O-League action continues this weekend as Auckland City FC and Lautoka look to stay top of Group A and Group B respectively while the rest of the eight-team field play catch-up football.

Match Day Two kicks off on Saturday with the Group A clash between Waitakere United and Tahiti’s AS Manu Ura at Fred Taylor Park in Auckland. Both teams will be eager to put their previous matches behind them as the two-time champions Waitakere could only manage a 1-1 draw against AS Magenta and the Tahitians went down 0-5 to title holders Auckland City.

Roy Krishna and Vetea Tepa will both miss the game after receiving red cards in their respective first round matches while Waitakere player-coach Neil Emblen is still serving a carry-over suspension from last season. Waitakere will also be without their Young All Whites who have progressed to the second round at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria.

Crossing over to Papua New Guinea for Group B, Hekari United FC will host Fiji’s Lautoka on Saturday at Port Moresby Rugby League Stadium. Hekari fought hard for a 3-3 draw against Tafea FC in Port Vila on match day one and could leap-frog Lautoka into first place with a win on Saturday. David Muta, Kema Jack and Benjamin Mela all impressed during their first outing and will again be key players for the home side.

Lautoka will be full of confidence after a classy display in their debut O-League match beating Marist FC 3-1. The Fijians will be eager to consolidate their lead with a follow-up away result.

In the other Group B match, Marist have a chance to redeem themselves on Saturday with a second straight home match at Lawson Tama Stadium, this time against Vanuatu club champions Tafea FC. Coach Patrick Miniti is confident his side will bounce back from their first up defeat with the support of an empassioned home crowd likely to reach 15,000. The Solomon Islands have a strong O-League history to preserve after representatives Kossa FC and Koloale FC finished runners-up in the previous two editions.

Tafea FC meanwhile will go into the match hoping for maximum points to potentially go top of Group B. The team remains largely unchanged from the first round with only Hubert Nake left out of the travelling squad.

Finally it’s back to Auckland on Sunday for the Group A clash between Auckland City FC and AS Magenta. Former Waitakere striker Daniel Korivcic will be keen to add to his goal tally for Auckland after an impressive hat-trick against AS Manu Ura on Match Day One. The only change from that squad will be Paul Urlovic replaced by Grant Young who has recovered well from a hamstring injury.

AS Magenta will be without star midfielder Pierre Wajoka and Andre Sinedo who are both tied up with personal commitments while former Ligue 1 defender Benjamin Longue is under an injury cloud. Coming into the squad is former New Caledonian international Steeven Longue, brother to Benjamin, plus Theodore Kaudre and Albert Itrema.


2010 O-LEAGUE – MATCH DAY 2 PREVIEW

This is the Official Preview for Match Day 1. 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.

Waitakere United [NZL] vs. AS Manu Ura [TAH]
Saturday 7 November 2009
Fred Taylor Park
Auckland, New Zealand
Local kick-off: 15H00

Referee: Kevin DOCHERTY [AUS]
Assistant Referee 1: Nick VAN SELM [NZL]
Assistant Referee 2: Glen LOCHRIE [NZL]
Fourth Official: Jamie CROSS [NZL]

Waitakere United: 1. Danny ROBINSON  [GK], 2. Jason ROWLEY, 3. Aaron SCOTT, 4. Tim MYERS, 5. Ash SOLLY, 6. Graham PEARCE, 7. Martin BULLOCK, 8. Brent FISHER, 9. Benjamin TOTORI, 10. Allan PEARCE, 11. Neil SYKES, 13. Dimas DA SILVA, 14. Jeremy CHRISTIE, 17. Jake BUTLER, 19. Dakota LUCAS, 21. Keegan LINDERBOOM, 22. Liam LITTLE  [GK], 26. Jason HICKS
Coach: Neil EMBLEN [ENG]

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, 14. Stephane TUAIRAU, 15. Henri CHANON, 16. Daniel TAPETA  [GK], 19. Heitini TUPEA, 20. Billy MATAITAI, 22. Fraddy TAUIHARA
Coach: Patrick PITO [TAH]



Hekari United FC [PNG] vs. Lautoka [FIJ]
Saturday 7 November 2009
PMRL Stadium
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Local kick-off: 15H00

Referee: John SAOHU [SOL]
Assistant Referee 1: Hilary ANI [PNG]
Assistant Referee 2: David CHARLES [PNG]
Fourth Official: Job Ponis MINAN [PNG]

Hekari United FC: 3. Tagaya LEPANI, 4. Cyril MUTA, 5. Brian TUHIANA, 7. Benjamin MELA, 8. Michael FOSTER, 9. Tuimasi MANUCA, 11. Joachim WAROI, 12. David MUTA, 13. Andrew LEPANI, 15. Charles PARANDA, 17. Kema JACK, 18. Eric KOMENG, 20. Gure GABINA  [GK], 23. Samuel KINI, 24. Kluivert DAGI, 27. Desmond WALUKA  [GK], 30. Pita BALEITOGA
Coach: Jerry ALLEN [SOL]  

Lautoka: 1. James CHRONOPOULOS  [GK], 2. Samuela KAUTOGA, 3. Keni DOIDOI, 4. Samuela VULA, 6. Malakai WAQA, 7. Valerio NAWATU, 8. Ilatia TUILAU, 9. Nahuel ARRARTE, 10. Kamal HASSAN, 11. Sailesh SAMY, 13. Apisai SMITH, 15. Marika ROBANAKADAVU, 17. Arvindra NAIDU, 19. Leone VURUKANIA, 22. Aliverti BALELOA  [GK], 27. Salesh KUMAR
Coach: Imdad ALI [FIJ]



Marist FC [SOL] vs. Tafea FC [VAN]
Saturday 7 November 2009
Lawson Tama Stadium
Honiara, Solomon Islands
Local kick-off: 15H00

Referee: Andrew ACHARI [FIJ]
Assistant Referee 1: Matthew TARO [SOL]
Assistant Referee 2: Jackson NAMO [SOL]
Fourth Official: Nelson SOGO [SOL]

Marist FC: 1. Michael KOUMA [GK], 2. Chrisanto MISIGA, 4. Emmanuel POILA, 5. David HOUPERE, 6. Michael PATITI, 7. Joseph LANI, 8. John WAYNE, 9. Abraham INIGA, 10. Michael MISITANA, 11. Commins MENAPI, 12. Clifford HUTA, 13. Lenson BISILI, 15. Joe LUWI, 16. Martin RUHASIA, 18. Tolei Ini KOPURIA, 19. Johan Firisi DOIWALE, 20. Navusu KITU  [GK], 21. Charlie TANIRO
Coach: Patrick MINITI [SOL]

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]



Auckland City FC [NZL] vs. AS Magenta [NCL]
Sunday 8 November 2009
Kiwitea St
Auckland, New Zealand
Local kick-off: 15H00

Referee: Rakesh VARMAN [FIJ]
Assistant Referee 1: Mark RULE [NZL]
Assistant Referee 2: Jacqueline STEPHENSON [NZL]
Fourth Official: Chris KERR [NZL]

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, 10. Grant YOUNG, 11. Daniel KOPRIVCIC, 13. Alex FENERIDIS, 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
Coach: Paul POSA [NZL]

AS Magenta: 1. Jean Yan DOUNEZECK  [GK], 2. Benjamin LONGUE, 4. Emmanuel DIANAI, 6. Jedidja SAIKO, 7. Noel KAUDRE, 9. Paul POATINDA, 11. Albert ITREMA, 14. Jules WEA, 15. Steeven LONGUE, 24. Lamo XEWE, 25. Joris GORENDIAWE, 29. Theodore KAUDRE, 32. Ludovic BOIT, 33. Philippe KOKONE
Coach: Alain MOIZAN [NCL]

2010 O-LEAGUE TABLE

Group A

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

Group B
17/10/09       Tafea FC vs. Hekari United FC            3-3
18/10/09       Marist FC vs. Lautoka                         1-3      
 

2010 O-LEAGUE – LEADING GOAL-SCORERS

3 – Daniel KOPRIVCIC
1 – Nahuel ARRART
1 – Chad COOMBES
1 – Brent FISHER
1 – Kamal HASSAN
1 – Abraham INIGA
1 – Kema JACK
1 – Samuela KAUTOGA
1 – Tuimasi MANUCA
1 – Benjamin MELA
1 – Silas NAMATAK
1 – François SAKAMA
1 – Robert TOM
1 – Ivan VICELICH

Marist Football Club coach Patrick Miniti says his team has exorcised its demons after a disappointing first round O-League defeat at home by Lautoka FC last month.

Marist will be desperate to take maximum points from its next O-League match against Vanuatu champions Tafea FC when the two meet on Saturday 7 November at Lawson Tama Stadium.

The Solomon Island champions fell 1-3 to Lautoka FC in front of 12,000 dismayed Honiara fans on 18 October.

But Miniti says his team will be looking forward with optimism and determination despite widespread public dismay following the loss to Lautoka FC.

“It will be a difficult task for us but we cannot afford to walk away empty handed from this game,’ Miniti said.

Miniti concedes that certain areas of Marist’s game suffered in their season opening home match but is confident his team is back on track for their all-important second home match.

“The team has worked towards a better result and we look forward to our next match,” Miniti said. 

“We know that Tafea FC will be very fast and our defense will have to be at its best if we are to gain anything from this match.”

Marist’s captain Abraham Iniga has issued a rallying call to the Solomon Islands public pleading for renewed passionate home support against Tafea FC.

“We carry not only the Marist flag but also a national responsibility and we urge the public to back us in our next match,” Iniga said.

The Solomon Islands have a strong O-League history to preserve after representatives Kossa FC and Koloale FC finished runners-up in the previous two editions.

Saturday's match will be crucial for Marist as they fight to stay in contention in Group B. Lautoka currently leads the group on three points with Papua New Guinea's Hekari United and Tafea FC in second place after their 3-3 draw in Port Vila last month while Marist are languishing at the bottom of the table.

Meanwhile in Group A, Auckland City FC sit top ahead of AS Magenta and Waitakere United on one point and AS Manu Ura who are yet to get a result.

Courtesy of SIFF Media

Amical FC have taken their first Vanuatu TVL Cup title by beating Tafea FC 1-0 at Port-Vila Stadium on the weekend.

The season’s crowning match saw a reversal of the 2008 final as Amical turned the tables on that 0-1 loss and broke Tafea's fourteen year strangle hold on the Cup competition.  

Robert Yelleo proved the hero for Amical as he converted an eighteenth minute penalty with a powerful shot past the keeper.

More and more women in Vanuatu are getting involved in football thanks to a new women’s development plan introduced by the Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) this year.

The development plan aims to expand football opportunities for women beyond the capital Port Vila and into the provinces and towns of rural Vanuatu.

As part of this plan, a competition has been established between the two municipal associations of Port Vila and Luganville called Fresh Cargo Challenge Shield. Fresh Cargo, a national passenger ship service, came onboard as naming sponsor after they were approached earlier in 2009

The inaugural Fresh Cargo Challenge Shield opened at Luganville’s Chapius Stadium on 24 August this year and is the culmination of the newly opened VFF Women’s Development Office in Luganville and a tight group of workers in the Local Organising Committee. Port Vila FC were crowned the eventual winners of the inaugural tournament.

The competition saw selection teams from the two areas playing in a home and away tournament. Matches were played according to FIFA regulations which is a step up from recent national tournaments that have included nine-a-side games of one hour duration.

The teams were encouraged to utilise female coaches, managers and referees in the preparation and participation of the tournament, giving experience and exposure for all involved. School teams were also able to participate in opening matches to showcase local talent and to encourage younger girls to watch the matches between the country’s best female footballers.

As a first time event, the main purpose of the tournament was to provide women footballers in Vanuatu with an opportunity to play competitively in a well organised tournament environment.

With recent visits to Vanuatu by FIFA Women’s Football Consultant Monika Stabbs and FIFA Coaching Instructor Mrs Shuk-Chi Chan, the development of women’s football in Vanuatu has been raised as a priority objective for VFF.

Story courtesy of VFF Media

The Pacific Media Summit in Vanuatu this week has provided Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) a rare opportunity to meet with regional broadcasters and journalists to hear what their needs are in an ever-changing media environment.

OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas, who was in Port Vila for part of the five-day Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) conference, says it was particularly interesting to learn more about the technological advances and future digital strategy for the Pacific.

“In the past, it has been difficult for OFC to beam televised football matches across the region because of a lack of infrastructure and substantial cost of sending footage via satellite. But slowly the Pacific is becoming more and more connected through advanced technology and increasingly developed networks,” says Nicholas.

“With that in mind, OFC is looking at how best to serve the thousands of passionate football fans in Oceania who are hungry for coverage of the sport they love.”

During his short stay in Port Vila, Nicholas met with a number of key broadcasters including managing director of Fiji’s MAI TV Richard Broadbridge who was recently awarded the sub-licence to cover the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ and other FIFA tournaments. Nicholas says discussions were productive and that MAI TV looks to be on track in delivering the FIFA matches across the Pacific.

“OFC is committed to ensuring local, regional and international football is available on free-to-air television wherever possible so we are working with the broadcasters who can best deliver that.”

Nicholas also noted the progress made under the FIFA-funded ‘Win in Oceania’ media project that is helping towards the development of weekly football shows in OFC member associations.

In Vanuatu that comes in the form of VanuaFoot – a radio and television show produced by Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) Media Officer Harry Atisson. VanuaFoot came about through the drive and vision of OFC President Reynald Temarii and is now a regular feature in Vanuatu thanks to an agreement between OFC, VFF and the Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation (VBTC).

Vanuatu is now the third country in the region to have its own football show along with the Solomon Islands and Tahiti. Nicholas says he is looking forward to the development of further shows under the Win in Oceania project.

“After a tour of the VBTC offices, I’ve now seen what goes into the production of these programmes and I believe all of our member associations will be very interested in following the example set in Vanuatu.”

Nicholas leaves Vanuatu today as the Pacific Media Summit draws to a close this evening. 




OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas is interviewed for the VanuaFoot show


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Priscilla Duncan
Oceania Football Confederation
Media & Communications
T: +649 526 5651
F: +649 525 8164
M:+64 (0)21 884 018
E: priscilla@oceaniafootball.com

Joel Tiller
Oceania Football Confederation
Media & Communications
T: +649 526 5654
F: +649 525 8164
M:+64 (0)21 994 520
E: joel@oceaniafootball.com 

The countdown to Tahiti Nui Beach Soccer 2009 – Oceania’s qualifying event for this year’s FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup – is now on with kick-off just one week away.

Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) will stage the competition at Temae Beach in Moorea, Tahiti, from 27 – 31 July with Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tahiti and Vanuatu all competing for a spot at FIFA’s pinnacle Beach Soccer tournament set to take place in Dubai from 16 – 22 November.

Since the inception of the OFC Beach Soccer Championship in 2006, the Solomon Island Bilikiki have dominated the sport in Oceania and made their mark on the world stage with credible performances at the past three FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups. The team is currently ranked 14th in the world according to FIFA.

Bilikiki coach Henry Koto believes his 12-player squad for 2009 has the confidence to win another Oceania title. 
 
“My team knows what it’s like to enter a championship as defending champions,” said Koto, who has played a key role in the Solomon Islands three World Cup appearances having served as both player and coach.

“We respect every team but our task is to get the job done, defend our title and book our fourth World Cup appearance in Dubai.”

While the Solomon Islands have a proven history behind them, it is difficult to determine just how strong they are compared to Fiji, Tahiti and Vanuatu due to the recent lull in international competition.

A qualifying event did not take place in 2008 because the change in timing of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup from November to July created significant challenges for OFC. The Solomon Islands were instead nominated to represent Oceania on the back of two strong performances at the FIFA event. As a result, the four participating teams have not been tested against each other for over a year.

Next week’s competition will include a round robin format based on a league system with the four participating teams playing each other once before a final and 3rd/4th place playoff is held on Friday.

The winner will represent OFC at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup alongside: Ivory Coast and Nigeria (African qualifiers), Italy, Portugal, Russia, Spain and Switzerland (European qualifiers), Costa Rica and El Salvador (CONCACAF qualifiers), Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay (CONMEBOL qualifiers) plus two teams from Asia (yet to be determined) as well as the United Arab Emirates who gain automatic entry as hosts.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Priscilla Duncan
Oceania Football Confederation
Media & Communications
T: +649 526 5651
F: +649 525 8164
M:+64 (0)21 884 018
E: priscilla@oceaniafootball.com

Joel Tiller
Oceania Football Confederation
Media & Communications
T: +649 526 5654
F: +649 525 8164
M:+64 (0)21 994 520
E: joel@oceaniafootball.com

A hat-trick to Vanuatu front-man Vira Jack Ala has driven his team to a 6-2 win over New Caledonia in tonight’s 3^rd v 4^th play-off match at Vodafone Arena in Suva, Fiji.

Against the run of play it was New Caledonia who scored first on 9 minutes.

Vanuatu's Junior Malas unfortunately tripped on the ball inside his own half and handed possession to opposition captain Ivann Pourouoro who made no mistake one-on-one with the keeper, placing his low shot in the corner.

But Vanuatu were enjoying greater possession and made that advantage count with the equaliser coming on 13 minutes to Vira Jack Ala after a neat short passing movement.

And Vanuatu stepped up their domination in the second half with a further three goals coming to Don Mansale early in the second half, Junior Malas after 32 minutes and Lui Sifas after 37 minutes.

Vanuatu coach Marco Herrominly was very pleased with his team’s determination in their final tournament fixture.

“Our boys really wanted to finish this tournament third. In the first half I wanted them to move forward and press as much as possible and at half time I told them I wanted them to concentrate on defending more – this strategy was successful."

"This year’s team doesn’t have a lot of experience, Vanautu is putting more emphasis on the beach soccer  but we will come back with a stronger team next year and we will be aiming to win the OFC Futsal Championship,” said Herrominly.

SUBS: 3. Adrien GUILLAMO ; 4. Louis WAISHITINE ; 5. Anderson PAULIN ; 6. Henri DRUDRI ; 7. Rodrigue POIWI ; 20. Arnaud LLAMBRICH

Coach: Eric MICHALAK (FRA)

Vanuatu:  1. Daniel MANSALE (GK); 5. Lui SIFAS; 6. Terry QUARE; 8. Louis DOMINIQUE; 11. Ben Edward

SUBS:  20. Pascal BALA (GK); 2. Morsen Sope; 3. Don MANSALE; 4. Marco HERROMINLY; 7. Ben HUNGAI; 9. Junior MALAS; 10. Vira Jack ALA;

Coach: Marco HERROMINLY (VAN)

Vanuatu Football Federation's (VFF) Téouma Academy continues to grow with the recent recruitment of extramural computer science student Cédric Yalita from the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF).

The academy, which is a pilot programme for “FIFA Goal Football”, houses 36 youth players who train together daily and receive an education at local schools or through appreticeship programs.

Following a meeting with Sebastien Ornano, head of the AUF in Port Vila, and an interview process with three other interested students, Yalita has been recruited to work at the academy for a period of one year.

Yalita, a native of Futuna, is an ambitious young student and after graduating high school in Bougainville won a scholarship to attend the University of New Caledonia (UNC). This UNC scholarship was awarded to him by the French Government in co-operation with the Government of Vanuatu.

Back home, Yalita joined the AUF and once his current study ends in July he will begin training to be a DEUST Webmaster via correspondence learning through the study center in Limoges France - with a view to eventually becoming qualified as a network administrator.

The Téouma center, equipped with a network of six computers and broadband internet access, will be an ideal field of study for this motivated young student and passionate football follower.

His presence at the Youth Academy will be of major assistance, enabling the students there to improve their knowledge of computer software and academic usage of the internet.

Yalita has already established a schedule for all students and for six more youths going to school, and his computer knowledge will be an important asset for their future integration into working life.

This new agreement, initiated by the Ministry Of Education, allows young VFF students to prepare themselves for life while continuing their footballing studies.

Yalita is an encouraging example of what can be achieved through motivation and hard work.

Story courtesy of VFF Media


Nouvelle étape du développement éducatif à l'académie de Teouma

L'académie de Teouma continue à se développer avec ce mois-ci, le recrutement d'un étudiant en informatique. Etudiant auprès de l'AUF (Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie), Cédric Yalita y suit une formation actuelle d'animateur de réseau (DU3MI), cours suivi à distance sur internet.

Suite à une rencontre avec Sébastien d'Ornano, responsable de l'AUF à Port Vila, des entretiens avec trois étudiants ont permis le recrutement de Cédric pour une durée d'un an.

Cédric, originaire de Futuna, est un jeune étudiant ambitieux, et après ses études au lycée de Bougainville, a rejoint l'Université de Nouvelle Calédonie pendant un an, grâce aux bourses attribuées par le Gouvernement Français, et aux accords passés avec le gouvernement du Vanuatu.

De retour au pays, Cédric s'est inscrit à l'AUF et après sa formation actuelle qui se termine en juillet, il suivra une formation DEUST Webmaster, toujours par l'intermédiaire d'Internet et connecté au centre d'études de Limoges en France, avec l'ambition à terme, de devenir un administrateur de réseau informatique.

Le centre de Téouma, équipé d'un réseau de 6 ordinateurs et d'un accès internet à haut débit, va constituer un champ d'étude idéal pour ce jeune étudiant motivé et adorant le football.
Et pour les jeunes footballeurs de l'académie, cette arrivée est une aubaine, et va leur permettre de se parfaire dans la connaissance de l'ordinateur, de découvrir les logiciels de bases et Internet, et surtout de pouvoir aller chercher de l'information utile à leurs travaux scolaires.

Cédric a d'ores et déjà établi un planning pour tous les étudiants ainsi que pour les 6 jeunes n'allant plus à l'école, et dont la connaissance informatique sera un atout important pour leur future insertion dans la vie professionnelle.

Les projets sont déjà nombreux pour nos étudiants apprentis footballeurs, déjà fort enthousiastes après les premiers jours de ce nouveau renfort éducatif.

Ce nouveau partenariat, qui voit le jour grâce à l'intervention du Ministère de l'Education permet ainsi à un jeune de se préparer à la vie active tout en continuant ses études, et est un bon exemple d'une intégration progressive et motivée.
 

Tafea FC have reclaimed their place as Vanuatu’s top club side by winning the Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) Bred Cup last weekend and securing a spot in the 2010 O-League.

It will be a welcome return to Oceania Football Confederation’s premier club competition for Tafea who participated in the 2008 O-League but were edged out by the Port Vila Sharks for a place in the 2009 competition.

Representing the Southern Region Clubs at the VFF Bred Cup, Tafea qualified for the 2010 O-League by beating Luganville’s Vaum United 4-1 at Port Vila's Municipal Stadium.

Tafea’s national representatives Francisco Sakama, Jean Nako and defender Jeffrey Gete claimed the four goals and sent the Vaums back North with only one goal for pride.

Despite the one-sided score line, Tafea coach Graham Dimas was not fully satisfied with the overall performance of his side.

“The boys played their hearts out but were not fully physically fit during the game,” Dimas said.

“We will need to tighten up for the O-League.”

Dimas added that Tafea will head into the 2010 O-League with more experience and desire to achieve their best ever result.

Story and photos courtesy of Vanuatu Daily Post

The countdown to the OFC Futsal Championship Fiji 2009 can now begin after the release of the official draw by Oceania Football Confederation (OFC).

With four teams confirmed, the championship is set to take place from 6-10 July at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.

Match Day 1 action sees Fiji pitted against Vanuatu while New Caledonia will clash with defending champions the Solomon Islands.

The ‘Kurukuru’ team from the Solomon Islands head into the championship as favourites after gaining valuable experience as Oceania’s representative at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Brazil 2008. Vanuatu will be up for the challenge having beaten the Solomon Islands 5-1 last year while New Caledonia, who have arguably the best domestic league, are also likely to be strong contenders. Fiji meanwhile have the all-important home advantage so the stage is set for an intriguing title fight.

Since the conception of the OFC Futsal Championship in 1992, the event has been held every four years as part of the qualification process for the FIFA Futsal World Cup tournaments. Fiji 2009 marks the first year of the new annual format for the championship which shows OFC’s commitment to developing futsal by providing meaningful competition on a regular basis.

The popularity of futsal – an indoor form of football played with five players per side and a weighted ball – continues to grow throughout Oceania as a number of Member Associations start to build domestic structures to support the game.

This year’s championship will follow a round-robin format with the top two teams advancing to the final and the remaining teams playing off for third place.  

OFC FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIP FIJI 2009

Dates: 6-10 July (Match Days scheduled for 6, 7, 8, 10 July)
Venue: Vodafone Arena, Suva, Fiji
Teams: Fiji, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu

Draw:
1. Vanuatu
2. Fiji
3. New Caledonia
4. Solomon Islands

Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has today confirmed the nomination of Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu to represent Oceania football at the first ever Youth Olympic Games to be held in Singapore in August 2010.

OFC has made its selection proposal within FIFA parameters which state that Member Associations nominated must represent nations that ‘have never, or rarely, had the opportunity to participate in Olympic Games or World Cups.’

FIFA has also requested that Oceania nominate different countries for the men’s and women’s football tournaments.

Vanuatu has been selected for the men’s side following the establishment of the FIFA Goal Football Program in which players are identified at a young age and housed in an academy where they train together daily. As one of only six countries globally to be chosen for this pilot project, Vanuatu will have an opportunity to show FIFA the success of the program at the Youth Olympic Games next year.

Papua New Guinea have been selected for the women’s draw on the back of strong performances over the past couple of years including a gold medal at the XIII South Pacific Games Samoa 2007 – a competition that is part of the Olympic movement.

The final decision regarding OFC representation at the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games will be made by FIFA at the 59th FIFA World Congress in Nassau, Bahamas, on 30 May. 

If confirmed, OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas says Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu will thrive on the opportunity to test themselves against the world’s best.

“Papua New Guinea have performed consistently in recent women’s tournaments but fallen short of toppling New Zealand for a place at a FIFA event,” says Nicholas.

“Now with a nomination for the Youth Olympic Games they can set their sights on competing at the next level and potentially earning international recognition.”

“Meanwhile Vanuatu is making huge strides in terms of youth development thanks to the newly introduced FIFA Goal Football Program so their selection is also well deserved,” says Nicholas.

The inaugural Youth Olympic Games will be held in Singapore from 14-26 August 2010 and is expected to involve 3,600 athletes aged 14 to 18 from 205 National Olympic Committees. Athletes will compete in 26 sports while also participating in cultural and education programs.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) created the new event in Guatemala in July 2007 with the aim of inspiring young people to participate in sport, play an active role in their communities and live by the Olympic values.




FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Priscilla Duncan
Oceania Football Confederation
Media & Communications
T: +649 526 5651 
F: +649 525 8164
M:+64 (0)21 884 018 
E: priscilla@oceaniafootball.com

Joel Tiller
Oceania Football Confederation
Media & Communications
T: +649 526 5654
F: +649 525 8164
M:+64 (0)21 994 520
E: joel@oceaniafootball.com

Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) is pleased to announce the nominees for OFC Player of the Year Awards 2008. Twenty five players from around the Oceania region have made shortlists in both men’s and women’s categories.

The voting system used to determine the winners of each category will be similar to the one used in Europe to determine the winner of the Ballon D’Or.

The jury is comprised by members of the OFC Executive Committee, Member Association Presidents, General Secretaries, as well as national team coaches and technical directors of all OFC Member Associations.

OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas said nominees will be judged based on their performances from the middle of July 2007 to the final day of last year to allow the performances of players based in the Oceania region to be taken into consideration.

“Football is played intermittently within the region because of the geographic spread and isolation and it presents difficulties if you are too reliant on the calendar.

There were some very notable individual performances at the XIII South Pacific Games that deserve acknowledgement,” Nicholas said.
The OFC Player of the Year Award has been in hiatus until last year when it was announced Marama Vahirua (2005), Ryan Nelsen (2006) and Shane Smeltz (2007) had been awarded the honour retrospectively.

“It is great for the promotion of football in the region to acknowledge our achievers. It helps establish a legacy and gives youngsters heroes to aspire too.

We have a great list of nominees in both categories and there is a good spread of representation of most of our member associations.

There is a strong presence of players based in professional leagues around the world including Australia, England, France and Scotland which is encouraging.

I am delighted there is a women’s category particularly after the quality of football we witnessed at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup hosted by New Zealand,” OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas added.

Wynton Rufer and Harry Kewell have won the award three times each.
 
Christian Karembeu and Robbie Slater have won the award twice.

Jurors have until 21 March 2009 to submit their votes.
The winners of each award will be announced officially in April 2009.
 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Gordon Glen Watson
OFC Media and Communications
Oceania Football Confederation
Tel: +649-526-5658
Fax: +649-525-8164
Mob: +649-994-520
Email: gordon@oceaniafootball.com
Skype ID: gordonglenwatson

EXTRA INFORMATION:

OFC Player of the Year Award (Men) – Nominees

Roy KRISHNA    Fiji   (Waitakere United)
Frederic PIQUIONNE   New Caledonia  (FC Lyon)
Pierre WAJOKA    New Caledonia  (AS Magenta)
Ryan NELSEN    New Zealand  (Blackburn Rovers)
Chris KILLEN    New Zealand  (Glasgow Celtic)
Shane SMELTZ     New Zealand  (Wellington Phoenix)
David MUTA    Papua New Guinea (Hekari Souths)
James NAKA    Solomon Islands  (Zome Mars)
Marama VAHIRUA    Tahiti   (FC Lorient)
Billy MATAITAI    Tahiti   (AS Manu Ura)

AUCKLAND - The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) wishes to advise the global football family that the general secretariat will shut for the holiday season on Monday 22 December 2008 - Monday 5 January 2009.

OFC wishes everyone around the world a happy and peaceful holiday season and a safe and prosperous 2009.

Welcome to Municipal Stadium in Port Vila where Auckland City are set to take on Port Vila Sharks.

It is a stifling hot afternoon and the temperature has just reached 35 degrees celcius. Can Port Vila stage an upset infront of their home crowd?

Oceaniafootball.com will be bringing you live text updates from the match.

0' - Play is underway here with a crowd of 300 slowly building inside Municipal Stadium

5' - Scores are still locked at 0-0, it has been a slow start to the game with both sides looking effected by the extreme heat.

7' - Jean Nako NAPRAPOL creates some room for himself outside the Auckland box and fires a firm shot at goalkeeper Ross Nicholson which he holds comfortably

8' - GOAL - AUCKLAND 1 PORT VILA SHARKS 0 - Port Vila defender Fedy Vava scores an own goal

12' - Richard Iwai fires another shot at goal for Port Vila but Nicholson again deals with it comfortably

20' - Grant Young wriggles free outside the Port Vila box and hits a dipping shot on goal but John Garae makes a good save

23' - Richard Iwai is looking the most likely for Port Vila as he fires another shot on goal, but straight at Nicholson

28' - Jean Nako Naprapol fires a shot on goal, but is comfortable for Nicholson again.

32' - Cannon shooter Ki-Hyung Lee fires a long range effort on goal for Auckland but Garae is equal to it.

34' - Auckland have dominated the opening half hour with 60% possession.

45' - The first half has drawn to a close with Auckland leading Port Vila 1-0. The home crowd is starting to really get behind their team now with over 2000 spectators inside the stadium

47' - Play has resumed and Port Vila are straight on the attack with Sakama whistling a shot just wide of the Auckland goal.

53' - Substitution for Auckland City - Liam Mulrooney is replaced by Salesh Kumar.

55' - Substitution for Port Vila - Silas Namatak replaces Richard IWAI

62' - Substitution for Port Vila - Hubert Nake replaces Jonah Turu

70' - GOAL - AUCKLAND CITY 2 PORT VILA SHARKS 0 - Paul Urlovich extends Aucklands lead.

75' - Substitution for Port Vila - Etienne MERMER replaces Jean Nako NAPRAPOL

80' - Yellow Card For Samson Obed for Port Vila

81' - Yellow Card for Xavi Roca for Auckland

83' - Yellow Card for Chad Coombes for Auckland. Three yellow cards in the last three minutes - the end of this one is getting a little scrappy

84' - Another one - Yellow Card for Paul Urlovic for Auckland

85' - Substitution for Auckland Alick Maemae replaces Chad Coombes

90' - Three minutes of time added on

FULL TIME - AUCKLAND CITY 2 - PORT VILA SHARKS 0

2009 O-LEAGUE GROUP A

Date: Saturday, 13 December 2008
Match: Port Vila Sharks [VAN] vs. Auckland City FC [NZL]
Venue: Port Vila, Vanuatu
Stadium: Municipal Stadium
Kick Off: 15H00 (Local time) 17H00 (NZL T)

Port Vila Sharks (0) 0
Auckland City (1) 2 (Fedy VAVA (OG) 8'; Paul URLOVIC 70')

Auckland Squad: 1.Ross NICHOLSON [GK]; 3. Matt FRIEL; 5. Matt WILLIAMS; 6. Ki-Hyung LEE; 8. Chad COOMBES (11. Alick MAEMAE 85'); 9. Paul URLOVIC; 10. Grant YOUNG;  15. Ivan VICELICH; 20. Greg UHLMANN; 22. Xavi ROCA; 23. Liam MULROONEY (19. Salesh KUMAR 53'); 

Substitutes:2.Nelson SALE ;16. George SURI;

Coach: Paul POSA (NZL)

Yellow Cards: 22. Xavi ROCA 81'; 8. Chad COOMBES 83'; 9. Paul URLOVIC 84';

Red Cards: None

Port Vila Sharks: 2.Samson OBED; 6. Fedy VAVA; 7. Moise POIDA; 9. Jean Nako NAPRAPOL (11. Etienne MERMER 75'); 10. Richard IWAI (14. Silas NAMATAK 55'); 13. Francois SAKAMA; 15. Roger JOE; ; 17. Geoffrey Lego GETE; 20. John GARAE [GK];  23. Fenedy MASAUVAKALO; 25. Jonah TURU (12. Hubert NAKE 62');

Substitutes: 3. Jacques MAFIL NAWAN; 16. Alphonse QORIG;21. Michell KALTACK;22. Alfred MALAS [GK]; 26. Jeffry NIMANIAN;

Coach: Robert CALVO (VAN)

Yellow Cards: 2. Samson OBED 80';

Red Cards: None

Referee: Jimmy WRIGHT [NCL]
Assistant Referee 1: Salesh CHAND [FIJ]
Assistant Referee 2: Ashwin KUMAR [FIJ]
Fourth Official: Grey VUKE [VAN]
Referees Assessor: Harry ATISSON [VAN]
OFC Coordinator: George IAPSON [VAN]

Group A Standings:

AUCKLAND - Central United youth coach Paul Posa has taken the role of Auckland City head coach in time for their Oceania Champions League trip to Port Vila on Saturday.

The departure of Colin Tuaa on Sunday left Auckland without a coach following a 3-1 victory of Hawke’s Bay United that took them to the top of the New Zealand Football Championship, until Posa was appointed in a caretaker role until the New Year.

“I’ll be taking the team through Christmas while the club assesses things, but I’m prepared be here until the end of the season if that’s what the club decides,” Posa said.

The Auckland City board member and one-time national league coach of Central United admitted his new appointment was bittersweet but says the experience of senior players had smoothed the transition into the job.

“I feel for Colin. I’ve always been – and still am – a big fan of Colin’s coaching and I’m sorry to see him go.

“The former pros have all been in this sort of situation before at some stage during their careers and they’ve been professional, very helpful and just got on with working away this week.”

Top of the NZFC table domestically, Auckland City now have the chance to draw level with Waitakere United at the top of Group A in the O-League with victory against the Port Vila Sharks, although Posa was taking nothing for granted ahead of the trip to Vanuatu.

“We just have to be looking to go up there and win and not worry about anything else. There are always travel issues, ground issues, temperature issues but we just have to be prepared to deal with the unexpected.”

The return to fitness of Spanish import Xavi Roca Mateo is a boost for Posa in his first game in charge, with the former Villarreal player likely to be back in action for the first time since being stretchered off against Waitakere in the teams’ opening 2-2 O-League draw.

Posa indicated that if Mateo did not start in Port Vila he would almost certainly be back in the walk-on eleven by the time Auckland travels to Canterbury in the NZFC on December 21.

2009 O-LEAGUE GROUP A

Saturday, 13 December 2008
Auckland City v Port Vila Sharks
Municipal Stadium, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Kick off:  17H30 (Local Time)

Auckland City (from):1.Ross NICHOLSON [GK]; 2.Nelson SALE; 3. Matt FRIEL; 5. Matt WILLIAMS; 6. Ki-Hyung LEE; 8. Chad COOMBES; 9. Paul URLOVIC; 10. Grant YOUNG; 11. Alick MAEMAE; 12. Jacob SPOONLEY [GK]; 15. Ivan VICELICH; 16. George SURI; 19. Salesh KUMAR; 20. Greg UHLMANN; 22. Xavi ROCA; 23. Liam MULROONEY;

Coach: Paul POSA (NZL)

Port Vila Sharks: (from) 2.Samson OBED; 3. Jacques MAFIL NAWAN; 6. Fedy VAVA; 7. Moise POIDA; 9. Jean Nako NAPRAPOL; 10. Richard IWAI; 11. Etienne MERMER; 12. Hubert NAKE; 13. Francois SAKAMA; 14. Silas NAMATAK; 15. Roger JOE; 16. Alphonse QORIG; 17. Geoffrey Lego GETE; 20. John GARAE [GK]; 21. Michell KALTACK; 22. Alfred MALAS [GK]; 25. Jonah TURU; 26. Jeffry NIMANIAN;

Coach: Robert CALVO (VAN)

Story courtesy NZF Media. For more visit www.nzsoccer.com

AUCKLAND – Port Vila Sharks, Hekari Souths United FC, Auckland City and Ba are all hoping for the perfect end to the year – with their first three points of the 2009 O-League campaign - when Match Day Three of the competition kicks off on Saturday.

Auckland will travel to Vanuatu to take on Port Vila at Municipal Stadium in Group A while Hekari will host Fijian champions Ba in their first ever home O-League match at Port Moresby Rugby League Stadium in Group B.

Auckland will be without former Coach Colin Tuaa who handed in his resignation last weekend prior to their 3-1 win over Hawkes Bay United in the New Zealand Football Championship.  Paul Posa will take the reins of the club who will be looking to improve on their opening day 2-2 draw with Waitakere United.

Port Vila will hope to make the most of their home field advantage and bounce back from their 3-0 defeat to Waitakere in Match Day Two. Vanuatu internationals Fedy Vava and Francois Sakama will re-join the team after being in Auckland for the past week with the Oceania All Star side which faced the LA Galaxy.

In Group B Hekari will be expecting a large supportive crowd to welcome in the first ever O-League game to be played in Papua New Guinea.

Coach Patrick Mniti will be looking for a more complete performance from his side who led Koloale in their opening match before conceding three late goals to lose their advantage.

Ba Coach Yogendra Dutt was disappointed with his sides finishing in front of goal in their opening round 0-0 draw with Koloale FC and will look to Fijian international Osea Vakatalesau to lead the line by example on Saturday.

A win for Ba would put them first equal with Koloale on top of Group B.

Oceaniafootball.com will be providing live text updates of both matches.

2009 O-LEAGUE GROUP A

Date: Saturday, 13 December 2008
Match: Port Vila Sharks [VAN] vs. Auckland City FC [NZL]
Venue: Port Vila, Vanuatu
Stadium: Municipal Stadium
Kick Off: 15H00 (Local time) 17H00 (NZL T)

Auckland Squad (From):1.Ross NICHOLSON [GK]; 2.Nelson SALE; 3. Matt FRIEL; 5. Matt WILLIAMS; 6. Ki-Hyung LEE; 8. Chad COOMBES; 9. Paul URLOVIC; 10. Grant YOUNG; 11. Alick MAEMAE; 12. Jacob SPOONLEY [GK]; 15. Ivan VICELICH; 16. George SURI; 20. Greg UHLMANN;  23. Liam MULROONEY; 22. Xavi ROCA; 19. Salesh KUMAR;

Not Eligible: 4. Sam CAMPBELL; 7. James PRITCHETT; 13. Alex FENERIDIS; 14. Keryn JORDAN; 17. Allan CARELLA; 18. Eliezer ANELLO; ; 25. Adam MCGEORGE; 26. Jonathan RAJ. 27. Lance HESLOP; 29.John FLETCHER [GK]; 30. Mark FULCHER [GK};24. Milos NIKOLIC;21. Riki VAN STEEDEN;

Coach: Paul POSA (NZL)

Port Vila Sharks: (From) 2.Samson OBED; 3. Jacques MAFIL NAWAN; 6. Fedy VAVA; 7. Moise POIDA; 9. Jean Nako NAPRAPOL; 10. Richard IWAI; 11. Etienne MERMER; 12. Hubert NAKE; 13. Francois SAKAMA; 14. Silas NAMATAK; 15. Roger JOE; 16. Alphonse QORIG; 17. Geoffrey Lego GETE; 20. John GARAE [GK]; 21. Michell KALTACK; 22. Alfred MALAS [GK]; 25. Jonah TURU; 26. Jeffry NIMANIAN;

Not Eligible: 1. David CHILIA [GK]; 4. Ken MASAUVAKALO; 5. Tom MANSES; 8. Pita David MAKI; 18. Robert TOM; 19. Derek MALAS; 23. Fenedy MASAUVAKALO; 24. Andrew CHICHIRUA; 27. Fernandez TERONG; 28. Rexly TARIVUTI; 29. John KAURUA; 30. Philip Tom TOMAKE;

Coach: Robert CALVO (VAN)

Referee: Jimmy WRIGHT [NCL]
Assistant Referee 1: Salesh CHAND [FIJ]
Assistant Referee 2: Ashwin KUMAR [FIJ]
Fourth Official: Grey VUKE [VAN]
Referees Assessor: Harry ATISSON [VAN]
OFC Coordinator: George IAPSON [VAN]

Group A Standings:

2009 O-LEAGUE GROUP B

Date: Saturday, 13 December 2008
Match: Hekari Souths United FC [PNG] vs. Ba [FIJ]
Venue: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Stadium: Port Moresby Rugby League Stadium
Kick Off: 15H00 (Local Time) 17H00 (FIJ T)

Hekari Souths United FC (from): 1. Fred HALE [GK]; 2. Tagaya LEPANI; 3. Hamson DANIEL; 4. Cyril MUTA; 5. Brian TUHIANA; 7. Benjamin MELA; 8. Michael FOSTER; 9. Abraham INIGA; 11. Joachim WAROI; 12. David MUTA; 13. Andrew LEPANI; 14. Jack SAMANI;; 17. Kema JACK; 18. Ericson KOMENG; 19. Koriak UPAIGA; 20. Gure GABINA [GK]; 21. Brian FENI; 22. Lorima DAU;

Not Eligible: 6. Jacob PEKAU; 10. Abraham ENOCH; 15. Charles PARANDA; 16. Lawrence MOSES; 23.Fabian BAGI; 24. Brian NAKI; 25. Tonga ESIRA; 26. Thomas JOE; 30.Leslie KALAI;

Coach: Patrick MNITI (SOL)

BA Squad (From):1. Jone SOROLO [GK];2. Avinesh SUWAMY; 3. Shalen LAL; 4. Maueli KALOU; 5.Ronil KUMAR; 6.Jone VESIKULA; 7. Tuimasi MANUCA; 9. Josaia BUKALIDI; 10. Ronald LAWRENCE; 11. Alvin SINGH; 12. Pita BALEITOGA; 13. Maciu DUNADAMU; 16. Malakai TIWA; 22. Kiniviliame TURAGALAILAI; 24. Rinal PRASAD; 26. Joshua WILSON; 29. Peni FINAU; 30. Osea VAKATALESAU;

Not Eligible: 8. Keni DOIDOI; 14. Seimata CHILIA; 15. Mavileko NAKAMA; 17. Malakai KAINIHEWE; 18. Petero DAUNISEKA; 19. Shameel RAO; 20. Epeli CODRO [GK]; 21.Nicholas LAWRENCE [GK]; 23. Aisea CODRO; 25. Krishna SAMI; 27. Josefata NAIBULI; 28. Taniela WAQA;

Coach: Yogendra DUTT (FIJ)

Referee: Chris BEATH [AUS]
Assistant Referee 1: Brad HOBSON [AUS]
Assistant Referee 2: Ashley BEECHAM [AUS]
Fourth Official: Job Minan PONIS [PNG]
Referees Assessor: Pius LETENGE [PNG]
OFC Coordinator: Edward TAULOI [PNG]

Group B Standings:

AUCKLAND - Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), Auckland Regional Council (ARC), Sky Television New Zealand (Prime Television), Fiji TV and Sky Pacific and all "Beautiful Game" associated partners are pleased to announce the live broadcast details of Oceania All Stars vs. LA Galaxy.

Thirteen broadcasters from around the region will take live coverage of this groundbreaking event from Mount Smart Stadium, Penrose, Auckland, as a squad of players from around Oceania plus invited guest players from Australia and Netherlands take on the stars from Major League Soccer (MLS) to help raise funds for Kids Can, John Walker Field of Dreams and promote OFC Football for Life.

OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas said the match would create television and football history around the Oceania region.

"The fact we have thirteen of our regional broadcasters taking this match live is historic in itself. The Karembeu Jubilee match in Noumea was distributed delayed.

We at OFC are delighted to bring our regions footballers together like this, but even happier the people in the countries will be able to see them alongside the LA Galaxy, Christian Karembeu, Mark Bosnich and Edgar Davids.," Nicholas said.

The broadcast will reach a potential audience of just over 6 million people.

OFC Media and Communications Officer Gordon Glen Watson said New Caledonia had the option of taking a tape of the match delayed.

"At this stage the technology to bring the match live to New Caledonia is not in place. However, Fiji TV and RFO are in dialogue about solving this problem as a result of this event - that is a strong indication of the power and attraction of football in our region," Watson said.

Live internet audio broadcast of this match is available at www.radiosport.co.nz

For full listings in your country or territory please consult local listings.

MATCH DETAILS

Saturday 6 December 2008

"The Beautiful Game"

Oceania All Stars vs. LA Galaxy

Mount Smart Stadium

Penrose

Auckland

Kick-Off: 19h35 (New Zealand Time)

Oceania All Stars coach Jim Selby at yesterday's press conference

BROADCASTERS TAKING THE LIVE FEED

American Samoa - Pacific Channel Samoa

American Samoa - Pacific Island Cable

Cook Islands - Cook Islands Television

Kiribati - Television Kiribati Ltd

New Zealand - Prime Television/Sky Television

Niue - Broadcasting Corporation of Niue

Papua New Guinea - EMTV (Media New Guinea Limited)

Solomon Islands - One News Ltd/Solomon Telekom Co. Ltd

Tonga - Tonga  Broadcasting Commission

Tonga - TONFON Entertainment Ltd

Vanuatu - Vanuatu Broadcasting & TV Corp

Samoa - Samoa Broadcasting Corporation

AUCKLAND – Thousands of screaming school children filled Mt Smart Stadium today to train with and watch the Oceania All stars and LA Galaxy.

It was the opportunity of a lifetime for many young fans who had the opportunity to mix and mingle with stars like David Beckham, Christian Karembeu, Edgar Davids and Mark Bosnich.

The Galaxy entered the stadium first and the kids erupted into screams of delight when they caught their first glimpse of Beckham.  After a training session which lasted a little over an hour it was the All stars turn and Coach Jim Selby invited 30 lucky young schoolchildren to join in some impromptu games and drills.

The All Stars then took time to sign autographs for their thousands of adoring fans, before walking them back to their bus.

Fijian star Esala Masi said the experience was one he will never forget and said his excitement level for the game has risen to a new level.

“It was great to mix with the kids and I’m so excited for the game tomorrow. I’m really hoping we can fill this stadium tomorrow. I think we will.”

The Oceania team will train tonight at Mt Smart Stadium in preparation for their game tomorrow night.

Photos: Marc Peretic Wilson

Team Shot - The full squad line up before the training session

Christian Karembeu kicks around with a lucky local schoolgirl

Edgar Davids fends of a challenge from an eager opponent

Karembeu shows his appreciation