HONIARA - Solomon Islands Katukatu and Koloale celebrated a unique Junior Cup success as visiting Port Moresby U-14 formed a warm bond with Solomon Islands football fans at the weekend.

Port Moresby U-14 - in Honiara to compete in the Zome Cup and Junior Wantok Cup - turned in some heartening displays during the weekend finishing third and second in the respective competitions.

Katukatu's victory in the Junior Wantok Cup goes alongside the Solomon Islands U-23 victory in the Wantok Cup held back in July.

Koloale - winners of the six team Zome Cup competition - emphasised the current strength of the Koloale School of Excellence.

Port Moresby U-14 competed in the six team Zome Cup and then in the one-off Junior Wantok Cup against Katukatu.

Port Moresby U-14 coach Wayne Taylor was complimentary in defeat describing both the tournament and one-off match as a success.

“The Zome Cup and Junior Wantok Cup were both well organised competitions and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Solomon Islands,” Taylor said.

The Zome Cup competition included six teams from around Solomon Islands and the visitors from Port Moresby.

Koloale School of Excellence won the Zome Cup.

Marist was the runner up with Port Moresby U-14 finishing third.

Mbua Valley, Florence Young and Kossa finished behind the front runners.

With the Zome Cup finished by Saturday, Port Moresby U-14 met Solomon Islands Katukatu in the Junior Wantok Cup Final at Lawson Tama Stadium.

The first half belonged to the Port Moresby U-14 but it was Katukatu who took a 1-0 lead into the halftime break.

Katukatu scored two second-half goals to take out the match and the tournament.
 
Two goals to Ben Akao and a goal straight from a Watson Mamai corner sealed the win.

Despite this, chances went begging for the Port Moresby U-14.

They produced at least three decent half chances which they failed to utilize but coach Wayne Taylor was happy the team had won the hearts of local fans.

A Papua New Guinea youngster on the ball at the OFC U-12 Festival of Football last year

ZOME CUP - FINAL PLACINGS

1.    Koloale
2.    Marist FC
3.    Port Moresby U-14
4.    Mbua Valley
5.    Florence Young
6.    Kossa FC

JUNIOR WANTOK CUP FINAL

Solomon Islands Katukatu vs. Port Moresby U-14    3-0

PORT MORESBY - Kila Kila and Jubilee Secondary schools, Badiagwa and Gordon head will chase secondary school football glory when the four teams contest the Grand Final of the Boys' and Girls' National Capital District Secondary School Soccer League (NCDSSSL) competition in Port Moresby this week.

Kila Kila and Jubilee will contest the NCDSSSL Boy's Grand Final with Badiagwa and Gordon to meet to decide the Girls'.

"This year was the first season of the schools league and it was very good to see more secondary and high school students in Port Moresby participating," Niebo said.

The popularity of football in Papua New Guinea has lifted, particularly amongst women, following on from this year's brave showing by the international women's side in the Women's Olympic Football Tournament against New Zealand.

The match was the first live television broadcast of a women's international football match in Papua New Guinea's history.

Despite losing 0-2 to the New Zealand Football Ferns, the impact of the Papua New Guinea women's team performance and telecast of the match has combined to draw more girls into football.

Papua New Guinea's women's team also won the XIII South Pacific Games gold medal in Apia last year.

In the Girls' competition, Badiagwa secondary won a pool containing Gerehu, POM Grammar and Gordon Secondary schools.

The teams then split into twom semi-final showdowns.

Badiagwa's pedigree shone through with a 2-0 win over Gordon in one, as Gerehu Secondary edged POM Grammar 2-0 in the other semi-final.

The boys final will be contested by Gordon and Badiagwa Secondaries while Kilakila and Jubilee Secondaries will contest the third place playoff.

Both Grand Finals will be played next Wednesday 24 September, 2008.  

Niebo said the next season will be much bigger with more teams expected in both boys' and girls' competitions.

A raft of sponsors helped make the inaugural schools competition a big succes, Niebo said.

"We had great support from Joshua Seriba of SES Limited, John Kapi Natto of Hekari Group Limited and Joe Ealadona of NBC as sponsors of the league this year," Niebo said.

"This competition is a big league in its own right. We've aimed at creating more opportunities for youngsters to play football and develop their skills and talents and without the tireless efforts of the competition committee, our wonderful sponsors and the tournament officials, we may not have had such outstanding success."


OFC U12 Festival of Football cultural performance: PNG has a rich background in supporting regional football


Eyes on the ball: Youngsters limber up ahead of their match at Port Moresby Stadium in 2007


NCDSSSL Grand Final Boys

Wednesday 24 September, 2008

Gordon Secondary School vs. Badiagwa Secondary

NCDSSSL Grand Final Girls

Wednesday 24 September, 2008

Badiagwa vs. Gerehu

HONIARA - Honiara’s soccer mad population will  witness international matches between a visiting Port Moresby Under 14 side and local sides at the Slomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Academy and Lawson Tama Stadium.

The visiting Port Moresby team will arrive on Saturday and  be accommodated at the SIFF Academy Allan Boso complex.

They will play in a round-robin competition against five local teams, Kossa, Koloale and Marist Schools of Excellence and two primary school teams from Florence Young and Mbua Valley.

On Sunday, the visting PNG side will take on a Under 14 select made up of players who represented the country in Fiji and PNG in the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Youth Festival in 2006 and 2007 respectively in another competition called the ‘Junior Wantok Cup’.

Flying Arrows Ba from Fiji have completed their participation in the 2008 Danone Nations Cup with some exciting performances against Indonesia, USA, Spain and Ireland.

On Saturday Fiji faced Indonesia in their first match and scored an emphatic 1-0 win which set them up for an afternoon date with the USA. Fiji battled hard and produced a determined competitive performance against the CONCACAF champions but eventually succumbed to a 1-0 loss.

On Sunday Fiji faced Spain in a battle for spots 21-24 in the tournament. Fiji fought hard before going down 3-1 and were drawn against Ireland for their final game of the tournament. Heavy legs and tired bodies got the better of the Fijian side in the final match and they lost 2-0, finishing a respectable 24th place in the tournament of 40 internationl teams.

Year after year, the Danone Nations Cup goes from strength to strength. With some 40 teams taking part, over 27,000 spectators, 260 accredited journalists from every continent (32 nations represented) and ever greater enthusiasm, the Danone Nations Cup is the world's leading tournament for youngsters in the 10-12 age group. This year, seven new countries made their debut in the tournament - Mauritius, Egypt,Guatemala, India, Qatar, Fiji and the United States. Altogether, 800 young footballers from 40 countries wore their national colours with pride over the three days of the competition.

Besides being a fantastic showcase of sporting talent, the Danone Nations Cup is a real emotional adventure for the youngsters involved, complete with the tears of defeat and the joy of victory. In addition to the competitions, the 640 children spent four days sightseeing in Paris, visiting symbolic French landmarks like the EiffelTower and Trocadero, and taking a boat trip on the Seine. A unique opportunity for all these kids to live their dream to the fullest.

Once again, the Danone Nations Cup has succeeded in its aim: to give children from all over the world an unforgettable experience, under the knowing smile of Zinédine Zidane, an ambassador for ELA, an association to which the proceeds of the competition are donated.

Fiji Results

Friday 5 September

Fiji 0    Netherlands 0         (2-3 pens)

Fiji 2    Qatar    0

Fiji 0   Belgium 0                 (4-5 pens)

Saturday 6 September

Fiji 1   Indonesia 0

Fiji 0  USA 1

Sunday 7 September

Fiji 1 Spain 3

Fiji 0 Ireland 2

 

NOUMEA - Women's youth football will take centre stage at Paita as Federation Caledonienne de Football's (FCF) FIFA Goal Project is put through it's paces by age group teams from across New Caledonia.

The FIFA Goal Project at Paita was opened in a blaze of celebrity as FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter and Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) President Reynald Temarii joined Federation Caledonienne de Football (FCF) President Claude Fournier in May as part of the Karembeu Jubilee celebrations.

FIFA and OFC Ambassador Christian Karembeu said the facility represented a major boost to football across the island territory.

"When I grew up in Lifou we did not have such facilities to play and train on. All we had was a bumpy ground and the most basic resources.

Paita will be great for developing young talent and gives New Caledonia hope of a bright future."

Karembeu's compatriot Antoine Kombaure - coach of Valenciennes and another New Caledonian-born professional football star - echoed his sentiments.

"This facility is a great initiative and I am certain a new generation of stars will be found here to take football forward."

FCF will host a one day football promotion at the facility on Saturday August 23 - as a precursor to hosting all domestic women's football competitions at the centre this season.

Two 7-a-side age group tournaments will be organised, one for the U-13 age group, the other for U-16's.

A spokesperson for FCF said that registration for the 7-a-side tournament would be open until 09H00 on Saturday morning and encouraged youngsters to form their own teams and assemble at Paita where their team would be registered free of charge.

For more information contact Lucie Moyatea +687 84 54 58 or Eric Altmeyer +687 96 35 90. 

FIFA GOAL PROJECT PAITA NEW CALEDONIA PHOTO GALLERY

www.oceaniafootball.com relives some of the magical moments of the FIFA Goal Project inauguration at Paita, New Caledonia, May 31, 2008.

HISTORY MADE: The plaque at Paita heralds a new era for football in New Caledonia

 

FOR THE GAME. FOR THE WORLD: FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter and FCF President Claude Fournier address the media after the cutting of the ribbon

A BRIGHT NEW DAWN: Christian Karembeu, Claude Fournier and FIFA President Joesph S. Blatter watch the festivities as the people of Paita extend a warm welcome.

 

OLD SCHOOL: New Caledonian-born former Paris Saint Germain, Nantes, Aberdeen and Sion FC star Antoine Kombouare shows children from the OFC Youth Festival hows its done

KIDS FOR KAREMBEU: Christian Karembeu is swamped on the 18 yard box at Paita as children seek autographs from the one time FIFA World Cup™ winner.

NOUMEA - Federation Caledonienne de Football (FCF) officials have congratulated the sixteen young referees that officiated at the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Youth Festival (of Football) at Stade Pentecost in May/June.

The tournament brought together together twenty teams in the under 12 age bracket, six from New Caledonia and fourteen from amongst New Zealand, Tahiti, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu.

During the three day tournament the FCF junior referee team officiated in nearly 60 matches as Fiji ran out winners of the championship with a 2-0 win over Auckland. 

They were supervised by leaders and officials of the FCF Referee Development Committee who took the opportunity to expose the referee contingent - aged between 15-22 on average - a chance to work on various officiating techniques.

FCF General Secretary said the federation was pleased with the performance of the youngsters in an international environment and added that some of the candidates would likely get the chance to officiate in the Super Ligue Nestle in seasons to come. 

Vanuatu moved into first place – equal in points with the Solomon Islands – after beating Fiji 5-2 in the second game of Match Day Four in the OFC Futsal Championships in Fiji.

The result sets up an epic top of the table clash tomorrow night when Vanuatu meet the Solomon Islands with a spot at the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil on the line.

Vanuatu took the early lead after two minutes when Jack Viro Ala penetrated the Fijian backline before slotting the ball under Fiji goalkeeper Nishad Wasim Ali.

They added to their lead in the twelth minute when Derek Malas converted the first of his two goals on the evening.

Fiji looked like they were set to stage a comeback when Sandeep Sanjesh Nair drew one back for the hosts but it only served to inspire Vanuatu into pushing more numbers forward and goals to Louis Dominique, Ala and Malas sealed the win.

Assis Chand scored a late consolation goal for Fiji with three minutes left to play.

Vanuatu Coach Marcellino Barthelemy was reluctant to enjoy the win, instead focusing already on tomorrow night’s match with the Solomon’s.

“The match tomorrow night is the final for me and we still have a lot more work to do if we are to beat this Solomon side. We missed too many opportunities tonight and did not reach the targets that I set for us.”

Fijian coach Imtiaz Khan said that his side will now be playing for pride in the remainder of their games.

“Today we had only eight players who were fit because of muscle injuries from fatigue. All my players played in the Fiji FACT tournament and it’s simply too many games too soon.”

“But in saying that we missed so many chances tonight that we could very well have won.”

“I don’t think Vanuatu were a better team than us but because of our tired mistakes and lack of finishing, they looked better.”

Fiji face Tuvalu next up at 6pm tomorrow night.

Photos by Marc Peretic Wilson

VAN: 1. Chikau MANSALE; 2. Terry QUARE; 3. Ben EDWARD; 6. Derek MALAS; 10. Jack Vira ALA;

SUBS: 4. Lui SIFAS; 5. Fedy VAVA; 7. Ben HUNGAI; 8. Louis DOMINIQUE; 9. Siardon Mera TALKANAMAL; 11. Saen Wowut FANAI; 22. Daniel MANSALE (GK);

Coach: Marcellino BARTHELEMY (VAN)

Goals: 10. Jack Vira ALA 2’, 26’; 6. Derek MALAS 12’, 32’; 8. Louis DOMINIQUE 26’;

FIJ: 3. Sandeep Sanjesh NAIR; 4. Alvin AVINESH; 6. Assis CHAND; 9. Kamal HASSAN; 12. Nishad Wasim ALI (RGK)

SUBS: 1. Azmat BEGG (GK); 2. Mira SAHIB; 5. Nayzal Siga Ali; 7. Vikash PRASAD; 8. Muni Arvindra NAIDU;10. Dinesh Chand MUDALIAR; 11. Imtiaz BEGG; Coach: Imtiaz KHAN (FIJ)

Coach: Imtiaz KHAN (FIJ)

Goals: 3. Sandeep Sanjesh NAIR; 6. Assis CHAND;

Referee: Scott KIDSON (AUS)

2nd Referee: Francois TROLLIARD (NCL)

3rd Referee: Teihotu TAEREA (TAH)

Timekeeper: Stephane PARAGUE (NCL)

Referees’ Assesor: Neil POLOSO (SOL)

NOUMEA - The memories of Christian Karembeu Jubilee Match, FIFA Goal Project Inauguration, OFC Extraordinary Congress and FIFA President visit are fading fast but www.oceaniafootball.com brings you a photo gallery of images that will provide a permanent momento of Federation Caledonienne de Football (FCF) and Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) gala event.

All Photos by Marc Peretic Wilson 

Christian Karembeu with Football Federation Australia Chairman Frank Lowy at the FIFA Goal Project Inauguration at Paita

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter and FCF President Claude Fournier address the media at Paita - Radio Vanuatu journalist Harry Atisson broadcasts live to Port Vila

Christian Karembeu signs autographs on the artificial turf at Paita's FIFA Goal Project

Christian Karembeu addresses the media at the France '98 press conference at Le Meridien Hotel

Frank Lebeouf pays tribute to Karembeu at Le Meridien Hotel

Youngsters from the OFC Youth Festival (of Football) tournament wait anxiously for kick-off

Media from New Zealand, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, France, Vanuatu prepare for action

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter addresses Stade Numa Daly as OFC President Reynald Temarii watches on

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter and OFC President/FIFA Vice-President Reynald Temarii

FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke, Adriana Karembeu and OFC President/FIFA Vice-President Reynald Temarii in the VVIP seats

The glitz and glamour of the cultural performance at Stade Numa Daly gets underway

Dancers perform a welcome dance for Christian Karembeu as Stade Numa Daly watches on enthralled

Children from the OFC Youth Festival (of Football) enjoy the festivities at Stade Numa Daly

Zinedine Zidane (10) takes on Fred De Jong (13) as John Panu (19) watches on

Christian Karembeu gives the media the thumbs up prior to kick-off in Noumea

Youri Djorkaeff takes on Papua New Guinea's John Panu (19) as Moise Poida (17) of Vanuatu gives chase

Gilles Tavergeaux (1), Keryn Jordan (18), Zinedine Zidane and Robert Wayaridri (12) pose for the cameras

Moise Poida (17), Bixente Lizarazu (3) and Christian Karembeu (19) prior to kick-off

Zidane watches on as Moise Poida (17) launches an attack for 'Team Karembeu'

Zinedine Zidane is watched closely by former New Zealand international Vaughan Coveny

Stade Numa Daly erupts as Christian Karembeu gets on the scoresheet for 'Team Karembeu'

Zinedine Zidane is watched closely by Solomon Islands defender Gideon Omokirio

Oceania in action: Zidane follows Keryn Jordan as Vaughan Coveny lingers

Karembeu pays tribute to the fans as John Panu, Gideon Omokirio and Moise Poida watch

Karembeu addresses Stade Numa Daly at the final whistle

OFC President/FIFA Vice-President Reynald Temarii addresses the OFC Extraordinary Congress

One News Television CEO Dorothy Wickham addresses FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter

Vanuatu Football Federation President Lambert Maltock pays close attention

CFI's Jean Mino shares a light moment with OFC President/FIFA Vice-President Reynald Temarii

OFX Extraordinary Congress press conference: OFC Head of Media Gordon Glen Watson, OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas, OFC President Reynald Temarii, FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, FCF President Claude Fournier, OFC/FIFA Ambassador Christian Karembeu, Football Federation Australia Chairman Frank Lowy.

Frank Lowy with Adriana and Christian Karembeu at the OFC Extraordinary Congress

OFC President/FIFA Vice President Reynald Temarii with FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter

NOUMEA - "I have only dreamed of a moment like this - it will live with me forever". Those were the words of Vanuatu international Moise Poida after playing the Karembeu Jubilee match at Stade Numa Daly last night playing against an array of superstars from the "Les Bleus" heroes of the FIFA World Cup France 1998.

"It was good to be alongside players like Zidane - I was very happy my family and all of Vanuatu will be happy," Poida told www.oceaniafootball.com

Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) President Lambert Maltock said Moise had helped galvanise the country from grassroots level through to the top tier of the world game.

"I was very emotional to see Moise out there. Everybody knows who Moise is all the kids love him and one day he could be the Vanuatu national team coach. It was a big thrill for everybody to see a Vanuatu player on the same pitch as Zidane, Karembeu, Lebeouf," Maltock said.

Poida was not disappointed to lose despite the unbalanced final result of 2-8.

"The thrill for me is knowing our U-12 Vanuatu players can see that a Ni-Vanuatu player can play on the same stage as football legends from the top of the game," Poida said.

John Panu of Papua New Guinea, Gideon Omokirio of Solomon Islands, Fred de Jong and Vaughan Covney of New Zealand and South African Auckland City FC striker Keryn Jordan represented Oceania in a largely New Caledonian constructed side named with sentimentality in mind against one of football's greatest ever international teams.

"It would be great to see more of these types of matches for Oceania selection teams against the best teams around," Maltock said.

Christian Karembeu paid homage to his Pacific-roots by playing the final 20 minutes of the match for 'Team Karembeu' missing one penalty before scoring another generously given spot-kick.

"I am happy, so happy. I thank everyone who made Moise Poida's selection possible - for us it is a dream come true," Maltock said. 

Photos by Marc Peretic Wilson

Flying Arrows Ba will represent Oceania at the Danon Nations Cup in France after defeating Auckland FC 2-0 in the final of the OFC Youth Festival at Stade Pentecost today.

Original plans to play the top four matches as curtain raisers to the Christian Karembeu Jubilee match were scrapped after concerns were raised over the potential damage to the pitch following a night of heavy rain.

But that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm and spirit of the teams from New Zealand, Vanuatu and Fiji as they shared a day which will live long in their memories.

The final was watched by a packed field of both festival participant and fans and the players didn’t disappoint with an intense physical encounter between the two top teams in the tournament.

The final was played at a frenetic pace with both sets of management staff biting their nails as the match headed into the second half.

Ba struck the decisive blow 5 minutes into the second half when they were first to react to a ball bouncing off the crossbar and turned the ball home with the goalkeeper stranded.

They sowed up the championship with a second goal two minutes from time.

The final whistle brought emotional scenes from the Ba party as players and coaches embraced in celebrations which seemed like a dream at the beginning of the tournament.

They can now start planning a trip to Paris in September where they will be competing with teams from all over the world.

In the third and fourth play-off Imaki (VAN) overcame Capital Wellington (NZL) 3-1 on penalties after the scores were locked 1-1 at full time.

The 280 players involved with the OFC youth festival will tonight get the chance to watch their heroes including Zinedine Zidane, Christian Karembeu, Robert Pires and Laurent Blanc put on a master class in the game as they represent France ’98 in the Jubilee match.

Final Positions:

20th - Ecole Isidore (NCL)

19th - Ecole de Taremen (NCL)

18th - Ecole de Wala (NCL)

17th - Hienghene Sport (NCL)

16th - Nauti School (TUV) 

15th -Port Moresby (PNG)

14th -Qanono Sport (NCL) 

13th -Tarawa FC (KIR)

12th - AS Temanava (TAH) 

11th -AS Magenta (NCL)

10th - Tenakonga (SOL)

9th - Florence Young (SOL)

8th -Waikato (NZL) 

7th -Wabag (PNG)

6th -Erakor (VAN)

5th -Abuanga(Van)

4th: Capital (NZL)

3rd: Imaki (VAN)

2nd: Auckland (NZL)

1st: Ba (FIJ)

Flying Arrows Ba from Fiji and Auckland FC from New Zealand will meet in the final of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Youth Festival following an intense and exciting round of action in Match Day Two in Noumea.

The final and third and fourth playoff between Imaki (VAN) and Capital Football Wellington (NZL) will be played as a curtain raiser to the sold out Christian Karembeu Jubilee Match against France ’98 at Stade Numa Daly.

The winner of the final will earn a spot at the Danon Nations Cup tournament in France this September.

Fifty-two matches were played on match day two of the tournament, where the field of twenty teams was split into two different brackets based on results from match day one.

Imaki (VAN) were the standout performers in the top-eight bracket with a 1-0 win over Auckland (NZL) and a 3-0 victory over Waikato (NZL), but suffered a heartbreaking 2-0 penalty shootout loss to Ba in the semi finals after the scores were locked at full time.

Auckland earned their spot in the final after defeating Capital Football Wellington 2-0 in an all-New Zealand semi final in front of some boisterous travelling support for both teams.

In the Secondary bracket for teams ranked 9-20 Florence Young School were the dominant party and five wins from six games was just reward for spirited tournament from the young Solomon Island side.

The finals of the OFC Youth Festival will kick off from 14H30 tomorrow where the four squads of lucky players will get a once in a lifetime opportunity to provide the opening act to world superstars such as Zinedine Zidane and  Christian Karembeu.

Final Positions:

20th - Ecole Isidore (NCL)

19th - Ecole de Taremen (NCL)

18th - Ecole de Wala (NCL)

17th - Hienghene Sport (NCL)

16th - Nauti School (TUV) 

15th -Port Moresby (PNG)

14th -Qanono Sport (NCL) 

13th -Tarawa FC (KIR)

12th - AS Temanava (TAH) 

11th -AS Magenta (NCL)

10th - Tenakonga (SOL)

9th - Florence Young (SOL)

8th -Waikato (NZL) 

7th -Wabag (PNG)

6th -Erakor (VAN)

5th -Abuanga(Van)

Third and Fourth Playoff: Imaki (VAN) vs.Capital (NZL)

Final: Ba (FIJ) vs Auckland (NZL)

Final Round matches

Field	Time	Round	Team 1	Team 2	Result	Pens
4	15H20	19/20th place	Ecole de Taremen (NCL)	Ecole Isidore (NCL)	2-0
3	15H20	17/18th place	Ecole de Wala (NCL)	Hienghene Sport (NCL)	0-3
2	15H20	15/16th	Nauti School (TUV)	Port Moresby (PNG)	1-1	1-3
1	15H20	13/14th	Qanono Sport (NCL)	Tarawa FC (KIR)	0-1
4	15H40	11/12th	AS Temanava (TAH)	AS Magenta (NCL)	0-1
3	15H40	9/10th	Florence Young (SOL)	Tenakonga (SOL)	3-2
2	15H40	7/8th	Waikato (NZL)	Wabag (PNG)	0-1
1	15h40	5/6th	Abuanga(Van)	Erakor (VAN)	0-0	3-1
1	16H00	½ Final	Imaki (VAN)	Ba (FIJ)	0-0	0-2
2	16H00	½ Final	Auckland (NZL)	Capital (NZL)	2-0

Welcome to Stade Pentecost for Match Day Two of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Youth Festival.

It is a windy day in Noumea but the spirits are high as the 20 teams from nine countries compete for a chance to play in the final four in the curtainraiser to the France '98 v Christian Karembeu X1 match at Stade Numa Daly tomorrow.

The matches are underway and OFC will bring you up to date coverage of the days events,

Pool W1 – 1st – 8th place

Pool	Field	Time	Round	Team 1	Team 2	Result	Pens
W1	1	10H20	1	Imaki (VAN)	Auckland (NZL)	1-0
W1	2	10H20	1	Waikato (NZL)	Abuanga (VAN)	0-0	1-3
W1	3	11H20	2	Imaki (VAN)	Waikato (NZL)	3-0
W1	4	11H20	2	Auckland (NZL)	Abuanga (VAN)	1-0
W1	1	14H10	3	Imaki (VAN)	Abuanga (VAN)	0-0	2-1
W1	2	14H10	3	Auckland (NZL)	Waikato (NZL)	1-0

Pool W2 – 1st – 8th place

Pool	Field	Time	Round	Team 1	Team 2	Result	Pens
W2	3	10H20	1	Erakor (VAN)	Ba (FIJ)	1-1	4-3
W2	4	10H20	1	Capital Wellington (NZL)	Wabag (PNG)	0-0	6-5
W2	1	11H20	2	Erakor (VAN)	Capital Wellington (NZL)	0-1
W2	2	11H20	2	Ba (FIJ)	Wabag (PNG)	1-0
W2	3	14H10	3	Erakor (VAN)	Wabag (PNG)	1-1	3-2
W2	4	14H10	3	Ba (FIJ)	Capital Wellington (NZL)	0-0	1-2

Match Day Two - Final Standings

Field     Time            Round                      Team 1                          Team 2               Result  Pens

4          15H20        19/20th place       Ecole de Taremen (NCL)     Ecole Isidore (NCL)  2-0 

3          15H20        17/18th place       Ecole de Wala (NCL)           Ecole de Wala (NCL)0-3 

2          15H20        15/16th                Nauti School (TUV)              Port Moresby (PNG) 1-1   (1-3)

1           15H20       13/14th                Hienghene Sport (NCL)      Tarawa FC (KIR)       0-1 

4          15H40        11/12th                AS Temanava (TAH)            AS Magenta (NCL)   0-1 

3          15H40         9/10th                 Florence Young (SOL)        Tenakonga (SOL)     3-2 

2          15H40         7/8th                  Waikato (NZL)                    Wabag (PNG)           0-1 

1          15h40         5/6th                  Abuanga(Van)                     Erakor (VAN)           0-0     (2-1)

1          16H00        ½ Final                Imaki (VAN)                         Ba (FIJ)                    0-0     (0-2)

2          16H00        ½ Final                Auckland (NZL)                    Capital (NZL)           2-0 

Photos by Marc Peretic Wilson

 Welcome to Stade Pentecost for Match Day Two of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Youth Festival.

It is a windy day in Noumea but the spirits are high as the 20 teams from nine countries compete for a chance to play in the final four in the curtainraiser to the France '98 v Christian Karembeu X1 match at Stade Numa Daly tomorrow.

The matches are underway and OFC will bring you up to date coverage of the days events.

This is the secondary bracket (completing for places 9-20)

Pool L1 – 9th-20th Place

Field    Time        Round     Team 1                            Team 2                   Result   Penalty

1         09H30        1          Qanono Sport (NCL)      Ecole Isidore (NCL)     1-0 

2         09H30        1          Nauti School (TUV)        AS Temanava (TAH)     0-0       (3-1)

4         09H30        1          Florence Young (SOL)    Hienghene Sport (NCL) 3-0 

1         10H40        2           Florence Young (SOL)     Ecole Isidore (NCL)    5-0

2         10H40        2          Qanono Sport (NCL)      Nauti School (TUV)       0-0      (2-0)

4         10H40       2            AS Temanava (TAH)         Hienghene Sport (NC)1-0

1          11H40      3           Ecole Isidore (NCL)         Nauti School (TUV)      0-0     (2-0)

2          11H40     3            Florence Young (SOL)     AS Temanava (TAH)    1-0

4          11H40      3           Qanono Sport (NCL)      Hienghene Sport (NCL)1-0

1          13H30     4            Florence Young (SOL)      Nauti School (TUV)  0-0    (2-1)

2          13H30     4           AS Temanava (TAH)        Qanono Sport (NCL)  1-0

4          13H30    4             Ecole Isidore (NCL)         Hienghene Sport (NCL)  0-1

1          14H30    5            Florence Young (SOL)       Qanono Sport (NCL)  3-0

2          14H30    5            Nauti School (TUV)           Hienghene Sport (NCL)  1-0

4          14H30    5            AS Temanava (TAH)        Ecole Isidore (NCL)  2-0

Pool L2 9th-20th Place

Field     Time      Round         Team 1                         Team 2                        Result    Penalty

1         09H50       1             Tarewa FC (KIR)          Ecole de Taremen (NCL)  0-0      (0-1)

2         09H50       1           AS Magenta (NCL)        Tenakonga School (SOL)  0-0      (3-2)

4         09H50       1           Port Moresby (PNG)     Ecole de Wala (NCL)          0-0      (4-3)

1         11H00       2           Port Moresby (PNG)      Ecole de Taremen (NCL)  3-0

2         11H00        2          Tarawa FC (KIR)            AS Magenta (NCL)          1-1       (2-3)

4         11H00        2          Tenakonga School (SOL)    Ecole de Wala (NCL)   1-0

1        12H00         3          Ecole de Taremen (NCL)   AS Magenta (NCL)       2-0

2        12H00         3          Port Moresby (PNG)         Tenakonga School (SOL)  1-2

4         12H00        3          Tarawa FC (KIR)              Ecole de ala (NCL)         1-0

1         13H50        4           Port Moresby (PNG)           AS Magenta (NCL)   0-0    (3-2)

2         13H50        4         Tenakonga School (SOL)    Tarawa FC (KIR)       0-2

4        13H50         4          Ecole de Taremen (NCL)      Ecole de Wala (NCL)   0-1

1        14H50         5           Port Moresby (PNG)              Tarawa FC (KIR)  

2        14H50         5           AS Magenta (NCL)                Ecole de Wala (NCL)  

4        14H50        5            Tenakonga School (SOL)      Ecole de Taremen  

photos by Marc Peretic Wilson

NOUMEA - The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and the Organising Committee of the Christian Karembeu Jubilee in conjunction with the Federation Caledonienne de Football (FCF) is pleased to announce the inclusion of former New Zealand international footballer Vaughan Coveny in the Christian Karembeu Jubilee Match scheduled for Saturday May 31 2008.

 

Christian Karembeu played for France at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and for Real Madrid winning the UEFA Champions League in 2000. Karembeu has been a firm supporter of Oceania football since retiring in 2005.

 

Vaughan Coveny won 71 caps for his country and is the top goalscorer of all time for New Zealand. Coveny plays for Wellington Phoenix but retired from international football last season.

 

Coveny will be joined by former South African international and Auckland City FC striker Keryn Jordan as part of the Karembeu XI.

 

Vanuatu international Moise Poida has also arrived in Noumea for the match. Poida has represented his country at every leveland appeared at the last two South Pacific Games.

Former Fiji international Esala Masi withdrew because of prior commitments but was among the first of the Oceanian players contacted to appear in the match. 

 

Coveny, Jordan and Poida join Papua New Guinea's John Panu and Solomon Islands Gideon Omokirio amongst some illustrious names: 

 

The France '98 team that landed in Noumea includes Bixente Lizarazu, Laurent Blanc, Robert Pires, Frank Lebeouf, Martin Djetou, Zinedine Zidane and Bernard Lama to name but a few.

Tahitian-born French international Pascal Vahirua will also feature. 

 

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter will attend the match and hold a post-match press conference following the OFC Extraordinary Congress on Sunday June 1 2008.

 

It is a rare opportunity for any player from Oceania to be involved in a match alongside some of football’s greatest players of all time including Zinedine Zidane, Christian Karembeu and Jean Pierre Papin.

 

The Karembeu XI will play the France ’98 XI to celebrate the career of the Lifou-born player. 

The exact composition of the line-ups for tomorrow's match will be announced at a Press Conference at the Hotel Le Meridien at 18H00 local time. 

 

MATCH DETAILS

Christian Karembeu XI vs. France ’98 XI

Saturday 31 May 2008

Stade Numa Daly

Noumea

New Caledonia

Kick-Off: 17H00 (NCL time)

For Tarewa FC the the experience of the OFC Youth Festival is more important than the results.

Hailing from the small island of Kiribati,with a population of 90,000 the opportunity to travel to New Caledonia for a football tournament amongst nine different countries was too good to pass up.

Only one player from the Tarewa squad had ever been outside the country and Coach Tuanaku Boutu said the side was having an interesting time tryin to adapt to their new environment.

"It is very different here in Noumea to our home. A lot of our players are struggling with the difference in climate because we are used to it being very hot and the players aren't used to the colder conditions."

On match day one Tarewa lost to AS Temanava (TAH), Wabag District (PNG) and Auckland FC (NZL) before scoring an inspiring 1-0 victory over Hienghene Sport FC (NCL).

Boutu noted that their close 1-0 loss to Auckland was a real turning point in the motivation and drive of his side and was very happy with the way his side battled against their more experienced opponents.

"We didn't give Auckland any room and my guys played their hearts out, I was really proud," he said.

While Womans football has been developing in Kiribati over the past four years there is no formal girls league and so when it came time to choose the required female players Boutu didn't know where to turn.

Boutu said he found some willing to give football a try and though they had never played before were doing a fantastic job for his side.

Boutu said that meeting and mixing with the players of France '98 last night after the culutural day was a very special moment for Tarawa.

"In Kiribati TV is very new, and only really been around for two years. Only the wealthy families have it so most of us don't get soccer on TV. But my guys have seen videos of Zidane and Karembeu and they were so excited about this trip and the prospect of seeing them."

Boutu said that it is tough to develop footballers in Kiribati because by the time the players  turn 20, they need to turn providers for their families and there isn't enough time to devote to football.

"But for the young ones, football is very important and this tournament is great because they get to see the world."

We are now an associate member of OFC and will be trying to attend as many tournaments as possible."

photos by Marc Peretic Wilson

Match day one of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Youth Festival in Noumea has drawn to a close with teams from New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu, and PNG moving forward to the top-eight winners bracket in Match Day Two.

Twenty teams containing over 280 kids from nine different countries converged on the fields at Stade Pentecost to celebrate the spirit of football through 15 minute matches which ran back to back.

The intensity and passion in the players was evident from the start and penalty shootouts provided a dramatic way of breaking the deadlock if the scores were level at full time.

The top two sides from each group will move forward to the winners bracket in Match Day two, where the eight teams will battle out for a chance to play in the final, a curtain raiser to the sold out Christian Karembeu Jubilee match against the World Cup winning France ‘98 side at Stade Numa Daly.

The remaining teams will playoff for positions 9-20 in a secondary bracket which will kick off tomorrow morning at 09H30 local time.

The winner of the OFC Youth Festival will earn a spot at the Danon Nations Cup in Paris later this year.

In Pool A Waikato Bay of Plenty (NZL) beat Erakor School (VAN) to the top of the group after the two sides drew 0-0 in their first game. Waikato went on to win all three of their next matches while Erakor lost ground when they were held to a scorless draw with Port Moresby Association (PNG).

In Pool B Auckland FC (NZL) stormed the field with a perfect record scoring eight goals without conceding. Wabag District (PNG) finished in second place with three wins against other opposition.

Imaki School (VAN) had a roller coaster day in Pool C after beating Ecole de Taremen (NCL) and Capital Wellington (NZL) before being stifled 0-0 by both AS Magenta (NCL) and Florence Young Christian School (SOL) to lose their lead and first place to Capital Wellington.

Flying Arrows Ba had a perfect record in Pool D scoring an impressive 12 goals and conceding only one. Abuanga School (VAN) secured the final spot in the top eight after beating out Tenakonga School (SOL) via a penalty shootout.

Match day two begins at 09H30 (Local time) tomorrow morning. Live results will be available online via www.oceaniafootball.com.

For Full list of results and Standings visit www.vanuafoot.com 

NOUMEA - The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) advises all media that a press conference will be held at Le Meridien Hotel, Noumea, New Caledonia on Sunday June 1 2008 at 11H15 featuring FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter and FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke, OFC President/FIFA Vice-President Reynald Temarii, OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas and Federation Caledonienne de Football (FCF) President Claude Fournier following the morning session of the OFC Extraordinary Congress.

All media are advised to arrive no later than 10H30 to set-up for a prompt 11H15 start.

English and French translation will be available.

WHAT:        OFC Press Conference

WHERE:    Hotel Le Meridien
        Room “La Perouse”
        Noumea
        New Caledonia

WHO:        FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter
        FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke
        OFC President/FIFA Vice-President Reynald Temarii
        OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas
        FCF President Claude Fournier

TIME:        11H15 start

        All media are advised to be set-up not later than 11H00




La Confédération Océanienne de Football (OFC) signale à tous les medias qu’une conférence de presse se tiendra à l’Hotel Méridien, Noumea, en Nouvelle Calédonie le samedi 1er juin 2008 à 11H15 en la présence du Président de la FIFA Joseph S. Blatter, le Secrétaire Général de la FIFA Jerome Valcke, le Président de l’OFC et Vice Président de la FIFA Reynald Temarii, le Secrétaire Général de l’OFC Tai Nicholas et le Président de la Fédération Calédonienne de Football (FCF) Claude Fournier qui suivra la session du matin du Congrès Extraordinaire de l’OFC.

Il est conseillé à tous les medias d’arriver au plus tard à 10H30 pour se metre en place et démarrer à 11H15.

La traduction anglaise ou francaise sera disponible.

QUOI:        Conférence de Presse de l’OFC

OU:        Hotel Le Méridien
        Chambre “La Pérouse”
        Nouméa
        Nouvelle Calédonie

QUI:        Le Président de la FIFA Joseph S. Blatter
        Le Secretaire Général de la FIFA Jerome Valcke
        Le Président de l’OFC et Vice Président de la FIFA Reynald Temarii
        Le Secrétaire Général de l’OFC Tai Nicholas
        Le Président de la FCF Claude Fournier

QUAND:    Démarrage à 11H15

        Il est conseillé à tous les medias d’être installé au plus tard à 11H00


For more information please contact:
Pour toutes autres informations, veuillez contacter :
Gordon Glen Watson +64 (0)21 994 520 (ENG)
Marc Peretic Wilson +64 (0)21 728 122 (FRA)

The OFC Youth Festival has proved a tournament of firsts for Nauti School from Tuvalu.

It is the first time the Island nation has particpated in an age group tournament, it is the first time many of the players have left their country and for the three girls in the squad, the youth festival will mark the first time they have ever played in a formal game. 

Tuvalu has a population of 10,000 people and the OFC Youth festival has given the squad from Nauti School an opportunity many of their peers will not have, international travel.

Coach Toakai Puapua said his team were extremly excited about their trip to New Caledonia, though noted his side have had to adapt to their new surroundings.

"We told them before we left what to expect but now they are truly experiencing it," Puapua said.

"It is a totally different culture and environment and is very different to what the players are used to, especially the food."

Puapua said that the tournament has provided a great opportunity for his team to mix and meet children of different cultures and backgrounds.

"We are staying in a dorm with Fiji and Kiribati and their is lots of interaction going on, its really great to see."

There is no girls football in Tuvalu so when Puapua found out his side needed female players he had to go searching for talent.

The three girls he selected had never kicked a ball before, but Puapua said they were doing very well and were improving at an impressive speed.

Puapua reflected on the cultural day yesterday and said that seeing the legends of France '98 will live with his team for a long time.

We watch Sky TV back home and all the kids know who Zidane and Karembeu are, so to see some of the France 98' team last night is a moment that they will never forget.

The OFC Youth Festival is under way at Stade Pentecost in Noumea with 20 teams from nine different countries competing in the name of spirit and fun.

The winner will represent Oceania at the Danon Nations Cup in Paris later this year, but the emphasis on the tournament is enjoyment, making new friends and developing a passion for football.

It is a beautiful warm day in Noumea and the kids are full of energy, running around on the immaculate surface here at Stade Pentecost.

OFC will bring you live updates of the matches found below.

Group Laurent Blanc – Pool C

Hour	Team 1	Team 2	Result	Pens
10H00	Capital Wellington (NZ)	Florence Young Christian School (Sol)	2-0
10H20	AS Magenta (NC)	Imaki School (Vanuatu)	0-0	2-1
10H40	Ecole de Taremen (NC)	Florence Young Christian School (Sol)	0-6
11H00	Capital Wellington (NZ)	AS Magenta (NC)	4-0
11H20	Ecole de Taremen (NC)	Imaki School (Vanuatu)	0-8
11H40	Florence Young Christian School (Sol)	AS Magenta (NC)	1-1	1-3
14H00	Imaki School (Vanuatu)	Capital Wellington (NZ)	2-0
14H20	Ecole de Taremen (NC)	AS Magenta (NC)	0-1
14H40	Imaki School (Vanuatu)	Florence Young Christian School (Sol)	0-0	2-1
15H00	Ecole de Taremen (NC)	Capital Wellington (NZ)	1-6

 Group Djorkaeff – Pool D

Hour	Team 1	Team 2	Result	Pens
10H00	Flying Arrows BA (Fiji)	Ecole de Wala – Belep (NC)	5-1
10H20	Tenakonga School (Sol)	Qanono Sport – Lifou (NC)	1-0
10H40	Abuanga School (Vanuatu)	Ecole de Wale – Belep (NC)	4-0
11H00	Flying Arrows BA (Fiji)	Tenakonga School (Sol)	2-0
11H20	Abuanga School (Vanuatu)	Qanono Sport – Lifou (NC)	3-0
11H40	Ecole de Wala – Belep (NC)	Tenakonga School (SOL)	0-6
14H00	Qanono Sport – Lifou (NC)	Flying Arrows BA (Fiji)	0-3
14H20	Abuanga School (Vanuatu)	Tenakonga School (Sol)	0-0	2-1
14H40	Qanono Sport – Lifou (NC)	Ecole de Wala – Belep (NC)	0-0	2-1
15H00	Abuanga School (Vanuatu)	Flying Arrows BA (Fiji)	0-2

The OFC Youth Festival is under way at Stade Pentecost in Noumea with 20 teams from nine different countries competing in the name of spirit and fun.

The winner will represent Oceania at the Danon Nations Cup in Paris later this year, but the emphasis on the tournament is enjoyment, making new friends and developing a passion for football.

It is a beautiful warm day in Noumea and the kids are full of energy, running around on the immaculate surface here at Stade Pentecost.

OFC will bring you live updates of the matches found below.

Group Karembeu – Pool A

Hour	Team 1	Team 2	Result	Pens
10H00	Ecole Isidore Noell (NC)	Port Moresby Ass (PNG)	0-0	3-4
10H20	Erakor School (Vanuatu)	Waikato Bay of Plenty (NZ)	0-0	2-1
10H40	Nauti School (Tuvalu)	Port Moresby Ass (PNG)	0-0	3-2
11H00	Ecole Isidore Noell (NC)	Erakor School (Vanuatu)	0-3
11H20	Nauti School (Tuvalu)	Waikato Bay of Plenty (NZ)	0-2
11H40	Port Moresby Ass (PNG)	Erakor School (Vanuatu)	0-0	2-0
14H00	Waikato Bay of Plenty (NZ)	Ecole Isidore Noell (NC)	3-0
14H20	Nauti School (Tuvalu)	Erakor school (Vanuatu)	0-2
14H40	Waikato Bay of Plenty	Port Moresby Ass (PNG)	3-0
15H00	Nauti School (Tuvalu)	Ecole Isidore Noell (NC)	1-0

Group Zidane – Pool B

Hour	Team 1	Team 2	Result	Pens
10H00	AS Temanava (Tahitit)	Tarawa FC (Kiribati)	2-1
10H20	Auckland FC (NZ)	Hienghene Sport FC (NC)	1-0
10H40	Wabag District (PNG)	Tarawa FC (Kiribati)	3-0
11H00	AS Temanava (Tahiti)	Auckland FC (NZ)	0-4
11H20	Wabag District (PNG)	Hienghene Sport FC (NC)	1-0
11H40	Tarawa FC (Kiribati)	Auckland FC (NZ)	0-1
14H00	Hienghene Sport FC (NC)	AS Temanava (Tahiti)	0-0	2-3
14H20	Wabag District (PNG)	Auckland FC (NZ)	0-2
14H40	Hienghene Sport FC (NC)	Tarawa FC (Kiribati)	0-1
15H00	Wabag District (PNG)	AS Temanava (Tahiti)	1-0