he latched onto a pass from Kidston Billy who had beaten an offside trap to beat the defenders and the goalie.  A four goal fest in the second half was hardly what I had expected but it does send out a strong signal to all competing teams that Uncles FC will score if you allow them to.

This is  2009 and here comes Uncles FC.  After the disappointment of last week, maybe - just maybe this time like Dr. Sade had envisioned, it is Uncles FC’s turn to grace the O-League.  In all that fun; it is encouraging to see Benjamin Totori slowly regaining his lethal instincts in front of goal.  Uncles FC will need that to advance far in its campaign for the O-League spot.

I never quite read the editorial today on the Solomon Star but I did skim through to see that the gist of the article was a congratulatory message aimed at Koloale for their achievement in Auckland.  But let me throw caution to the wind and spend a few moments to share my thoughts.

Another year, another missed opportunity and yet the football fraternity is ever so quiet about what it hopes to achieve for the Solomon fan.  Oh yes, today the back page of the Solomon Star was littered with high praises but the harsh reality is Solomon Islands is nowhere near attaining anything grand in Oceania.  The finer achievements have been Tahiti's qualification to the U20 World Cup and their near miss at the recent U17 championship in New Zealand.  And what cause do we have to celebrate?  A lousy insignificant draw at the O-League finals long after Auckland had ensured its passage to Dubai.  Its sad Solomon Islands fans do not see that.  We are proud of our exploits in futsal, beach soccer and the O-League but we fail miserably at the 'real' game;  it is time we all say it is enough; quit the high fives and SIFF get some serious programs on the ground to ensure that we succeed at the highest level possible.

How do we do that?  The first step is really to allow clubs to move towards semi-professionalism.  I have heard of business people who are willing to spend money and some who are already spending money.  The wave for change has reached unprecedented levels and yet SIFF sings the same monotonous tune 'it cannot be done!'.  I say it can be done - it just takes creativity and commitment.  The football fraternity has become complacent, self-indulgent and lacking imagination so change is long overdue.

My dear brother had an interesting concept which I am very supportive of.  He said why not commercialize the game?  How about inviting investors to buy into soccer?  Selling all rights to a business venture that will actively market, organize and run the league; it is a workable idea and I believe it may be the way forward.  If not a business perhaps an affiliate of the Queensland State League but which is wholly administered and run by them.  They will certainly bring new ideas and set new standards and goals for soccer in the country.  It is worth a shot.

I know this for sure; it is time we stopped congratulating ourselves and making a big deal over some insignificant achievement that will do nothing for football in this country.

Waitakere United has conceded defeat and now look forward to 2009 to make its long anticipated redemption.  If there was anything to be drawn from this year's trek to Japan, then it is that we have not only a long and winding road, but an uphill one too.

Whilst clubs like Waitakere and Auckland may soon have the capacity to attract fringe J-League or European professionals, it will be very difficult for 'island' clubs to follow suit.  New Zealand FA now has a geniune case to pursue a semi or professional league of its own.  However, we in the islands just do not have the potential to do that.  Not only do we lack the financial backing, the capacity is just not there.

So am I advocating a surrender?  No, I am calling for a more concerted effort from the entire Oceania.  We have a unique chance and our hope lies in the totality of our approach.  Our success will lie in our unity to persevere as a single entity.  Simply because we do not have the capacity, financial or otherwise, to go at it alone like Australia, England and the rest of the world.  Here a two simple suggestions.

Firstly, our hope lies in exporting our players to compete in professional leagues beyond Australia and Asia.  Our target group should not be the Totori's, the Krishna's or Maemae's.  They have had their chance; now we are looking for younger talents like these boys to attend academies and develop the basics right from the very beginning.  Take a look a Christian Kerembeu, he left New Caledonia at 17 and graced the World Cup at his peak.  It is unfortunate that our current crop of top Oceania players are well past that point.  If Totori or Krishna were to break into the MLS or a 3rd tier league in Europe then congratulations to them but it will never help our O-League teams to compete.

Secondly, the right winning formula is for our "island" federations to develop schools of excellence, develop long term strategies to be competitive.  These should not be your once in a blue moon workshops but world class coaching and development programs.  That is the only way forward, that is the only way we can truly compete in the World Club Championships.  Until some form of professionalism takes root in the 'islands' I have no qualms with FIFA ensuring that Oceania champions still play the playoffs to earn a spot in the WCC. I am glad this time it was not Kossa up against Adelaide United.

 However, harsh that may be; lets look to the future with bigger plans.

I know very little about Hekari United, even far less about the PNG league but certainly Solomon Islands can draw some inspiration from how the Hekari United management is working overtime to ensure that PNG competes in the O-League. Under the leadership of John Kapi-Natto, Hekari has taken a decisive step in bringing PNG football to compete in the O-League.

There have certainly been other clubs representing PNG at Oceania's elite club championships but none has taken the approach Hekari United has embarked on. Hekari has recruited wisely through its strong relationship with Marist FC of the Solomon Islands and through its Australian contacts sent its players to play in the Queensland state leagues. Now they are in Honiara, seeking warm-up matches for their debut in the O-League. This certainly brings to question what our own O-League rep will be doing to build up towards the competition proper? Have we really tested ourselves to see areas in which we can improve to compete well in the championships? I think in a big way, Hekari United is showing some forward thinking in its approach. Simply because in testing its strength against Solomon Islands teams in the shape of our Solympics side and Marist, Hekari United will certainly go home with a better idea of what it would need to do to really compete in the O-League. Under the leadership of an insightful, enthusiastic leader like John Kapi-Natto, look for Hekari United to turn some heads in O-League 2009. It wouldn't be because of its large Solomon Islands import but simply because it has leadership with vision and a will to succeed.

Commins Menapi scored as Makuru held Super 8 Champions Koloale to a 1-1 draw in the Our Telekom National Club Championship yesterday.

His goal came early in the second half from a Derrick Taebo cross after the two teams failed to find the net in the first stanza.

Yesterday's afternoon showers did not help in the teams' quest for goals.

But Menapi's first appearance after his return from Waitakere united last week added excitement to the game as the two Pool B teams fought for supermacy.

Makuru opened with an attacking game and Menapi and Alick Maemae made several attempts on goal earlier.

Koloale midfielder Henry Koto hit back in similar fashion but John Morgan was on spot to save the ball.

As the drama continued more shots on goal came from the teams but the slippery conditions did not help much.

At the breather; there were tied at 0-0.

Coming into the second spell, Makuru with the combination of Batram Suri, Alick Maemae and Derrick Taebo found Menapi just in time in front of the goal mouth to score.

The goal gave energy to the game as the two teams took their chances.

Menapi nearly extended Makuru's lead a shot time later but his shot was off target.

As the game entered the last 10 minutes, Koloale made two substitutions and brought in Oscar Sara and Priestly Futa.

It paid off with five minutes to go when Futa found the equaliser with a powerful shot.

The draw gave Koloale five points from 3 games and are currently leading pool B. Makuru are second with four points from 2 games.

Source: Charles Kadamana | Solomon Star

Honiara, Solomon Islands; The finals of the Super 8 Challenge ended last night as Uncles and Koloale battled for first place. It was initially a fiery contest until tired legs and ill-discipline turned it into a lethargic game that fizzled out as the game progressed. However, at the end of the day Koloale reigned supreme as it capitalized on defensive errors and a short-handed Uncles team to win 2-1 in extra time.

Earlier in the day both Makuru and Marist ran rampant scoring 9 goals in total and Makuru consolidating the third position with a 6-3 demolition of a young but inexperienced Marist side lacking the services of Benjamin Mela, Abraham Iniga and Jack Samani. Alick Maemae returned to the Makuru line-up and scored within 7 minutes to start the goal scoring spree. Marist was still in the game until veterens Batram Suri, Maemae and Lui ensured that Makuru had a four goal cushion in the second half. Marist scored a consolation goal to finish the game 6-3.

Finals | Uncles vs Koloale

The finals was a well contested game. Koloale was resolute in defense and clearly dominated possession. Uncles for all its flair and energy could not create clear chances for its lethal combination of Judd Molea and Junior Billy to score. It was Koloale who broke the deadlock in the first half when Richard Anisua pounced on a rebound to score the easiest of goals. It was perfect timing and with the Uncles defense in disarray. To compound their misery, Uncles captain George Kwanae's crude tackle early in the second half earnt himself an early shower. A revamped defense was immediately put in place as Tas was brought in and Bata Furai was shifted to anchor the defense. It worked well as Uncles was able to hold off the pacy Lency Saeni and Oscar Sara at bay. In what seemed like a cruel twist of fate, second half substitute Brian Feni earned Uncles a penalty in injury time when Koloale appeared certain to win 1-0. Judd Molea's well taken penalty beat Ramoni and the scores were level.

In injury time, the pace slowed but still both sides persisted. Another crunching tackle and red card for Bata late in injury time was perhaps the final straw. The Uncles defense crumbled and Koloale with a 2 men advantage, the Uncle's defense was a gaping hole. A well constructed build up saw Lency Saeni unmarked outside the penalty area. He was quick to launch a perfect lob over the oncoming keeper and sealed the win for Koloale.

It was a disappointing game for Uncles but they need to work on discipline and composure. Their midfield was not functioning as it should and so Molea and Billy were starved off possession. Congratulations to Koloale, they maintained control and created more scoring opportunities and shots on goal. The U-F-C chant was silent and many disappointed Uncles fans will point to the red cards as the ultimate let down.

Bring on the National Club Championships.

NCC Updates

It is reported that Honiara has been awarded 4 slots in the championships with an additional reserved spot for Kossa. Requests by Malaita, Guadalcanal and Western Provinces were denied on the basis that extra teams from provinces will dilute the competition. The NCC should have 10 or 12 spots available and with only 5 provinces confirmed, it may be reasonable to conclude that the 5 teams from Honiara will make up the numbers for the competition.

Honiara, Solomon Islands:  The Super 8 Championship started with a bang and last night, football fans were not disappointed as Honiara was treated to another scintillating display of football.  It was semi-finals night with Makuru taking on Koloale and Uncles against Marist. Two former O-League representatives against the rough, young and rugged outfits of Koloale and Uncles.  It was the Uncles fans who turned out in numbers, trumpets, a chant and all. 

The atmosphere was slightly dampened when the first semi-finals between Makuru and Kola'ale went into extra time, both teams locked at 2 all and eventually to the spot kicks.  To add to the fanfare, the floodlights suddenly went off and the whole stadium was cast into darkness.  The fans never seemed to let the mood die as flashlights went on, mobiles started ringing, cameras flashing and a fervent "power, we want power" chant broke the silence.

Makuru vs Koloale

Makuru went into the breather with a goal advantage.  Veteren Batram Suri scoring from a free-kick.  Koloale returned in the second half determined to get a goal and were rewarded with a penalty when John Iani was cited by the referee for handball in the area.  Richard Anisua drew the teams level with a well taken penalty.  Makuru appeared all out of sorts as it tried to regain its advantage only to fall behind when it failed to clear and Henry Koto laid off a brilliant header to Oscar Sara who made no mistake from a tight position.  Then the hunting fray began, Makuru for an equaliser, Koloale falling back on defense and countering.  Time and time again, Makuru persisted and finally found an equaliser in injury time when a perfect cross found George Lui in the area.  His window of opportunity closed fast so he passed off to Reginald Afia who made no mistake from close range.  In extra time, both teams missed opportunities that would have won the game, none more so then Paul Kakai and George Lui who both misfired in front of goal. 

By the time Makuru's Nelson Sale stumbled and missed his penalty, Makuru knew they were losing their grip on a trip to the final.  And as Shadrack Ramoni had done all afternoon, his brilliant save from a Ben Kunua penalty sealed Makuru's fate.

Afterthought

It would be of no surprise that Kossa dominated and won against Makuru in the pool games as the team that showed up on Monday was porous in defense, disjointed in midfield and ever reliant on veteren Batram Suri's tired legs.  Having said that Kolo'ale brought younger players who have matured through their ranks and played a significant role in the win.

Uncles vs Marist

This was the game, fans had flocked to watch.  After waiting for 3 hours, the first half was a disappointment as nerves were unsettled and tempers flared.  A quick succession of cautions from referee Andrew Moli was enough to quell the situation and Marist were quickest to settle in.  Daring runs by Michael Misitana and the constant threat from Joachim Rande was always problematic for George Kwanae and Eddie Ngaitini.  George was especially guilty, giving away easy balls and missing crucial challenges.  The first half ended goalless.

Much of the same pace and style of football was shown early in the second half.  Uncles were desperately losing control in the midfield and Judd Molea's attempts were always met with a flurry of desperate attacks.  Junior Billy had the best chance early on in the half as he collected a through pass and misfired over the cross bar.  It would appear as the game would be headed to extra time when Michael Misitana was crudely brought down in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot.  Misitana stood up to take the spot kick but a well-timed save by the keeper kept the game safe for Uncles.

The real drama began in extra time when Uncles midfielder Michael was brought down in the area.  Judd Molea coolly slot the penalty past Fred Hale and Uncles were suddenly brought to life.  Brian Feni entered in place of injured Temoa and immediately changed the pace of the game.  Uncles began a series of onslaught which finally saw them dominate the game.  With the ever present Iannie and his silky moves, Uncles were always threatening.  Within a span of 5 minutes left in extra time, Uncles went 3-0 ahead.  Both goals were results of brilliant work and classic Uncles football.  Shot passes, straight running and well taken shots from Gibson Daudau & Loea Aaron sealed the victory for Uncles FC.

Post Mortem | Looking ahead

If Uncles wants to win the finals, it must impose itself early in the game.  They were let off the hook by a Marist side lacking experience and composure.   Koloale is a seasoned campaigner with experience from Marlon Houkawara, Henry Koto and the brilliant Shadrack Ramoni in goal.  Lency Saeni will be quick in the flanks and Richard Anisua has scored brilliant goals of late.  Uncles must learn to play a cohesive game and dominate the midfield with Fulton Temoa and a rejuvenated Brian Feni relishing a chance to be back in the starting lineup.  Judd Molea had a 'off-day' by his standards but Junior Billy is quick and has finally shown good instincts and confidence to score goals.  Their combination with Iannie will be devastating if the midfield can consistently create space and chances for Billy, Molea and Iannie.  Defense will be a problem if George Kwanae and Eddie Ngaitini cannot communicate.

Of course the questions being asked now is, is Makuru eligible for the National Club Championship? Will Kossa be given the fourth and final spot HFA is applying for.  Either way look for a champion as the finals are played later today.  The chants "Give me a U - Uncles, Give me a F - Football, Give me a C - Champion" just might echo the loudest today.

Honiara, Solomon Islands;  It was a fitting finale to a classic show by Kossa FC's James Naka as he scored Kossa's third and final goal of the afternoon.  Kossa FC now heads to New Zealand on a 2 goal cushion needing only a draw to complete its dream run to the FIFA World Club Championship in 2008.  90 minutes away and with one hand firmly on the championship, one man may hold the key to Kossa's dream; James Naka.

By this morning, Naka was still the talk of the town and everyone who could get their hands on the dailies were poring over the pictures and stories, reliving those moments.  To a certain degree, Naka's brilliance on that day overshadowed Benjamin Totori's momumental move to the US League.  Joe Luwi may have been credited with the two initial goals but Naka had a hand in both goals before sending the crowd delirious with his own personal goal of the game.

While Waitakere's frontline sputtered and misfired, Kossa FC's dynamic triplets; Reginald Davani, James Naka and Joe Luwi were in scintillating form as they dominated midfield possession and utilized every chance that came their way.

Waitakere's departing star, Benjamin Totori did show some class of individual brilliance but admittedly, it was James Naka's moment as he put on a show football fans in Honiara will remember for a long time.  OFC Media commentators have already predicted a bright future for this young man, expressing hope that the Beach Soccer World Cup in Marsaille, France may just be Naka's route to individual stardom.

Earlier in the day, Naka's thunderous left shot ricocheted off the crossbar and as a stunned Richard Gillespie watched helplessly , Joe Luwi was quickest to react to score Kossa's first goal.  Joe Luwi's predatory instincts were again on display when Gillespie spilled a Davani shot to put Kossa FC 2 goals ahead.

Returning from the break, Kossa FC conceded an early corner and as it had done all evening, Kossa's defense left Aefi isolated and Jonathan Perry climbed highest to nod home a vital away goal.  A goal down and with the heat taking its toll, the game tapered off into a grinding halt.  As time drew to an end it would seem like Waitakere were resigned to heading home to finish the job.  However, a clearance by Aefi was collected by Naka and in one moment of brilliance he threaded his ways past 2 defenders and laid off a pass to Reginald Davani.  Davani's through pass was timed to perfection as Naka burst past another 3 defenders to coolly collect the return and put the ball past Gillespie.

LOOKING AHEAD FOR THE RETURN LEG
Waitakere United FC impressed in how it was able to maintain its form in 90 minutes of football.  Their passes were crisp and they controlled the game well but lacked finishing.  One of those brilliant chances was initiated by Totori as he left Seni Ngava in his wake but his cross beat everyone including the incoming Commins Menapi and Allan Pearce.  A notable omission was the absence of a holding midfielder forcing Menapi and Totori to play deeper than they normally would.  It was also apparant that it is difficult to play Totori and Menapi in the same game as both as adept to being central strikers.  To compensate Coach Milicich opted to give Totori free-reign and handing Menapi the central holding strikers position. But with Kossa's swarming defense, chances were few and far between.  With captain Danny Hay returning from injury, Waitakere will bolster its defense and most probably focus on shutting Naka, Luwi and Davani down.   Kossa should be prepared to face an entirely different Waitakere at home in a harsh cold evening in Auckland.  Coach Milicich declaring "we will win 2-0" and with a million dollar payday beckoning, you would think that Waitakere will come armed to the teeth to defend its place as Oceania's best club.

There is enough talent with a deep substitute bench to keep momentum and win games.  However, Kossa must improve defending against set pieces.  Too many times Menapi, Sykes, Emblen and Perry were left unmarked with almost all set pieces resulting in an attempt at goal.  The weather will also play a pivotal role in the game.  It will be cold and lining up against a wounded opponent on its home turf is going to be very difficult.  Defense now becomes priority so Gideon and Takayama must impose leadership and communication to direct the team.  Luwi must impose himself in the game because if Waitakere will continue to exploit the flanks to attack, Luwi's role and vision from the center of the park will be vital on the counter.  Davani must avoid going at it alone; instead he should be first reciever and then feeding of breakdowns by Luwi and Naka.  Committing himself into the fray will only clog the lane and frustrate Naka.  Tome Faisi and Seni Ngava have done well in defense and negating any threat from Totori and Pearce at the very first instance should be priority.

NOTABLE PLAYERS
Allan Pierce stood out as Waitakere's best performer of the day.  Whilst Jason Haynes brought some spark into the game, it was Pearce who was consistent, defended well and provide vital breaks and crosses.
For Kossa FC, James Naka undoubtedly worked hardest and was clearly determined to win and he walked away a winner in every regard.  There was ample support from Davani and Luwi and their combination with Naka will prove vital in the return leg in New Zealand on 11th May.