Tonga Football Association’s (TFA) 2009 Major League has been a great success with a prize presentation worth $19,100 made on Saturday 11 July at the National Soccer Center in ‘Atele.

TFA was honoured to have had the Honourable Nobel Vaha’I and Moimoi Vaea as guests of honour.

Marist has been the dominant team in TFA Premier Division since it kicked-off in March this year.

The underdogs have made football history in Tonga over the weekend by toppling the defending Premier league champions Lotoha’apai .

Lotoha’apai have dominated the the TFA Premier Division over the last decade and Marist’s win represents the end of an eleven year hold on the Championship by Lotoha’apai.

For their valiant efforts Marist walked away with a $3000 cash prize.  Lotoha’apai’s second placing earned them a prize of $2,500, while Manuka knocked off Ngeleia to secure third position and $2000 cash.

Meanwhile the only match that took event on Saturday was the woman’s final between Nuku’alofa 11 and Marist.

It was a spectacular clash with both teams in search for a elusive tie-breaking goal in normal time that saw the match spill over into a 20 minutes of extra-time that still could not break the deadlock. With the scores still locked at 0-0 after extra-time, the teams undertook a penalty shoot-out to decide the title winner. The final penalty score saw Marist bow out to Nuku'alofa 11, 3-2.

Nukualofa 11 coach, Atelaite Tuivailala, is ecstatic with her team’s performance.

“The girls commitment to soccer finally paid off and I and thankful for the effort they put up against Marist” Tuivailala said. She summed the match as an “Outstanding performance” by her team.

Children’s fun football also got underway on Saturday with more than 70 kids turning up at 9:30am to learn football. Kid’s fun football is gradually increasing by the week and TFA is encouraging parents to bring children between the ages of 6-13 years to attend every Saturday.

With the culmination of the 2009 major league last Saturday, TFA’s knock-out competition will kick off on 8 August 2009 and we are calling on all teams to make early registrations. TFA’s knock-out competition also promises great prizes.

Courtesy of TFA Media

Representatives of Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and the Pacific Games Council (PGC) came together in Fiji yesterday to sign an agreement aimed at enhancing the capacity of the four-yearly Pacific Games (formerly known as the South Pacific Games).

Beginning in 1963, the Pacific Games is a multi-sport event similar to the Olympics or Commonwealth Games but on a smaller scale, with entry open exclusively to countries in the South Pacific. It includes a football competition that doubles as the first stage of qualifying for the all-important FIFA World Cup™ tournaments.

The agreement signed yesterday by PGC President Vidhya Lakhan and OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas, on behalf of OFC President Reynald Temarii, details how both organisations will work closely together to ensure successful delivery of the football component of future Pacific Games. Nicholas says the aim is to build on the success of the XIII Games in Samoa in 2007.

“In Samoa we had 19 teams from 11 countries competing in the men’s and women’s football and it was a wonderful showcase of Oceania’s elite,” said Nicholas.

“Media interest was also high because Samoa 2007 marked the beginning of the road for 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifying  - not only in Oceania, but the world.

“Following on from that success, we are committed to working side by side with PGC to maximize the potential of this event.”

As stated in the Memorandum of Understanding, OFC will help to promote future Pacific Games and support football infrastructure while designating a Technical Delegate to work directly with the Organising Committee.

PGC and OFC will also work together to use the Games as a tool for education, capacity building, cultural exchanges, empowerment of women, health promotion and economic development.

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) has welcomed the announcement by SBS Australia yesterday that it will work with Fiji’s MAI TV to ensure free-to-air coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ to millions of fans across the Pacific region next year.

As the Official Broadcaster of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, SBS has signed an Oceania sub-licence agreement with Mai TV which OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas says will bring significant benefits to Oceania’s football family.

“This agreement means that a large number of Pacific territories will be able to show the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and other FIFA tournaments on free-to-air television,” said Nicholas, speaking at a press conference in Fiji. 

MAI TV Managing Director Richard Broadbridge says his company is delighted to have the responsibility of sub-licensing the FIFA World Cup™ rights into the Oceania territories of American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

“For such a young broadcaster – only thirteen months old – MAI TV is extremely happy to be awarded this task,” said Broadbridge.

“With the acquisition of FIFA content, football will be lifted to a new level in the Pacific region with more support for Oceania football as well as local associations.”

SBS Managing Director Shaun Brown explained that MAI TV will transmit SBS Australia’s broadcast and commentary for all LIVE matches in the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

“SBS is well respected in the Australian market for its experience and expertise in broadcasting some of the biggest sporting events from around the globe, and the FIFA World Cup™ is considered the pinnacle,” said Brown.

“We are delighted to be working with MAI TV to ensure even greater coverage of FIFA events throughout Oceania.”

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

SUVA - Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) in conjunction with Fijian Television Broadcaster Mai TV is pleased to advise football fans of broadcast details for the OFC Futsal Championship Fiji 2009 which kicks off at the Vodafone Arena in Suva this evening.

OFC and Mai TV are working together to provide exclusive television coverage of all the matches at this year's championship and a highlights package that will be distributed to broadcasters in each of the participating nations.

Mai TV will screen delayed coverage of Match Day One (Mon 6 July), Match Day Two (Tues 7 July), Match Day Three (Wed 8 July) and the Finals day (Fri 10 July) during Fijian prime time from 7:00pm to 8:30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

A highlights package 'wrapping up' the championship’s most exciting moments will be distributed post-tournament to all the participating OFC Member Associations for on-forwarding to local broadcasters. Mai TV will also make this highlights package available online at www.tv.com.fj. 

The OFC Futsal Championship gets underway this evening with hosts Fiji playing Vanuatu (6:00pm Fiji Time) while New Caledonia take on defending champions Solomon Islands (8:00pm Fiji Time). In the same match-ups at last year’s championship, Vanuatu beat Fiji 5-2 while Solomon Islands beat New Caledonia 8-5.

Since the championship’s inception, Australia have won the title on four occasions in 1992, 1996, 1999 and 2004 but after the Soceroos left OFC in 2006, Solomon Islands stepped up to claim the OFC Futsal crown in 2008.

The event has previously 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 which shows OFC’s commitment to developing futsal by providing regular competition for Oceania’s top teams.

Stay tuned to www.oceaniafootball.com for regular championship updates including the latest scores, news and photos.

For live match updates visit www.fijilive.com


OFC Futsal Championship Fiji 2009 - Television Schedule:

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 rapid rise in the popularity of the Samoa Football Soccer Federation-Normalisation Committee (SFSF-NC) 'Fun Football' Juniors Saturday programme has created a need for positive expansion changes.

SFSF-NC CEO Colin Tuaa is taking measures to cater for this demand by inviting members of the public to assist with organising the Fun Football programme.

"Anyone with an interest in football and can who work with kids would be great to have assisting our programme," says CEO Tuaa.

Last Saturday 100 plus kids turned up for the Fun Football programme. When that number is combined with the number of parents who called SFSF-NC expressing interest this week, Technical Director Tunoa Lui has predicted this Saturday’s numbers to double.

A second field will also be made available for the children's programme this Saturday, to ensure that all age groups get to play small sided matches.

SFSF-NC is also looking to buy more equipment such as balls, bibs and cones to facilitate the increasing level of participation expected.

To all parents who have called in, and still have not had the time to bring their children, registrations will be carried out this Saturday for all children.

Fun Football is free and all parents need to do is to make sure that their child attends the programme on time. 

Parents are also advised that although we have water on the premises, it would be handy to bring a bottle along for your child.

Kids and parents, remember, same time, same place. SFSF-NC looks forward to seeing you on Saturday!

Courtesy of SFSF-NC Media

The National University of Samoa (NUS) does not only have academics on its payroll, it also has a bunch of enthusiastic footballers.

The NUS Staff Football team has registered a total of 28 players for the upcoming Samoa Football Soccer Federation-Normalisation Committee (SFSF-NC) Business House Tournament, which kicks off next week, 8 July 2009.

It is NUS’s seventh year in the tournament, and the closest they have gotten to winning was back in 2006, when they played the semi-finals against team Transam and won.

However, there were complaints as to the nature of affiliations of some of NUS' players, so their win was nullified.

In 2005, the NUS staff team tasted success, wining their pool and a Tanoa ('ava' bowl) to show for it.

Made up of Lecturers, members of the Media Unit, the Academic Registry and Physical Faculties, the group is a unique mixture with player’ ages ranging from 25-52 years of age.

However, staff committee Vice President Tafeamali'i Tino Duseigneur says age is the least of their worries.

"The majority of our players are aged between 25 and 35, and the elders still have a lot of strength in them, I wouldn't advise that anyone take them lightly," he said.

The NUS team has been preparing over the past three months for the 2009 tournament by holding friendly games. They’ve even fronted up against old rivals Transam, Origin Energy and MET from the local business community and government departments.

The teams have been playing friendly matches at the NUS grounds every Saturday.

"Our players are really serious about the upcoming tournament and we want to carve our mark this year," says Duseigneur.

He adds that the decision to implement the seven-a-side match in this year's tournament is a challenge for his team.

"We understand that seven-a-side is currently practiced globally and it is important that we keep up with what's happening around the world."

Duseigneur expects a tough and demanding tournament and has a warning for the NUS’ Business House rivals, “that’s (the new format) all the more reason why you (other teams) should come prepared.”
 
Aside from hard consistent training and years of experience, the team also boasts one club player in its squad.

A meeting will be held between SFSF-NC Business House Tournament co-ordinators, and representatives from all the teams who have already registered, this Tuesday (5:30pm) at the SFSF-NC headquarters in Tuana'imato.

This is to discuss rules and regulations of the tournament and to clear up any further related queries.

Interested teams are encouraged to join promptly and place their registration while entries are still available.
 
Meanwhile, the NUS staff team has a message for all businesses and government departments who have not yet joined the tournament entry list.

"Do not miss out on this great opportunity to not only get in shape and good health, but also to build friendships with other people from the business community and the public service," says Duseigneur.

Courtesy of SFSF-NC Media  

Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) President Reynald Temarii will attend the unveiling of the Cook Islands Football Association’s new 500 seat grandstand and changing rooms facility.
 
Temarii will share the historical ceremony on Friday (10 July 2009) with Cook Islands Prime Minister Jim Marurai.
 
CIFA President Lee Harmon says that the facilities are the second and third phases of FIFA’s ‘Goal Programme’ for the national football association.

The changing rooms, powered by a solar hot-water system, are designed to accommodate both players and match officials. The first phase saw the construction of the CIFA head office, national football academy and two international playing pitches, completed and opened in 2004.  
 
Next week’s inauguration will give CIFA an autonomous capacity to provide football activities at local and international levels. The ‘Goal Programme’ was initiated by FIFA nine years ago in a move to meet the needs of national football associations around the world.
 
“We have come a long way within a few short years and this is testament to the vibrant partnership FIFA has with the people of the Cook Islands,” Harmon said.

“I am proud to say that football (soccer) is alive and is now part and parcel of our local communities, from the clubs here on the main island of Rarotonga, to those in the outer islands that are four-hours away by plane.”
 
“The opening of this grandstand makes CIFA the owner of one of only two grandstands in the Cook Islands and the other is owned by the Cook Island’s government.”
 
The grandstand was designed by local architectural firm Romani Designs and constructed by Landholdings Limited.

Courtesy of CIFA Media

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.
 

Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) President Reynald Temarii has expressed his shock and sadness at the passing of Leone Rakoroi, one of the most highly regarded referees within Oceania.

Rakoroi died early Sunday morning after being involved in a car accident while returning home from celebrations to mark victory by Navua in the Fiji FACT club competition.

President Temarii says it was with a sad heart that he learned of the tragedy.  

"On behalf of OFC and Oceania’s football family, we wish to extend our condolences and support to Leone Rakoroi’s family, friends and loved ones,” he said.

"We sincerely hope that all those who knew Leone will find some amount of peace and solace in this time of sadness."

OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas praised Rakoroi for a long career as one of the most popular and respected referees in Oceania football history.

“As a former FIFA Referee, Leone officiated in many key tournaments including the FIFA U-17 World Championship in Finland in 2003,” said Nicholas. “His loss will be felt heavily throughout Oceania where he has done so much for the game.”

Rakoroi, who was in his mid-40s, resided in Votualevu on the outskirts of Nadi and is survived by his wife and four children. 


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 trip to the tropics is a great opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the developed world, but for Oceania Football Confederation’s (OFC) Technical Director Jim Selby his Tongan development tour represents a satisfying week of exertion.

Selby’s visit has been beneficial for the development and progress of football in the country and is a follow-up after the recent OFC instructor’s course in Fiji.

During his visit to the Tongan Football Association (TFA) Selby mentored instructors Kilifi Uele and Lui Muavesi as they facilitated the first ever OFC youth coaching course conducted by locals.

 “I am very pleased that instructors have been able to build on what they learnt on the course in Fiji,” Selby said.

The trip also gave Selby the opportunity to assistance Tonga’s technical director, Uele, in mapping out the road ahead for all levels of competitive play. There was added attention given to women’s and talented player’s development, as well as focusing on technical activities for schools and communities. The pair also tackled the task of putting some strategic plans in place.

An added bonus for Selby was the opportunity to cross paths with the Australian Sports Outreach Program (ASOP) and AusAid teams - OFC’s partners in the ‘Just Play’ program.

Selby, ASOP staff and the AusAid team were able participate in a number of fact-finding meetings and conduct further discussions on how to progress the program.

Field trips to rural Tongan villages proved to be a personal highlight for Selby during his visit as he saw first-hand the impact of grass roots football.

“I am really pleased with the introduction of grass roots football. Children have responded in numbers, which is a good sign for the future” Selby said.

For TFA Technical Director Uele the Selby’s visit and mentoring has been beneficial on a number of levels.

“I am thankful for Jim’s expertise. Without Jim we wouldn’t have the opportunity to pilot ‘Just Play’ in conjunction with ASOP and AusAid , we have managed to select appropriate communities who are capable of conducting the pilot programs but most importantly we were able to prove to our partners the ability to start the program on our own” Kilifi said.

Courtesy of TFA Media

The man known to his friends and foes as the ‘Mau’ movement has orchestrated team Utulei Youth’s rise from fourth position to champions of the Football Federation of American Samoa 2009 Men’s Outdoor 5-aside Competition.

Penaia Kaleopa, nicknamed Mau, helped guide Utulei Youth to title success by upsetting top-ranked FC SKBC 4-3 in their semi-final match and then whitewashing the second ranked team Jets 1 3-0 in the final match on Saturday at Pago Park Soccer Stadium.

Kaleopa, awarded the Most Valuable Player at the end of the competition, scored the match-winner against SKBC and then broke the scoreless tie in the title match to shoot-down the Jets’ hopes.

As player-coach, and also coach of the women’s team that finished second to Black Roses, Kaleopa – also MVP of the Business House Tournament held in March of this year – chose to sit out the start of the game to gauge the tempo and thus set up a strategy for his players and also himself.

As the oldest player on the field he lacked the pace of his younger opponents but made up for this with a canny knack for being in the right time at the right place.

The final lacked the intensity the fans had hoped for, mainly due to Jets 1 employing a conservative strategy that saw them maintain possession amongst their backs for prolonged periods. It was anticlimactic compared to the very exciting semifinals played earlier between Jets 1 and Black Roses in one match and SKBC and Utulei Youth.

About five minutes into the second half Utulei’s Pesamino Victor struck a powerful shot from midfield that forced an awkward save from the Jets 1’s goalie. The ball was deflected off of the keeper’s body into the path of an unmarked Kaleopa who scored with ease. 

The ‘Mau’ goal appeared to break resolve of Jets 1 players as frustration settled into their play. Conversely Utulei Youth played with renewed determination that produced a brace of goals to JP Fa’avae, the MVP for the recent Boy’s High School Junior Varsity competition.

SEMIFINAL ONE: UTULEI YOUTH 4, FC SKBC 3

Again, it was a rebound on a blocked shot attempt that enabled Kaleopa to score the game-winning goal.

A diving William Kali of SKBC stopped Aleki Savea’s shot at goal, injuring himself in the process. The ball bounced off of Kali and straight to an unmarked and wide-open Kaleopa who lightly tapped in the winner for his second goal of the game.

When these two teams met during the round robin competition, SKBC dominated Utulei 6-1. However, Kaleopa was unavailable when these two played.

However, Kaleopa was able to make amends in the semi-final when he helped lead his team to victory with a brace after SKBC had leapt out to a 2-0 lead. Savea scored to peg one back for Utulei and Kaleopa added his first score to level the score 2-2 at the half.

Jin Lee and Gun Chul Kang were the first half scorers for SKBC and Kang again struck in the second stanza for a 3-2 scoreline before Victor again brought Utulei level before Kaleopa’s late game winner.

SEMIFINAL TWO: JETS I 4, BLACK ROSES 3 (OT)

Jets 1 completed a memorable come-back from 0-3 down in normal time to beat Black Roses deep into the second half of extra time. Harry of Jets 1 completed their comeback win by shooting past a diving goalie after being played into space via a great pass from captain Mafutaga Solofa with just 45 seconds left on the overtime clock.

Solofa was the key to his side’s come-back, holding his team together despite the three goals scored against them in the first half of normal time.

Dion Ott led Black Roses in that fast start with a brace while Alapati Sula contributed the third goal.

Solofa started his team’s fight back with the first goal and Sam Taulealo chipped in with the second.

The Jet’s captain continued to lead by example by providing the equalizer with less than a minute to play before again stepping up to lay-on the decisive last minute score.

Courtesy of FFAS Media

Even the inclement weather couldn’t dampen the spirit of football at the Soccer center in ‘Atele, as Round 9 of Tonga major league took place on Saturday.

Division One played its final round while the Premier, Second and U-15 divisions played their penultimate rounds. The Women’s division was also in action (5 rounds from completion) rounding out an action-packed day of club football.

Premier Division

After toppling Lotohaapai FC as premier division leaders in draw 8, Marist FC received their first disappointment of the season, going down 1-3 to Ngeleia FC who had dropped dramatically to the bottom of their division table recently.

Ngeleia’s thrashing of Marist came in a spectacular match in front of a few club faithful who defied chilly conditions to support their teams. Sione Tovo’s blistering shot at goal, 6 minutes into the game, gave Ngeleia an early boost of confidence and some control of the game. Despite having a messy first half, Marist midfielder Neo Fe’ao puts his team back into the game after 18 minutes with a goal taking the score to 1-1 at halftime.

Hungry for a better result coach Kilifi Uele took to the field in the second half and improved Ngeleia’s attacking fluency. His involvement paid off at 44 and 50 minute marks with goals to Sione Tovo and Kilifi Uele respectively. Marist’s attack was then unable to break Ngeleia’s defense in the remaining 20 minutes of the match as the clock ran down. 

Ngeleia’s much improved performance has secured them the third spot on the table while, despite the loss, Marist retain their position at the top of the premier division.

First Division

Meanwhile, first division leader, Longoteme FC drew 0-0 with Ha’amoko United in a very tightly contested match. The goalless draw left table standings unchanged as division 1 approaches its finale with only one match remaining next week between Vaolongolongo and Ha’amoko.

Longoteme needs a better performance to make it into premier division next year, as they await draw 10 results to confirm which premier club they’ll meet in a promotion/relegation play-off.

In the opening match of the women’s division Seketi Fatai grabbed a triple for Nukualofa 11, who took to the field with only 8 players. Sela Vaenuku scored the winner in the 70th minute of the match after ‘Ahau FC tried to stay in touch through Ilaise Faluku’s goal.

But it was the second women’s game between Marist and Kaimai Girls that proved to be the glamour match of the day with both teams contesting a feisty battle. Forward, Heilala Loto’aniu opened the scoring for Marist after 10 minute before Kaimia’s Vaisioa Niukapu equalized in the 20th minute of the game.

Budding All Whites striker Chris Wood has been rewarded with his first professional contract at West Bromwich Albion.

The 17-year-old has penned a two-year deal, plus a further two years option in the club's favour.

Wood's contract completes a rapid rise to prominence for the young Auckland-born, Waikato-raised ace, who is currently winging his way to South Africa to meet up with Ricki Herbert’s All Whites squad ahead of the FIFA Confederations Cup.

Albion Manager Tony Mowbray said: "I'm delighted that Chris has been rewarded with his contract.

"Hopefully, he's the first of a handful of young players who will be signing pro contracts over the summer.

"We feel the future is very bright for the players who are now starting to emerge from the academy, some of whom were on the bench at Blackburn on Sunday.

"There's a real positive feeling coming from the academy. We possess some young, talented individuals.

"They've all got a lot of hard work ahead of them but they'll hopefully have bright futures in the game."

Wood, who made his second Barclays Premier League appearance for the already-relegated club late on at Blackburn, was joined on the bench at Ewood Park by two academy team-mates.

Wood only joined the Academy last summer but has since cut his teeth at Under-18, reserves and Premier League level, making a surprise senior debut as a second-half sub at Portsmouth six weeks ago.

The former U-17 international has also enjoyed a fairytale call-up to New Zealand's 23-man Confederations Cup squad and could make his international debut against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam on June 3 in the first of three warm-ups the All Whites play in Africa ahead their tournament opener against Europeans Champions Spain on June 14 in Rustenburg.

Wood was recently named the Nike Young Men's Player of the Year at the 2008 New Zealand Football Awards ceremony in Auckland.

Story courtesy of NZF Media.

For the latest news in NZ Football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

AUCKLAND – Three New Zealand football referees will join the All Whites on the plane to South Africa, after being selected as one of eight teams to officiate at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in June.

Referee Mike Hester and assistants Jan Hendrik-Hintz and Mark Rule – fresh from their NZFC Grand Final appointment – will officiate in at least one of the 16 matches at FIFA’s tournament for continental champions.

Hester – a Lieutenant Commander in the Royal New Zealand Navy – refereed two group matches at the Olympics with his Tongan and Vanuatuan assistants and was fourth official for two matches in the knockout phase.

He whet his whistle as a FIFA international referee in 2007 with age-grade internationals, along with Olympic and FIFA World Cup qualifiers throughout Oceania before his selection to Beijing.

Hester has also spent two seasons as a reserve referee in the A-League and is a regular appointee to NZFC and O-League fixtures.

It will be the first FIFA tournament for both Rule and Hendrik-Hintz.

Next on the wish list for Hester is appointment to the FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010. Along with kiwi fellow Peter O’Leary, he is part of FIFA development group of officials for the event. The pair’s next assessment comes just before the Confederations Cup at a seminar in Pretoria.

Hester is currently out of the country officiating at the Dallas Cup, an invitational age-grade club tournament in Texas, before heading to the United Kingdom on a three week tour as part of New Zealand Football’s relationship with England’s Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) – the organisation that develops and selects referees for the Premier League and FA Cup.

Story and photo courtesy of NZF Media

Match Day Five of the 2009 O-League produced two tense encounters resulting in winning margins of just one goal.

Waitakere United’s 3-2 victory over Port Vila Sharks in Vanuatu on Saturday has set up a must-win decider with Auckland City for a place in the final while Hekari South’s win at home over Koloale FC ensures the Papua New Guinea champions still have a chance of progressing in the competition.

In the Group A match, Chris Bale opened the scoring for Waitakere in the 10th minute after Danny Hay headed the ball back across goal from a Neil Sykes goal.

Port Vila drew level in the 17th minute when Moise Poida lobbed the ball over goalkeeper Dan Robinson from 35 yeards out.

The defending champions got their nose out in front just after halftime as Paul Seaman collected a free kick spilt by the Port Vila keeper.

But Port Vila would not lie down and François Sakama netted the goal of the game in the 57th minute sparking wild celebrations from the 2000+ home fans. Sakama blasted a free-kick into the Waitakere wall but made amends by collecting the rebound and beating two defenders to strike a powerful 18-yard shot to the left of Robinson.

The defining moment of the match came in the 75th minute when a Sykes corner found Emblem who set up Hay for the winning header. Hay’s effort was headed clear but the assistant referee ruled the ball had crossed the line.

While disappointed with Waitakere’s performance in the muggy 29 degree heat, Chris Milicich was “just happy to get the points.”

“It [the victory] was what we wanted. We were never going to win by six or seven up here, where the crowd, the pitch and the heat all work against you.”

Auckland City’s superior goal differential means Waitakere need to beat their cross town rivals at home on April 5 to advance to the two-legged April-May final.

The Group B match in Port Moresby got off to a frantic start with Koloale trying to dominate early. Henry Koto missed an early chance for the visitors but Hekari Souths weathered the onslaught and momentum shifted their way midway through the first spell. Hekari Striker Joachim Waroi proved a handful for the Koloale defense and in the 35th minute he was brought down by Jeffrey Bule after a weaving run into the box.

Kema Jack stepped up to the penalty spot and coolly slotted it home earning loud cheers from the 5000+ fans. Minutes before the penalty Waroi and Veresa Toma had both gone close to scoring. 
For the remaining 10 minutes of the first half the teams were evenly matched and there were no clear cut chances as both defences kept the strikers at bay.  Koloale came out strongly in the second half but Hekari’s David Muta and Abraham Iniga did well to shut down Koloale’s midfield duo of Henry Koto and Peter Taloga.

In the 70th minute Henry Fa’aarodo broke clear of Hekari defenders Cyril Muta and Brian Tuhianna and made space for the shot but eventually powered the ball over. It proved to be the best chance of half for Koloale.

The visitors had a numerical advantage for the final few minutes after Muta received his second yellow card of the half in the 87th minute but Hekari still managed to hold on desperately for the win.

The Papua New Guinea champions now lead Group B on six points but all three teams still have a chance of advancing. Koloale and Fiji’s Ba have four points and will both be chasing a win in their final group match to progress to the final. Hekari can only go through if Koloale and Ba draw their match scheduled for 28 March in Honiara.

Photo credit: Hekari Souths v Koloale courtesy of Post Courier (PNG)


2009 O-LEAGUE GROUP A - MATCH DAY FIVE RESULTS

Date: Saturday 7 March, 2009
Match: Port Vila Sharks [VAN] vs. Waitakere United [NZL]
Venue: Municipal Stadium, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Kick Off: 15h00 (Local time)
Referee: Rakesh VARMAN [FIJ]

Port Vila Sharks: 2 (Goal Scorers: Moise POIDA 17, Francois SAKAMA 57)
Waitakere United: 3 (Goal scorers: Christopher BALE 10, Paul SEAMAN 54, Danny HAY 75)
Half-time: 1-1

Cautions: Fenedy MASAUVAKALO 62, Paul SEAMAN 85, Jake BUTLER 87

Port Vila Sharks: 22.Alfred MALAS  (GK), 2.Samson OBED, 3.Jacques MAFIL NAWAN, 4.Ken MASAUVAKALO, 6.Fedy VAVA, 7.Moise POIDA (16.Alphonse QORIG 78), 9.Jean Nako NAPRAPOL (26.Jeffry NIMANIAN 83), 13.Francois SAKAMA (10.Richard IWAI 62), 14.Silas NAMATAK, 18.Robert TOM, 23.Fenedy MASAUVAKALO.
Substitutes not used: 5.Freskip VATU, 17.Geoffrey Lego GETE, 20.John GARAE (RGK), 25.Jonah TURU
Coach: Robert CALVO [VAN]

Waitakere United: 22.Daniel ROBINSON (GK) 3.Aaron SCOTT, 5.Danny HAY, 16.Neil EMBLEN, 11.Neil SYKES, 10.Allan PEARCE (4.Tim MYERS 46), 8.Paul SEAMAN, 17.Jake BUTLER, 15.Christopher BALE, 12.Roy KRISHNA (21.Kayne VINCENT 80), 13.Daniel KOPRIVCIC (9.Benjamin TOTORI 49).
Substitutes not used: 1.Richard GILLESPIE (RGK), 6.Hone FOWLER, 14.Jeff CAMPBELL, 18.Zane SOLE.
Coach: Chris MILICICH [NZL]

Group A Standings

Group A Results

02.11.08  Auckland City FC vs. Waitakere United  2-2
22.11.08 Waitakere United vs. Port Vila Sharks    3-0
13.12.08 Port Vila Sharks vs. Auckland City FC      0-2
14.02.09 Auckland City FC vs. Port Vila Sharks      8-1
07.03.09 Port Vila Sharks vs. Waitakere United    3-2
28.03.09 Waitakere United vs. Auckland City FC


2009 O-LEAGUE GROUP B - MATCH DAY FIVE RESULTS

Date: Saturday, 7 March 2009
Match: Hekari Souths United FC [PNG] vs. Koloale FC [SOL]
Venue: Port Moresby Rugby League Stadium, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Kick Off: 15h00 (Local time)
Referee: Strebre DELOVSKI [AUS]

Hekari Souths United FC: 1 (Goal scorer: Kema JACK 35)
Koloale FC squad: 0
Halftime: 1-0

Cautions: Cyril Muta 69, 87
Red cards: Cyril Muta 87

Estimated crowd: 5000

Hekari Souths United FC:  1.Godfrey BANIAU  [GK], 2.Tagaya LEPANI, 4.Cyril MUTA, 5.Brian TUHIANA, 6.Judd MOLEA , 7.Benjamin MELA, 9.Abraham INIGA, 10.Abraham ENOCH, 11.Joachim WAROI, 12.David MUTA, 13.Andrew LEPANI, 15.Charles PARANDA, 17.Kema JACK, 18.Ericson KOMENG, 19.Koriak UPAIGA, 20.Gure GABINA  [GK], 21.Brian FENI, 23.Fabian BAGI, 27.Veresa TOMA
Coach: Jerry ALLEN [SOL]

AUCKLAND - The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Executive Committee has issued a stern warning to rogue members of the Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) who are in breach of PNGFA, OFC and FIFA Statutes.

Gathering in Rarotonga at the weekend, the Executive Committee gave notice to Fabien Chow and Seth Daniel to stop their current actions or face the OFC Disciplinary Committee.

Letters were sent yesterday by OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas informing both parties of the committee’s decision. Nicholas said their actions are a blight on the PNGFA.

“Chow and Daniel claim to have authority within the PNGFA but their claims are without foundation,” Nicholas said.  “They are outsiders who bring a bad name to an otherwise well respected organisation that consists of hard working members committed to serving football.”

The warning to Chow comes after a FIFA/OFC Delegation report found that he was not duly elected as the PNGFA President despite his assertions to the contrary. Nicholas and Glenn Turner, FIFA Development Office, made up the delegation that went to Port Moresby in October 2008 to investigate the situation where there were two congresses of the PNGFA on 5 July 2008 during which Fabien Chow and David Chung claim to have been elected president.

The delegation found that since Chow could not produce any evidence or documents relating to his election he was not duly elected.

These findings were endorsed by the OFC Executive Committee during their meeting in Rarotonga at the weekend and Chow has subsequently been ordered to stop representing himself, writing in the name of or acting as the PNGFA President. If he fails to follow this directive, he will be referred to the OFC Disciplinary Committee.

Meanwhile, Seth Daniel has also been issued an ultimatum. Daniel was stood down as PNGFA Vice President at the PNGFA congress back in January 2007 for allegedly bringing the game into disrepute and at the time he said he would accept the decision of the organisation’s disciplinary committee. However, Daniel failed to acknowledge the PNGFA Disciplinary Committee and instead took out court proceedings against the PNGFA and against David Chung.

The FIFA/OFC Delegation investigated and found that filing proceedings in ordinary courts of law was in breach of Article 62.2 of the FIFA Statutes and Article 51 of the PNGFA Statutes.

As a result, the OFC Executive Committee has directed that Seth Daniel withdraw all court proceedings within 14 days of receiving the letter that was sent out yesterday by the OFC General Secretary. If he ignores this instruction, he will be referred to the OFC Disciplinary Committee and charged with a serious breach of FIFA and OFC Statutes.

Nicholas said the OFC is looking forward to these issues being resolved as soon as possible so that David Chung and his duly elected Executive Committee can continue building on the recent growth of football in Papua New Guinea.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

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

Gordon Glen Watson
Oceania Football Confederation
Media and Communications
T: +649-526-5654
F: +649-525-8164
M: +64 (0)21 994 520
E: gordon@oceaniafootball.com

Several new staff appointments have been made within the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) ahead of what promises to be a busy 2009.

The organisation welcomes General Manager Greg Larsen, Personal Assistant Paula McKenzie, Media and Communications Officer Priscilla Duncan, Logistics and Competitions Coordinator Amy McDonald and Receptionist Leah Brewster.

Tai Nicholas, OFC General Secretary, says all five will play a key role in steering the organisation as it embarks on the ‘Win in Oceania’ project which begins this year.

“OFC is going through an exciting growth period and I’m confident we have recruited the best possible candidates to help drive this expansion,” Nicholas says.

The US$8 million ‘Win in Oceania’ programme, funded by FIFA, will assist Oceania’s Member Associations in boosting national competitions, improving infrastructure and medical procedures, strengthening administration as well as developing futsal, beach soccer and grassroots competitions.

While OFC is boosted by the new faces, the organisation also says goodbye to two valued members of staff – Deputy General Secretary Frederic Guillemont and Media and Communications Officer Steve Holloway. Guillement has taken up a new position as CEO of the Homeless World Cup while Holloway recently signed a professional playing contract with MacArthur Rams FC in Australia.

“Frederic and Steve have made valuable contributions to OFC and they will be sorely missed,” Nicholas says. “We wish them the very best of luck in their future endeavours.”

NEW APPOINTMENTS:

Greg Larsen – General Manager

With an extensive background in finance and project management, Greg Larsen brings a wealth of knowledge to further build the professionalism of OFC. The 39-year-old, who has built three companies in different industries, says he is enjoying the challenge of his new role.

“My major goal is to provide a procedural and structural emphasis to the organisation while still maintaining the close-knit family feel that has been a cornerstone of OFC,” says the father-of-two.

Larsen has been involved in football for 34 years and spent over a decade playing National League in New Zealand as well as stints in England at Bournemouth and Eltham Town.

Having experienced football from a player’s perspective, he is now looking forward to being part of the sport in an administrative sense.

Paula McKenzie – Personal Assistant

Reporting directly to the OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas, Paula McKenzie will draw on her many years of experience in office administration to improve organisational systems within OFC.
McKenzie, who has most recently enjoyed being full-time mum to daughter Grace, says the role at OFC attracted her for many reasons.

“The social responsibility side of OFC really appeals to me and I’m looking forward to getting involved in that,” McKenzie says.

“I also like the vibe within the office. Everyone works extremely hard but still maintains a positive attitude which makes for a great working environment.”

Priscilla Duncan – Media and Communications Officer

Priscilla Duncan worked as Media Manager for the successful FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2008 and brings to OFC a passion for football as well as expertise in communications.

The former New Zealand international, who represented her country at the FIFA Women’s World cup in China in 2007, says she is relishing the opportunity to use her skills within a football organisation.

“This is a perfect role for me because it combines my background in communications with my love for football,” Duncan says.

Amy McDonald – Logistics and Competitions Coordinator

Amy McDonald will be responsible for OFC travel arrangements and logistics while also supporting the busy competitions department.

The Hawkes Bay native, who has worked in IT and administration roles within the finance industry, says she is looking forward to travelling throughout the Oceania region.

“I love meeting new people from different countries and cultures so that aspect of the job will be great,” says McDonald, who loves all things French and has a reasonable grasp of the language. 

Leah Brewster – Receptionist

Leah Brewster is the new face of OFC, working as the receptionist at the General Secretariat headquarters at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland. Prior to this job Brewster served as a volunteer at Auckland’s City Mission. So far she is thoroughly enjoying being part of the OFC team. 

“I love having daily contact with people and welcoming guests to the offices,” says Brewster, who is of Samoan and Maori descent.



FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

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

Gordon Glen Watson
Oceania Football Confederation
Media and Communications
T: +649-526-5654
F: +649-525-8164
M: +64 (0)21 994 520
E: gordon@oceaniafootball.com

Japan have left town, but they are still the team everyone is talking about at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Hamilton.

In the latest round of group matches at Waikato Stadium, Germany and Korea PDR grafted to a 1-1 draw last night to both proceed to the quarterfinals from Group B. Then Canada and Denmark trudged through an often dour scoreless stalemate to emerge as the successful teams from a Group A.

But while it made for a happy group ending for all four teams on show in Hamilton, it also left many of the 3283 fans suffering withdrawal symptoms from the absence of the Japanese.

Germany and Korea DPR are resolute and well-drilled teams, while Canada and Denmark are similarly tenacious, and they have all had their moments.

But none of them possess the X factor which made Japan such addictive viewing on the first two match days.

The contrast was such that the success of these four quarterfinalists - all worthy in their own ways – perversely only served to underline how special Japan had been, with their electrifying movement, mercurial skills and keen eye for an attacking chance.

For all that, Korea DPR have already shown in qualifying they have the measure of the Japanese, while the Germans gave a hint they would be well enough organised to assert their physical superiority in a head-to-head meeting.

The Koreans, who played up to stereotypical pre-conceptions by all sporting the same pageboy-style haircuts, received magnificent sideline support. Waikato's Korean community formed a small enclave at the front of the Wel Energy Trust stand, where they incessantly chanted and banged pots, pans, or anything they could find.

It was something leathery-faced coach Rl Ui Ham said gave great heart to his players, though Korea seldom appealed as a team driven primarily by emotion. Their play was generally crisp and concise, but like Germany, they lacked the spontaneity and unpredictability of Japan in the attacking third.

German coach Ralf Peter said it was the first time the Koreans had shown "their true face" in the tournament and warned they would be hard to beat in future rounds.

But that sums up most of the tournament teams. They are hard to beat.

So far Japan stand apart, because, by contrast, they are hard to stop from scoring.

Meanwhile Canadian coach Bryan Rosenfield saw plenty of promise in the two teams which failed to qualify from his team's very even group.

Colombia, like many South American countries, were an emerging force in women's football, he said.

"They bring some magnificent things to the game that we don't have in North America," he said. "As soon as they get the athleticism more, it is going to be tough to beat the South Americans."

And yet he was not surprised that New Zealand beat them 3-1.

"New Zealand comes out and plays hard. It is always tough to play the host country, and of course they (NZ) wanted to come out and show that 'hey, we are a good team' and can beat some of the good teams. "

He said New Zealand had similarly been very competitive against his team and Denmark.

"They just didn't get it on the day. I felt sorry for them, becuase they worked hard and deserved it as well."