South Africa’s Academy Award winner Charlize Theron will be the guest presenter assisting FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke during the Final Draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Friday, 4 December 2009 (19.00 local time/CET+1). They will be joined on stage by a star-studded line-up of sports celebrities, including football star David Beckham (England), one of only a few players to score in at least three consecutive FIFA World Cups, Haile Gebrselassie (Ethiopia), two-time Olympic gold medallist and nine-time athletics world champion, Makhaya Ntini, the first black player in the South African cricket team,  John Smit, the captain of rugby world champions South Africa and Bafana Bafana player Matthew Booth.

Jacob Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa, and FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter will welcome the audience at the beginning of the 90-minute live show. Guests on the day will include Issa Hayatou, Chairman of the Organising Committee for the FIFA World Cup™, Nobel Peace Prize winners Frederik W. de Klerk and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, as well as former football icons Franz Beckenbauer, Michel Platini, Eusebio and Roger Milla. The majority of the 32 coaches of the qualified teams are expected to be present at the draw. Former South African President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela, one of the architects of the first African World Cup, will address the audience by video message.

“This is a very important event for football and Africa as the Final Draw comes to Cape Town where an unprecedented six teams from the host continent will be represented. We expect a record global audience which I hope will be glued to their screens for the duration of the show,” said the FIFA Secretary General who will marshal the actual draw.

200 million expected to watch Final Draw

The Final Draw will be beamed live to an estimated audience of more than 200 million people in more than 200 territories. It has attracted unprecedented worldwide interest and an onsite presence of 2,000 invited guests and more than 1,700 media representatives.

It has taken a year of preparations, 3,600 hours of manpower and 5,000 hours of production to put together the draw show from the stage to the actual performances. This includes a world premiere with a handmade 3D animation of the Official Mascot Zakumi, enabling the animated Zakumi to interact live on stage with the presenter during the show. Grammy award-winners Soweto Gospel Choir, Beninese singer-songwriter Angélique Kidjo and one of South Africa’s most successful solo musicians Johnny Clegg will perform alongside the Jazzart Dance Company. The grand finale will feature 80 artists including internationally acclaimed musical ensemble Africa Umoja. African beats will echo through the draw, while the show will reach a fitting climax at the moment when the 32 teams discover who they will be playing and when.

A compilation of poignant films will serve as a taster of the upcoming tournament scheduled from 11 June to 11 July 2010, including a journey through FIFA World Cup™ history and features on the host country with all its remarkable offerings for fans. The programme will be hosted by popular South African presenter Carol Manana on a giant 4,800m2 stage made of 6.5 tons of steel, 1,600m2 of printed material, a 1.2 km steel handrail and 950m2 of timber.

The draw procedures and seeding process will be announced on 2 December following the meeting of the Organising Committee for the FIFA World Cup™ under the chairmanship of FIFA Vice-President Issa Hayatou.

Story courtesy FIFA Media

During his first official visit to Samoa, the German Ambassador to New Zealand has made a generous contribution to the future development of Samoa Football (Soccer) Federation (SFSF-NC).  

Newly appointed Ambassador Thomas Meister, who is based at the German embassy in Wellington, New Zealand, personally presented sports equipment valued at $24,915NZD to SFSF-NC Interim Chairman Colin Tuaa last week in Apia.

The funding is aimed at assisting the Federation, which is successfully implementing a FIFA normalisation process, with their upcoming junior development programs.

Given the history between the two nations, the ambassador is keen to maintain a close relationship between the two nations and views the donation as a way of boosting the long term development of Samoan football. 

“Our aim is to reach out to 500 teachers and we hope to reach 11,000 students who are interested in the game” said Mr Meister.

“It is widely known that our two countries are closely tied in cultural exchanges and politics. But sport is also another important way to foster the positive relationship between our government and the people of Samoa,” said Mr Meister.

The presentation was received by Acting Minister of Education Fiame Naomi Mataafa who expressed the nation's gratitude for this donation.

“We sincerely hope that through this donation the skills of the game will be passed down to Samoa. Soccer is a game that can be played by everyone,” said Fiame Naomi.

The federation is also gearing up to host a five-a-side primary schools tournament to be held on 2-4 December with 480 children aged 5-12 years participating and a seven-a-side National Youth competition on 7-9 December, which will involve 16 youth teams. All of which will be enhanced thanks to the generous contribution from the German embassy.

Courtesy of SFSF-NC Media

Samoan football has been in the spotlight this week with the re-opening of its number one international playing pitch by the OFC President and the signing of new statutes.

A Special General Meeting of the Samoa Football (Soccer) Federation (SFSF) was held over the weekend at Tuanaimato Football Complex following an official re-opening ceremony for the number one field by OFC President Reynald Temarii and the Honourable Acting Prime Minister Fiame Naomi.

President Temarii says the impressive renovation bodes well for the future of Samoan football.

“Colin Tuaa and his close team of staff are to be commended for managing this period of rehabilitation over the past few months. The playing facilities are now superb and this will naturally lead to an increase in football activities,” said President Temarii.

Founded in 1968, the SFSF has been through a challenging period recently with FIFA setting up a normalisation committee in December 2008 to administer and manage football in the country.

With former New Zealand International Colin Tuaa appointed interim chairman and Toetu Petana becoming vice-chairman, the committee has since worked hard to develop the football infrastructure, improve administrative practices and rebuild the sport.

The purpose of the Special General Meeting at the weekend was to approve the new statutes for the future of Samoan football.

Attended by eleven of the twelve affiliated clubs, Tuaa opened the meeting by highlighting the achievements of the committee since its establishment. 

“The facilities here have been refurbished and upgraded, notably the number one pitch but also the number four ground which is now in the process of being developed,” said Tuaa.

“Key staff have been recruited in compliance with the OFC Financial Assistance Programme regulations and I am also pleased to advise that a significant amount of the debt owed to creditors since the normalisation period began has been repaid. We have also established a full calendar of competitions including men’s and women’s national leagues, a national youth tournament, a business house seven-a-side tournament and a five-a-side school tournament.”

Tuaa presented a plethora of other achievements including the launch of a national identification process and participation in FIFA/OFC courses by a number of Samoan representatives. He also paid a special tribute to Desmond Faaiuaso who this year became the first Samoan player to sign with a New Zealand Football Championship franchise.

Glenn Turner, FIFA Development Officer for Oceania, says FIFA and OFC have worked closely with the normalisation committee to develop a long-term strategy known as the ‘roadmap’. 

“The federation’s Long Term Development Plan 2009 – 2011 has been finalised in collaboration with the member clubs and  provides the administration with a detailed plan for football activities and functional needs in terms of management, communication and infrastructure,” said Turner.

“With the support of FIFA and OFC, the outlook for Samoan football is bright, particularly under the leadership of Colin Tuaa. Drawing on his Samoan heritage, Tuaa has brought passion to the role and is determined to put the right people and systems in place so that in the coming years Samoa’s youth, men’s and women’s teams will once again be competitive.”

In other matters, the committee:

• Approved the decision to expel the six non-affiliated clubs from the committee; the key factor being their non-support of the normalisation process and initial refusal to affiliate in December 2008. The concerned clubs will have an opportunity to apply in the future and be accepted if they satisfy the criteria set by the committee but will have no voting rights until after the elective congress scheduled for December 2010.

• Approved the decision for Betham & Co to become the SFSF Normalisation Committee auditors.


  OFC President Reynald Temarii



  The Honourable Acting Prime Minister Fiame Naomi



  Interim chairman of the SFSF Normalisation Committee



  The refurbished Tuanaimato Football Complex

Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) is pleased to release the approved decisions from the final OFC Executive Committee meeting of 2009.

Held for the first time in American Samoa, the Executive Committee convened at the Tradewinds Hotel, Pago Pago, on 26 November. The meeting opened with a guest appearance from Lieutenant Governor Faoa Ipulasi Sunia and Monsignor Etuale Lealofi, a local minister, who were welcomed by OFC President Reynald Temarii, Football Federation American Samoa President Iuli Alex Godinet and other executive members. 

President Temarii called for a minute silence to remember those who tragically lost their lives in the tsunami that hit on 29 September, 2009. He went on to thank President Godinet for his willingness to host the OFC Executive Committee meeting and commended him for leading the Football Federation American Samoa (FFAS) into a position of strength.

“We are humbled by the hospitality shown by President Godinet and his staff in a time when the people of American Samoa are still recovering from a devastating tsunami,” said President Temarii.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the FFAS for welcoming us and for showing notable improvement in the way football is managed in this country.”

President Godinet then thanked OFC and FIFA for their continued support. 

“The OFC President and I share the same vision – to use football as a tool to help social development, education and cultural exchange. These objectives would not be possible in American Samoa if it wasn’t for the support of OFC and FIFA.”

FIFA development manager for Oceania, Serge Dumortier, who also visited Auckland last week for the FIFA/OFC Member Association seminar, praised all of the executive members for their efforts over the past year.

“This is a very active confederation and there is a lot of good development work taking place around the region, particularly with the launch of ‘Win in Oceania’ in 2009. But we also need to recognise that there are challenges ahead. That is why meetings such as this one are so important.”

Agenda items at the meeting included the 2010 budget, the FIFA-funded Win in Oceania Development Project, the Financial Assistance Programme (FAP) and calendar of OFC competitions.

For a list of outcomes see below.




The OFC Executive Committee:

• Approved the OFC Budget for 2010.

• Agreed that a formal merit system, linked with FAP, be established for financial reporting.

• Agreed the O-League format of eight teams will remain for the next two seasons.

• Agreed that the OFC qualifying format for the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014™ will be:
o Stage 1 – 12 teams will be part of the 2011 Pacific Games with the Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalist teams advancing to the next round.
o Stage 2 – The Gold, Silver, Bronze medal teams and New Zealand will play in a 4 team home and away competition. That OFC will pay the international air travel for each team based on a delegation of 21 as was the case in 2007/08.

• Agreed that U-15 and U-17 youth competitions for boys and girls will need to be introduced in each member association by 2014.

• Approved the OFC Competitions Calendar for 2010/11.  With the exception that Tahiti would like to host the OFC U-17 Championship in 2011 and New Caledonia to host the OFC Futsal Championship in 2011. The OFC Competitions Department will do an analysis on the equalisation of airfares between Tahiti and New Zealand and New Caledonia and Fiji as hosts.

• Approved the proposed competition regulations.

• Approved the recommendation of the OFC President and the General Secretary to appoint Patrick Jacquemet as OFC Technical Director from January 2010.

• Acknowledged Tahiti’s bid to host the FIFA World Beach Soccer 2011 and Oceania’s proposed bid to host the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2015.

• Acknowledged that OFC has signed co-operation agreements with the Australian Government and Australian Sports Commission, UEFA, Cuesports Community Trust, Find Your Fields of Dreams Foundation, Pacific Games Council and Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association. 

• Acknowledged that co-operation agreements between OFC and the French Government, French Football Federation, New Caledonia Government, the European Union and the CIES/FIFA/University of South Pacific and University of New Caledonia Sports Management  Programme are pending.

• Agreed on the meeting schedule for 2010-2011.

The next OFC Executive Committee Meeting will be held on Friday 19 March 2010 in Auckland, New Zealand.

The Malaita Province football fans have enjoyed double cause to celebrate over the weekend with its top men’s and women’s representative teams winning their respective Solomon Cup grand finals against Guadalcanal and Western Province.

The Malaita men defended their 2008 championship title against darkhorse 2009 finalists Guadalcanal in emphatic fashion on Saturday. The star-studded team ran away with the trophy match 8-0 in front of a lively Lawson Tama crowd of 15,000 after a totally dominant performance.

Former Solomon Islands international striker Kidstone Billy opened scoring with a double strike inside of 20 minutes while Henry Fa’arodo and Alick Maemae added one more apiece for a 4-0 lead at the break.

A further four goals flowed in the second half as Malaita continued their complete dominance with Batram Suri securing the golden boot with his ninth strike of the tournament.

The other second half scorers included Nelson Sale and Judd Molea who finished off proceedings with a brace.

There was some consolation for Guadalcanal fans as the outstanding Frazer Maebule won the player of the tournament award.

The women’s grand final was far less one sided with Western Province making Malaita battle hard for their 1-0 win.

After a first half where both teams’ defences cancelled each other out, the scoreboard read 0-0 at halftime.

Malaita began to trouble Western keeper Gladys Bako early in the second half with some long range shots on goal but after another 45 minutes of resolute defending the score remained 0-0 at the close of normal time.

The first half of extra time saw a greater level of urgency from both teams but it was Malaita who finally found the deciding goal courtesy of striker Prudence Ifula.

Ifula turned into the box after a telling pass from the left flank and delayed her shot just long enough to fool the defence before firing past Bako for a 1-0 lead.

Encouraged by this hard earned breakthrough, Malaita began to play with greater confidence and missed a handful of chances to further extend the scoreline.

But at the end of the second period of extra time the final score remained 1-0 to Malaita.

OUR TELEKOM SOLOMON CUP - RESULTS 

Men's Competition
Saturday 28th November, 2009

Grand Final

Malaita: 8
Guadalcanal: 0
Half time: 4 - 0

Third and Fourth Playoffs

Honiara: 4
Choiseul: 4
Half time: 1 - 2
Full time: 2 - 2
Extra time: 2 - 2
Honiara win 7 - 6 on penalties

Fair Play Award – Isabel Province (2 Yellows, 0 Red)

Golden Boot Award – Batram Suri (Malaita Province, 9 goals)

Player of the Tournament – Frazer Maebule (Guadalcanal)


Women's Competition
Friday 27 November, 2009

Grand Final

Malaita 1-0 Western Province

Third and Fourth Final

Isabel 3 -0 Guadalcanal

Fair Play Award – Honiara

Golden Boot Award - Sally Saeni (Isabel Province, 5 goals)

Player of the Tournament - Hesslyn Jesslyn (Western)

Courtesy of SIFF Media
  

This weekend's O-League action has seen two draws in Group A while in Group B, Vanuatu's Tafea FC have edged Lautoka FC 2-1 to move top of the table.

Auckland City FC consolidated their lead in Group A with a 1-1 draw away to Waitakere United to stay two points clear of their rivals. With an identical scoreline, AS Manu Ura picked up their first points of the 2010 season at home against New Caledonian champions AS Magenta.

Tafea FC have ended the year on a perfect note picking up a maximum three points at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Sunday afternoon to leapfrog the Fijians into top spot. An early goal from Jean Nako Naprapol and a follow-up strike from fellow Vanuatu international Francois Sakama sealed the victory for the visiting team after Valerio Nawatu had equalised during injury time of the first half.

The final match of the round between Group B's Hekari United FC and Marist FC will be played on Saturday 5 December at PMRL stadium in Port Moresby before the 2010 O-League takes a break until February.

Photo courtesy Franck Chevillard

2010 O-LEAGUE RESULTS [MATCH DAY 3]

Lautoka: 1 (Valerio NAWATU 45’ +1)
Tafea FC: 2 (Jean Nako NAPRAPOL 22’, Francois  SAKAMA 77’)
Sunday 29 November 2009
Churchill Park
Lautoka, Fiji

Waitakere United: 1 (Brent FISHER 42’)
Auckland City FC: 1 (Chad COOMBES 30’)
Saturday 28 November 2009
Fred Taylor Park
Auckland, New Zealand

AS Manu Ura: 1 (Billy MATAITAI 68’)
AS Magenta: 1 (Philippe KOKONE 46’)
Friday 27 November 2009
Stade Paea
Papeete, Tahiti

2010 O-LEAGUE TABLE

Group A

Group B

Waitakere United have been held to a 1-1 draw at home by Auckland City, despite the visiting side playing the final 12 minutes with ten men at Fred Taylor Park on Saturday.

Auckland City will take more positives from the result after securing a point away from home in their least convincing display so far this 2009-10 O-League season.

The O-League defending champions have held onto their top of the table status in Group A on seven points, while Waitakere remain two points behind.

The West Auckland club will need high scoring wins in their remaining home game against AS Magenta next round and likewise against Tahiti’s AS Manu Ura in Papeete, before aiming to beat Auckland City on match day six across town at Kiwitea Street.

Waitakere captain Neil Emblen knew his team had let a punch-drunk Auckland City off the ropes.

“I am a bit disappointed to be honest, I think we had something like eight corners in that second half and we hit the post and crossbar. It just seemed like one of those days where the ball wouldn’t go in (the net).”

And Emblen readily acknowledges that Waitakere cannot afford to let further wins slip away as the competition moves into the second phase of group play in February.

“We’ve got to win both our upcoming games against the Island teams, and win them well. Then we’ll need to beat Auckland City at Kiwitea Street and I won’t be expecting them to drop any more points before that match. We’re going to have to be on top of our game,” said Emblen.

Conversely Auckland City coach Paul Posa was relaxed post-match, saying that neither team could have “any complaints” about the result. Posa conceded that over-all he was pleased to take a point from the match given the 81^st minute sending-off of Adam Dickinson.

It was Auckland City who enjoyed the better of the opening half hour with the most notable moment coming in the 28^th minute as Ivan Vicelich beat his marker to strike a volleyed shot on target at the far post. Fortunately for Waitakere, keeper Danny Robbinson reacted superbly to tip the shot clear with his outstretched left hand.

Almost two minutes later the visitors had their early ascendancy rewarded courtesy of a cracking 25 yard shot from striker Chad Coombes after he capitalised on a loose Waitakere clearance from Ki-Hyung Lee.

Fleet footed Solomon Islands striker Benjamin Totori was consistently Waitakere’s most dangerous and elusive player and it was his neat cross over dribble and sharp low cross that inspired the equaliser on 42 minutes.

United striker Brent Fisher was well positioned at the near post and he slid in front of his marker to poke the ball past City keeper Jacob Spoonley.

That proved to be a taste of things to come as Spoonley was forced to make a string of five excellent second half saves as Waitakere strung together sustained periods of dominance. Totori continued to pose a constant menace to the City back four and tested Spoonley on four occasions.

Ironically, it was Totori who ruined the home side’s best chance to kill off the match just after the hour mark. The agile forward appeared caught off-guard by a pin point cross that evaded both Spoonley and City’s central defence. Totori successfully brought the ball down on his chest but then skyed his shot well over the bar from five meters out.

In the 70^th minute there was further disappointment for the home crowd as Fisher struck the crossbar after sustained attacks and a smart cross from lively midfielder Martin Bullock.

Waitakere continued to dominant the better scoring opportunities in the final 20 minutes but despite their greater possession, and Auckland City battling the last 12 minutes with ten men, the decisive breakthrough remained elusive.

Waitakere United: 1 (Brent FISHER 41)
Auckland City: 1 (Chad COOMBES 29)
Half time: 1-1
Saturday 28 November 2009
Fred Taylor Park
Auckland, New Zealand

Referee: Jamie CROSS (NZ)
Assistant Referee 1: Glen LOCHRIE (NZ)
Assistant Referee 2: Mark RULE (NZ)
Fourth Official: Chris KERR (NZ)

Waitakere: 1. Danny ROBINSON (GK), 2. Jason ROWLEY, 3. Aaron SCOTT, 7. Martin BULLOCK, 8. Brent FISHER, 9. Benjamin TOTORI, 10. Allan PEARCE, 11. Neil SYKES, 14. Jeremy CHRISTIE, 16. Neil EMBLEN, 17. Jake BUTLER
Substitutes: 4. Tim MYERS, 13. Dimas DA SILVA, 19. Dakota LUCAS, 20. Ryan DE VRIES, 21. Keegan LINDERBOOM, 22. Liam LITTLE (GK), 26. Jason HICKS

Auckland: 1. Jacob SPOONLEY (GK), 3. Ian HOGG, 5. Matt WILLIAMS, 6. Ki-Hyung LEE, 7. James PRITCHETT, 8. Chad COOMBES, 11. Daniel KOPRIVCIC, 15. Ivan VICELICH, 16. Jason HAYNE, 17. Adam McGEORGE, 20. Greg ULHMANN
Substitutes: 4. Sam CAMPBELL, 9. Paul URLOVIC, 14. Keryn JORDAN, 18. Paul GOTHARD (GK), 21. Riki VAN STEEDEN, 22. Adam DICKINSON, 28. Daniel MORGAN

Waitakere United: 1. Danny ROBINSON  [GK], 2. Jason ROWLEY, 3. Aaron SCOTT, 4. Tim MYERS, 7. Martin BULLOCK, 8. Brent FISHER, 9. Benjamin TOTORI, 10. Allan PEARCE, 11. Neil SYKES, 13. Dimas DA SILVA, 14. Jeremy CHRISTIE, 16. Neil EMBLEN, 17. Jake BUTLER, 19. Dakota LUCAS, 20. DE VRIES, 21. Keegan LINDERBOOM, 22. Liam LITTLE  [GK], 26. Jason HICKS

Coach: Neil EMBLEN [ENG]

Auckland City FC: 1. Jacob SPOONLEY  [GK], 3. Ian HOGG, 4. Sam CAMPBELL, 5. Matt WILLIAMS, 6. Ki-Hyung LEE, 7. James PRITCHETT, 8. Chad COOMBES, 9. Paul URLOVIC, 11. Daniel KOPRIVCIC, 14. Keryn JORDAN, 15. Ivan VICELICH, 16. Jason HAYNE, 17. Adam McGEORGE, 18. Paul GOTHARD  [GK], 20. Greg UHLMANN, 21. Riki VAN STEEDEN, 22. Adam DICKINSON, 28. Daniel MORGAN

Coach: Paul POSA [NZL]

The OFC Executive Committee and FIFA officials shared a sombre moment yesterday with a visit to American Samoa’s ‘home of football’ which was devastated during a powerful tsunami two months ago.

The visit followed an OFC Executive Committee meeting – held in American Samoa for the first time – during which members heard more about the tragic tsunami that struck on 29 September killing almost 200 people across American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga and leaving thousands homeless.

OFC President Reynald Temarii arranged for the meeting to finish early so the delegation could make the trip to Pago Park and see the damage firsthand.

Once at the complex, staff from the Football Federation American Samoa (FFAS) took the group on a tour showing them where the maintenance building and water system had been standing before being swept away and taking them inside the administration block where only twisted metal and broken doors remained.

President Temarii said it was overwhelming to see the devastation.

“This is tragic what happened here. Pago Park took four years in the making but it was destroyed in just minutes.”

FFAS staff spent weeks cleaning up the debris ahead of the Executive Committee visit and President Temarii thanked them for their efforts.

“I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to FFAS President Iuli Alex Godinet and his staff who are an example of the power of hope. They have remained positive in the face of this terrible tragedy and for that they are to be commended,” said President Temarii.

“FIFA and OFC will now work closely with FFAS, the American Samoa Government including the Governor and Lieutenant Governor as well as the local community to rebuild the headquarters so this tiny island nation can once again have a ‘home of football.’”

The dream to build the FFAS headquarters was approved by FIFA in 2003 with construction completed in April 2007.  Situated right on the harbour, the complex took a direct hit from the towering waves that struck at dawn on 29 September. Fortunately, the groundsman was the only one injured from FFAS, but the $USD 900,000 headquarters was left in ruins.

Passports and travel documents for the American Samoa U-20 women’s team were being held at the FFAS offices in preparation for their departure to New Zealand for the OFC U-20 Women’s Championship, but everything inside the building was swept away. OFC subsequently postponed the U-20 championship until January 2010.

Following the tsunami, OFC provided FIFA with a full assessment of the damage. The two governing bodies are now working closely together to see what funds are available to assist with the rebuild.

Jim Selby, Head of the OFC Technical Department for the past four years, will leave Oceania’s governing body at the end of December 2009, it was announced today.

The Australian-born technical expert, who has spent almost 30 years as a full-time coach or coach educator, joined OFC in 2006 as the confederation’s first full-time technical director along with wife Connie Selby who became head of women’s football. Connie left in 2008 to take up a position in the UAE as national women’s coach/head of women’s football development while Selby stayed on to continue his work in Oceania.

As technical director, he introduced key programmes such as ‘Just Play’ grassroots football which continues to be rolled out across the region with the support of the Australian Government who have contributed AUD$4 million towards the initiative over a three-year period.

Selby also created a Junior Framework Policy and the OFC Accreditation Scheme that set the benchmark in Oceania for coach and referee education.

He says that while he is proud of these achievements, the most rewarding aspect of the job has been the relationships established out in the field.

“I’ve developed some close friendships over the past four years and that’s the most important thing I’ll take away with me.”

Jim says that one of the key tenets of the OFC Technical Department has been to build a sustainable football development platform through improving the skills of local football people.

“I believe the game will only succeed in the Pacific if passionate local people are involved, rather than ex-pats coming in. To that end, OFC and FIFA combined to deliver “Train the Trainer” courses for member association instructors that provided capacity building opportunities for local coaches from the community level right through to the elite level.”

OFC President Reynald Temarii gave an official farewell at the FIFA/OFC Member Association seminar this week during which he applauded Jim Selby and said his work will leave a lasting legacy.

“Jim Selby was the first technical director to be employed by OFC and the first to introduce a comprehensive accreditation scheme. That initiative has been extremely successful with over 1000 coaches now accredited across the Pacific region,” said President Temarii.

“On behalf of OFC I would like to thank Jim for everything he has done for Oceania football and we wish him all the very best of luck with his future endeavours.”

OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas echoed the President’s sentiments emphasising the impact Selby has had on lifting technical standards. 

“Jim has worked tirelessly to improve standards of football across the region and up-skill local people involved in the game including players, referees, coaches, instructors, medical personnel and others. With a passionate and dedicated approach, Jim has impacted the lives of thousands of people and his work is sure to leave a lasting legacy in Oceania.”

Selby then thanked his colleagues and friends, wishing them every success in football and in life. He will finish at OFC at the end of December 2009 to join wife Connie in Abu Dhabi and evaluate future employment opportunities. He will also continue his long association with FIFA as a member of their Technical Study Group and as a FIFA Instructor.

Patrick Jacquemet, who currently works as the FIFA assistant development officer for Oceania, will be responsible for the future direction of the OFC Technical Department after Selby’s departure.

Top of the table clashes will be the feature on Match Day 3 of the 2010 O-League this weekend as all teams look to finish the year on a positive note.

Fierce rivals Waitakere United and Auckland City FC square off at Fred Taylor Park to see who will go top of Group A while in Group B, Fijian leaders Lautoka host Vanuatu’s Tafea FC at Churchill Park.

There also promises to be plenty of action in the other Group A match between AS Manu Ura and New Caledonian club champions AS Magenta in Papeete, Tahiti, while Hekari United FC and Marist FC will have to wait until 5 December for their third round Group B match.

The Tahitians kick things off on Friday evening and will be looking to pick up their first points of the season against Francophone rivals AS Magenta. But the New Caledonians have looked the stronger team so far picking up a 1-1 draw at home against Waitakere United and narrowly losing 1-2 to Auckland City.

The two Auckland-based sides face back-to-back games after their NZFC clash last weekend when Grant Young grabbed a late goal to give Auckland City the 2-1 win. Paul Urlovic has rotated in for Young for this weekend’s match as coach Paul Posa looks to prepare all of his players for their FIFA Club World Cup appearance in Abu Dhabi on 9 December.

Player-coach Neil Emblen will be back in action for the home side after sitting out the first two O-League matches through suspension but Roy Krishna has one further match to miss after picking up a red card on Match Day 1. The game is a crucial one for Waitakere who sit two points behind their cross-town rivals can ill afford to drop further points.

Lautoka are riding a wave of success after two away wins so far this season but the squad has been hit by a virus this week which has affected preparations. Despite this, the O-League newcomers go in with a full strength side and will be eager to keep their unbeaten record in front of what is expected to be a good home crowd on Sunday.

Tafea, who have returned to the competition after a year’s absence, will put up a strong challenge and could leap-frog Lautoka into top spot.  They will be calling on national team stars Francois Sakama, Jean Nako Naprapol and Geoffrey Gete  who have performed well so far.

Following the three matches this weekend, Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United FC will host Solomon Islands club Marist FC in Port Moresby on Saturday 5 December after which time the O-League season breaks until February 2010.

2010 O-LEAGUE – MATCH DAY 3 PREVIEW

This is the Official Preview for Match Day 3. Please note squads are subject to change.

Media wishing to attend any O-League match should contact the respective home club contact prior to match day. Media are encouraged to use these contacts for further club specific information or clarification.

AS Manu Ura [TAH] vs. AS Magenta [NCL]

Friday 27 November 2009

Stade Paea

Papeete, Tahiti

Local kick-off: 17H00

Referee: Peter O’LEARY [NZL]

Assistant Referee 1: Philippe REVEL [TAH]

Assistant Referee 2: Paul AHUPU [TAH]

Fourth Official: Oito PARI [TAH]

AS Manu Ura: 1. Jonathan TOROHIA  [GK], 2. Henri TAPEA, 3. Rex FAURA, 5. Philippe MORETA, 6. Aldo TAUIHARA, 7. Tetahio AURAA, 9. Jean-Francois KABEU, 10. Auguste WASHETINE, 11. Hiashi KAKE, 12. Hiroana POROIEA, 13. Matahi HAUATA, 14. Stephane TUAIRAU, 15. Henri CHANON, 16. Daniel TAPETA  [GK], 19. Heitini TUPEA, 20. Billy MATAITAI, 22. Fraddy TAUIHARA, 23. Jean-Paul FAURA

Coach: Patrick PITO [TAH]

AS Magenta: 1. Jean Yan DOUNEZECK  [GK], 2. Benjamin LONGUE, 3. Jeremie DOKUNENGO, 4. Emmanuel DIANAI, 6. Jedidja SAIKO, 7. Noel KAUDRE, 9. Paul POATINDA, 10. Pierre WAJOKA, 11. Albert ITREMA, 14. Jules WEA, 15. Steeven LONGUE, 21. Robert KAUDRE, 24. Lamo XEWE, 25. Joris GORENDIAWE, 28. Michel UREGEI, 32. Ludovic BOIT

Coach: Alain MOIZAN [NCL]

Club contacts:

AS Manu Ura: Pure Nena +689 778 679 or pure@ftf.pf

AS Magenta: Edmond Bowen +687 914 714 or edmond.bowen@free.fr

Exclusive delayed broadcast on TNTV from 7:00pm Friday 27 November.

Waitakere United [NZL] vs. Auckland City FC [NZL]

Saturday 28 November 2009

Fred Taylor Park

Auckland, New Zealand

Local kick-off: 15H00

Referee: Jamie CROSS [NZL]

Assistant Referee 1: Glen LOCHRIE [NZL]

Assistant Referee 2: Mark RULE [NZL]

Fourth Official: Chris KERR [NZL]

Waitakere United: 1. Danny ROBINSON  [GK], 2. Jason ROWLEY, 3. Aaron SCOTT, 4. Tim MYERS, 7. Martin BULLOCK, 8. Brent FISHER, 9. Benjamin TOTORI, 10. Allan PEARCE, 11. Neil SYKES, 13. Dimas DA SILVA, 14. Jeremy CHRISTIE, 16. Neil EMBLEN, 17. Jake BUTLER, 19. Dakota LUCAS, 20. DE VRIES, 21. Keegan LINDERBOOM, 22. Liam LITTLE  [GK], 26. Jason HICKS

Coach: Neil EMBLEN [ENG]

Auckland City FC: 1. Jacob SPOONLEY  [GK], 3. Ian HOGG, 4. Sam CAMPBELL, 5. Matt WILLIAMS, 6. Ki-Hyung LEE, 7. James PRITCHETT, 8. Chad COOMBES, 9. Paul URLOVIC, 11. Daniel KOPRIVCIC, 14. Keryn JORDAN, 15. Ivan VICELICH, 16. Jason HAYNE, 17. Adam McGEORGE, 18. Paul GOTHARD  [GK], 20. Greg UHLMANN, 21. Riki VAN STEEDEN, 22. Adam DICKINSON, 28. Daniel MORGAN

Coach: Paul POSA [NZL]

Club contacts:

Waitakere United: Rex Dawkins +6421 974 469 or info@waitakereunited.co.nz

Auckland City FC: Steve Vuksich +649 21 137 6106 or vuky@mcgregorbailey.co.nz

Exclusive delayed broadcast on Triangle Television from 10:00pm Saturday 28 November and on Stratos from 12:00pm (midday) on Sunday 29 November.

Lautoka [FIJ] vs. Tafea FC [VAN]

Sunday 29 November 2009

Churchill Park

Lautoka, Fiji

Local kick-off: 15H00

Referee: Norbert HAUATA [TAH]

Assistant Referee 1: Ashwin KUMAR [FIJ]

Assistant Referee 2: Salesh CHAND [FIJ]

Fourth Official: Rakesh VARMAN [FIJ]

Lautoka: 1. James CHRONOPOULOS  [GK], 2. Samuela KAUTOGA, 3. Keni DOIDOI, 4. Samuela VULA, 5. Leone VURUKANIA, 6. Malakai WAQA, 7. Valerio NAWATU, 8. Laitia QIO VUNIBOLA, 9. Nahuel ARRARTE, 10. Kamal HASSAN, 11. Sailesh SAMY, 12. Salesh KUMAR, 13. Apisai SMITH, 14. Seimata CHILLIA, 15. Marika ROBANAKADAVU, 16. Jone NAILOQI VELAQIO, 17. Muni ARVINDRA NAIDU, 18. Alivereti BALELOA [GK]

Coach: Imdad ALI [FIJ]

Tafea FC: 1. Alfred MALAS  [GK], 3. Jacques MAFIL NAWAN, 4. Roger JOE, 5. Silas NAMATAK, 6. Fredy VAVA, 7. Moise POIDE, 9. Jean Nako NAPRAPOL, 10. Richard IWAI, 11. Etienne MERMER, 13. Francois SAKAMA, 14. Asi DANIEL, 15. Jonah TURU, 16. Alphonse QORIG, 17. Geoffrey GETE, 18. Robert TOM, 19. Michell KALTAK, 20. Len MERKA [GK]

Coach: Graham DEMAS [VAN]

Club contacts:

Lautoka: Shalendra Prasad +679 999 0050 or westerncustomltk@connect.com.fj

Tafea FC: Harry Atisson +678 77 6632 or harryatisson@yahoo.com

Exclusive delayed broadcast on Mai TV from 6:30pm on Wednesday 2 December.

Hekari United FC [PNG] vs. Marist FC [SOL]

Saturday 5 December 2009

PMRL Stadium

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Local kick-off: 15H00

Starting teams to be confirmed.

 2010 O-LEAGUE TABLE

Group A

Group B

2010 O-LEAGUE RESULTS

Group A

17/10/09       Auckland City FC vs. AS Manu Ura     5-0

24/10/09       Waitakere United vs. AS Magenta     1-1

07/11/09       Waitakere United vs. AS Manu Ura    2-0     

08/11/09       Auckland City FC vs. AS Magenta       2-1 

Group B

17/10/09       Tafea FC vs. Hekari United FC            3-3

18/10/09       Marist FC vs. Lautoka                           1-3     

07/11/09       Hekari United FC vs. Lautoka              1-2

07/11/09       Marist FC vs. Tafea FC.                       0-2

2010 O-LEAGUE – LEADING GOAL-SCORERS

4 – Daniel KOPRIVCIC

2 – Brent FISHER

2 – Kema JACK

2 – François SAKAMA

1 – Nahuel ARRART

1 – Chad COOMBES

1 – Kamal HASSAN

1 – Abraham INIGA

1 – Samuela KAUTOGA

1 – Tuimasi MANUCA

1 – Benjamin MELA

1 – Etienne MERMER

1 – Silas NAMATAK

1 – Valerio NAWATU

1 – Apisai SMITH

1 – Robert TOM

1 – Benjamin TOTORI

1 – Ivan VICELICH

1 – Matt WILLIAMS

1 – Lamo XEWE

The FIFA/OFC Member Association seminar came to a close in Auckland on Wednesday with OFC President Reynald Temarii paying plaudits to the participants and sharing with them his vision for the future.

President Temarii and the OFC Executive Committee arrived for the end of the three-day workshop which involved FIFA and OFC representatives as well as the CEOs and technical directors from all 11 OFC member associations.

In closing the workshop, President Temarii sincerely thanked the participants for their involvement.

“This kind of meeting is an opportunity for the Oceania football family to share ideas and learn together how best to administer the game so that we leave a legacy for generations to come.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the participants and I pay special tribute to Serge Dumortier, FIFA development manager for Oceania, for overseeing the workshop. Without Serge as our representative in the FIFA administration, this meeting would not have been possible.”

The President went on to highlight the work OFC has done to create the opportunities for member associations to succeed on the world stage.

“What a year it has been for us. When Australia decided, with our support, to leave OFC and join the Asian Football Confederation back in 2006, most members of the FIFA Executive Committee said there would be no future for Oceania. This was perhaps my biggest challenge as President since being elected in 2004.

“Through hard work and commitment since that time, it is clear now that the situation is perfect for Oceania. We are enjoying greater representation at FIFA events than ever before and have seen a string of good results including qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ by New Zealand, progress to the second round of the FIFA U-17 World Cup by New Zealand and a victory by the Solomon Islands at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup over Uruguay – one of the fifth best teams in the world.”

In closing, President Temarii shared with participants his new vision for the future development of the confederation.

“FIFA has introduced the special programme Quality Management System, or QMS, and we have adopted the programme within OFC and the Solomon Islands as a pilot project. I want this to eventually be a focus for all of our member associations so that administrative procedures continue to improve.”

The President outlined he would be standing for re-election in 2011 and that, if he is re-elected and has the support of the OFC Executive Committee, the focus from that time will be to provide greater assistance to those member associations with the strongest performances on the field. He also stressed the importance of building future partnerships such as the AUD$4 million agreement between OFC and the Australian Government for grassroots development which was signed at the Pacific Leaders Forum in August this year.

Focus now turns to the OFC Executive Committee meeting to be held for the first time in American Samoa on Thursday 26 November (local time).

Guadalcanal and Malaita have won their way into the men's final of the 2009 Solomon Cup after taking contrasting semifinal wins on Wednesday.

In what is being hailed locally as one of the biggest upsets in Solomon Cup history, Guadalcanal fans witnessed their team outplay Honiara for a tough but deserved 1-0 win.

Guadalcanal’s winning goal came from Danny Rande in the 61st minute as he ran on to an excellent through ball and placed his shot calmly past the Honiara keeper.

Malaita had things much easier in their semifinal against Choiseul running away with that match 5-1.

Mailata striker Kidstone Billy got his side off to the perfect start with a goal inside of the opening two minutes.

He then backed that up with a powerful strike in the 24th minute and completed his hat-trick with Mailata’s fifth goal in the 65th minute.

Other scorers for the winners were George Lui and Batram Suri, while Dennis Ifunaoa scored Choiseul’s lone first half goal.

In the women’s Solomon Cup championship, 2008 title holders Malaita raised their game to out-class Isabel in their semifinal 2-0.

The defending champions scored both their goals in the first stanza, with Alice Billy opening their account on 22 minutes and Laydah Samani adding the second only three minutes after.

Malaita will be joined in the final by Western Province who also came away 2-0 winners from their semifinal against Guadalcanal.

Virginia Leve scored the first goal shortly before halftime and Marina Joe doubled their advantage on the hour mark.

Guadalcanal’s fondness for repeatedly attacking through the middle of the park failed to bear fruit against the well organised and athletic Western Province back four.

Solomon Cup Men’s Final

Saturday 28 November - Malaita v Guadalcanal

Solomon Cup Women’s Final

Friday 27 November - Malaita v Western Province

Courtesy of SIFF Media

Auckland City FC are as prepared as they’ll ever be for the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009. That was the message that came across loud and clear at the FIFA/Auckland City FC media conference in Auckland on Wednesday.

The Oceania club champions depart for UAE on Monday 30 November where they will play host club Al Ahli FCD in Abu Dhabi on 9 December in a competition that includes a cool $16.5 million USD of prize money.

Team captain and All Whites defender Ivan Vicelich says preparations have gone well and the players are eager to ride the wave of success New Zealand football has enjoyed since qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

“There’s no reason why we can’t perform as well as, for example, the All Whites did,” said Vicelich.

“They’re a fast team and a professional team so it will be very difficult but the way we’ve gone this season we’ve had some good results and the squad is looking really strong.”

Auckland City chairman Ivan Vuksich says the club has learned from their only other appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2006 and will be far better prepared this time around.

“When we went to Japan in 2006 we had to change our coach four weeks out from the tournament and we were unfit. I swore then that if we got another chance we would be extremely well prepared,” said Vuksich.

“Now with the hard work put in by Paul Posa and the other coaching staff, the boys will be going up there in excellent condition.”

The FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009 will be held from 9-19 December with the champion clubs from all six continental confederations participating plus the host nation.

As Oceania’s representative, Auckland City will play Al Ahli at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in a qualifying play-off ahead of the World Cup proper. 

OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas says that if Auckland City can play well, Oceania’s case to get direct entry into the main draw will be strengthened.

“Our existence as a confederation is measured by results on the field,” said Nicholas.

“The FIFA Club World Cup and the FIFA World Cup™ are the only two FIFA competitions where OFC does not have direct entry. We agreed back in 2007 with FIFA that we could forego our direct place in the main draw and play the host club. This was a win-win for FIFA and OFC. We believed our clubs were not as strong as the other continental confederations mainly due to the fact that many of them are amateur clubs plus we recognised that including the champion club of the host nation would enhance the tournament for FIFA.

“However, recent results from the All Whites, Young All Whites and Solomon Islands beach soccer team show we are punching above our weight. With another good result from Auckland City then once again we can put a case for direct entry into the main draw of this competition.”


For further information on the FIFA Club World Cup visit: http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/index.html

Football Federation American Samoa (FFAS) is putting the final finishing touches on its preparations for the first ever Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Executive Committee meeting to be held in the territory.

The meeting is to be held on 26 November, which by chance also happens to be the American public holiday Thanksgiving Day, at the Tradewinds Hotel’s Equator Conference Room and the participants will include OFC President Reynald Temarii and OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas.

FFAS has been working to secure a conference room for the meeting and notifying media outlets of possible interviews with one, or more, of the OFC Executive Committee to provide an update on progress made towards the development of the sport in all 11 Member Associations of OFC.

The confederation, the smallest of six within FIFA, is riding a wave of success after New Zealand recently qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

The All Whites triumphed 1-0 against Bahrain in the return-leg play-off at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on 14 November to qualify for the competition that kicks off next June.

FFAS President Iuli Alex Godinet and CEO Tavita Taumua will be observers in this committee meeting.

After acting as an observer in an executive committee meeting held earlier this year, Iuli requested that one be held in American Samoa and it was approved by all the members present.

The FFAS President, Taumua and FFAS Men’s Development Officer Ruben Luvu will be arriving with the contingent travelling from New Zealand via Samoa. The three are taking part in a FIFA/OFC Technical Seminar that concludes with the OFC Executive Meeting here next week.

OFC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Reynald Temarii (OFC President and FTF President) - Tahiti

David Chung (Senior Vice-President and PNGFA President) - PNG

Fred de Jong (Vice-President and NZF Board Director) - New Zealand

Martin Alufurai (Executive Member and SIFF President) - Solomon Islands

Lee Harmon (Executive Member and CIFA President) - Cook Islands

Ahongalu Fusimalohi (Executive Member and TFA General Secretary) - Tonga

Lambert Maltock (Executive Member and VFF President) - Vanuatu

Claude Fornier (OFC Treasurer and FCF President) - New Caledonia
 
Courtesy of FFAS Media

With the preliminary competition for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ now complete, Fiji striker Osea Vakatalesau has claimed the honour of finishing top-scorer, along with Burkina Faso’s Moumouni Dagano, by grabbing a dozen goals from nine matches.

The official facts and figures, released by FIFA yesterday, also show that Oceania recorded the highest goals per match average (4.02) across the six confederations, and the biggest win: Fiji-Tuvalu 16-0.

Vakatalesau grabbed six goals against Tuvalu and formed a lethal partnership with Roy Krishna throughout the qualifying campaign but it wasn’t enough for the Fijians who finished eight points behind New Zealand. 

Oceania Player of the Year Shane Smeltz took the spotlight in the crucial Stage 2 qualifying section with eight goals in five games before Rory Fallon sent the All Whites through with a lone strike against Bahrain in the second-leg intercontinental play-off on 14 November.

FIFA’s preliminary competition began in Samoa on 25 August 2007 and was wrapped up last Thursday in Montevideo, when Uruguay completed the line-up of 32 teams.

Attendance figures were up with some 20 million fans attending the 853 matches. However, there was a downward trend in the number of goals scored, with the total of 2,344 – or 2.75 per match – representing the lowest average since the preliminary competition for the finals in Italy in 1990.

For more facts and figures surrounding the preliminary competition for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, go to:
 
http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mencompwc/01/13/72/32/33things19.11.09.pdf