THE OFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE IS ENTERING ITS 16TH EDITION AND REMAINS OCEANIA’S PREMIER INTERNATIONAL CLUB COMPETITION.
E
very year this event draws interest from across the
With its nine victories, eight of them consecutive, Auckland
globe as the hunger to learn more about the football
City FC are by far the most successful club to have
and footballers developing in the Pacific grows.
participated in the competition, with Waitakere’s two titles placing them a distant second.
The history of this event runs deep. It will take a lot to put a stop to this seemingly endless run What began with nine teams competing in the OFC Club
of success for Auckland City, you need only ask three-time
Championship, to the O-League, to its current incarnation
finalists Team Wellington who have yet to unseat their
as the OFC Champions League, almost 40 different clubs
rivals.
have attempted to stake their claim on the regional title. However, the beauty of this competition is that anything Only a select few have succeeded; nine-time champions
can happen on the day even with the best laid plans.
Auckland City FC and Waitakere United from New Zealand, Sydney FC, Wollongong Wolves and South Melbourne from
Over the next three and-a-half months we are in for a treat
Australia, and Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United.
as the most exciting club football competition this region has to offer, plays out on fields across Oceania.
OFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2018 QUALIFIER
20 January
Tupapa Maraerenga 1-0 Lupe Ole Soaga Veitongo FC 0-4 Pago Youth
23 January
Veitongo FC Pago Youth
2-9 Tupapa Maraerenga 3-1 Lupe Ole Soaga
26 January
Lupe Ole Soaga Pago Youth
6-0 Veitongo FC 0-5 Tupapa Maraerenga
CLUB
MP
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
Tupapa Maraerenga
3
3
0
0
15
2
+13
9
2
Lupe Ole Soaga
3
2
0
1
19
2
+17
6
3
Veitongo FC
3
0
1
2
3
16
-13
1
4
Pago Youth
3
0
1
2
2
19
-17
1
THE TALENT POOL THE SOLOMON ISLANDS IS RENOWNED FOR THE TALENT IT PRODUCES. And the OFC Champions League has long been a platform for this seemingly endless flow of special talent. The first to catch the eye was Laugu-born goal-getter Bartram Suri. Starring for Makuru in 2005, the fleet-footed diminuitive strikersometimes-midfielder proved a constant menace to defences with his unpredictability inside and outside the penalty box. Suri formed a deadly partnership with young-up-and-comer and nephew Alick Maemae and with the late Commins Menapi spearheading the attack, Makuru should have done a lot better than finish third in a group that contained AS Magenta, Tafea and AS Manu Ura. His preference was always to attack defenders from wide areas ghosting into the penalty box unnoticed and his talent was identified early with Suri regularly finishing among the top names in the Oceania
- THEY RIPPED UP THE PLAYBOOK AND WERE GIVEN LICENCE TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES -
In 1996, aged 24 and playing his football in New Zealand for Nelson Suburbs, Suri finished fourth in the awards that year behind Lazio’s Paul Okon and Sampdoria’s Christian Karembeu. Suri was rarely away from the Top 10 but Maemae, by contrast, remained an enigma. Blessed with talent, skill and a languid style that caught the eye, Maemae’s blistering pace rendered him almost unplayable. He bagged two goals in the 2005 OFC Club Championship for Makuru but that gave no indication of what he was to later produce firstly for YoungHeart Manawatu then Hekari United. The Solomon Islands gun-for-hire tag came when he and fellow compatriot Benjamin Totori joined Palmerston North-based YoungHeart Manawatu in 2006-07. Coached by former All Whites
striker Colin Tuaa, the MaemaeTotori double-act blew the doors off defences in New Zealand. Totori shared a lot more of Maemae’s other qualities - pace, finishing, skill and balance - but they were different people off the pitch. They ripped up the playbook under Tuaa at Manawatu and were given license to express themselves. Totori hammered home 24 goals in 21 regular season domestic matches as YoungHeart Manawatu pushed Auckland City FC all the way in the New Zealand Football Championship. Thrown into the mix with Totori and Maemae was another outstanding striker already mentioned - Menapi. The three Solomon Islanders took the 2006 OFC Club Championship by storm.
Totori scored seven goals in just five games including a hat-trick in a 4-0 win over Nokia Eagles at North Harbour Stadium. Menapi chimed in with three goals in the group stage - one in each match - while the irrepressible Maemae pulled the strings in midfield. YoungHeart Manawatu reached their highpoint in this competition and from there the franchise nosedived into football oblivion as they failed to qualify for the 2007 edition and by 2012 they had folded completely. For Maemae, Menapi and Totori the story was just beginning and they would each taste OFC Champions League glory with different clubs. Menapi and Totori were the first of the three to do so. Inevitably their eye-catching displays ended with big moves
to Waitakere United in successive years with Menapi signing on at Fred Taylor Park first in the autumn of 2006. Five goals in the OFC Champions League played a major part in Waitakere United’s first Champions League success as they snatched the title from Super City derby rivals Auckland City FC in a dramatic home-and-away final with Ba FC.
Asian champions Sepahan in front of 24,788 fans at the Olympic Stadium. Totori’s ambitions were realised but with Menapi’s career starting to wind down demands grew on his young successor to be the catalyst for more OFC Champions League success. Totori duly delivered.
Menapi’s crucial away goal in the first leg gave Waitakere United breathing space as they lost 2-1 at Govind Park.
Scoring twice in the 2008 edition, Totori helped retain Waitakere United’s precious Oceania title and with it their ticket to the Club World Cup.
Waitakere United somehow clung on to take out the second leg 1-0 with just nine men and book their tickets for the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2007.
Domestically, Waitakere United had no equal and that gap was poised to grow wider when the West Aucklanders signed Fijian striker Roy Krishna.
Menapi’s success and the allure of a Club World Cup were too good for Totori to turn down and soon he was swapping Palmerston North for Tokyo as Waitakere United took on then
Krishna hit the ground running and at first Totori struggled to define his own role within a team that now had two pacey skilful front runners augmented by the more methodical Allan Pearce.
He came off the bench in Waitakere United’s 2-1 defeat to Adelaide United at the FIFA Club World Cup with only five minutes to go. If Totori was wondering what the future held for him at Waitakere United then Alec Maemae’s present was even less certain. At least as talented as both Totori and Krishna, perhaps even better in open play, Maemae disappeared off the radar. Following his stint with YoungHeart Manawatu Maemae opted for Richmond Athletic in Nelson before trying his luck with Makuru in 2008 where it had all started. Auckland City FC then came calling when his ex-YoungHeart Manawatu boss Tuaa took over the reigns at Kiwitea Street but the stay proved disastrous and brief. Maemae missed training sessions, didn’t adapt to the club’s football
philosophies and no sooner was he in the door, then he was back at YoungHeart Manawatu where he failed to match the dynamism of his first stint. Not quite 24 years old with seemingly no options left, Maemae signed for Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United and the touchpaper was lit. Maemae fell into step with a club going places. Hekari United were winning the Papua New Guinea domestic league at a canter and with players like the freescoring Kema Jack, the combative Joachim Waroi and the leadership of Henry Fa’arodo, Maemae had found his spiritual football home in Port Moresby. Hekari started poorly with a 3-3 draw at Tafea and a 2-1 home defeat to Lautoka but blew their group apart with a severe backlash in their next four games. Jack, Maemae, Waroi and Fa’arodo made for a devastating
combination in attack winning four games scoring 11 goals and conceding two en route to the final with Waitakere United. In midfield Stanley Waita pulled the creative strings and set the work-rate. Fiji’s Pita Baletoga provided the muscle. Waitakere United had undergone a sequence of downsizing in operation and by the time the New Zealand and Oceania champions turned up in Port Moresby for their first leg final they were only a pale shadow of their former selves. Maemae took full advantage. Following Kema Jack’s first half opener, Maemae unlocked the floodgates with a brilliant free-kick nudged not only the game but the tie out of Waitakere United’s reach. Maemae’s performance was sublime and when Jack added a late third even home advantage in the second leg would not be enough to save Waitakere United
from a humiliating defeat. History shows Hekari United lost the second leg 2-1 but they were hardly pushed as Waitakere United plodded towards no more than a consolation win in a contest where Maemae and Hekari United created history by becoming the first non-Australian, non-New Zealand football club to win the OFC Champions League. That this Hekari United victory remains the only time for a Pacific team outside of the “Big Two” to do so is difficult to fathom. Hekari United would lose to Al Wahda 3-0 in their FIFA Club World Cup playoff but the name Alec Maemae would not be among those on the team sheet. In keeping with his aura of mystery, the Solomon Islands enigma disappeared from view, taking up a contract with Amicale in Vanuatu alongside Waita, thus foregoing the opportunity to take his talents onto the global stage.
GROUP A Lae City Dwellers / Nalkutan FC Ba FC / Tupapa Maraerenga
Looking at the line-ups, you would have to consider Fiji’s Ba FC as one of the group frontrunners based on past performances. The Men in Black are one of the most frequent appearing teams with several semi-final appearances to their name. While the past two editions haven’t been so kind to the pedigreed Fijian side, they failed to progress from the Group Stage, it hasn’t been for lack of trying. Generally the team has been missing the mark by the narrowest of margins and with the introduction of the quarter finals for this edition, they’re likely to claim at least one of the two guaranteed spots. Over the course of their previous appearances, both of which saw them drawn alongside regining champions Auckland City FC, Lae City Dwellers have showcased their ability to make the step up to the regional stage. Blessed with the talents of local goalscoring duo Raymond Gunemba and Nigel Dabinyaba, plus a couple of shrew Solomon Islands imports, Peter Gunemba has the pieces in place to execute his plan. Nalkutan FC may be an unfamiliar name, but with OFC B Licence-coach Moise Poida in charge and a slew of local talent, it’s a side hoping to make a name for itself. Already they knocked off fellow Champions League side Erakor Golden Star to take out the domestic play-off and now they’re eyeing further success on the regional stage. Finally, after years of trying, Cook Islands club Tupapa Maraerenga have finally progressed through the Qualifier. The names haven’t changed much over the past few years; Harmon and Joseph standing out among others. However under coach Alex Napa the side has evolved. into a strongly structured, adaptable group that makes clever decisions. This side shouldn’t be ruled out.
The level of experience is wide-ranging, but that by no means rules out any one of these sides from making a run for the quarter-finals.
LAE CITY DWELLERS 1.
NAME
D.O.B
APPEARANCES*
GOALS NATIONALITY
1
Matheson NASA (GK)
21/08/85
1
0
PNG
2
Maybon PWESEI
16/04/95
0
0
PNG
3
Valentine NELSON
12/04/87
6
0
PNG
4
Goropaul ALBERT
06/06/93
4
0
PNG
5
Mosie MILUBWA
06/06/84
6
0
PNG
6
Troy GUNEMBA
10/06/90
4
0
PNG
7
Raymond GUNEMBA
04/06/86
17
6
PNG
8
Jacob SABUA
25/08/94
2
0
PNG
9
Nigel DABINYABA
26/10/92
12
3
PNG
10 Obert BIKA
11/05/93
5
1
PNG
11 Adolf KUMISI
06/05/93
2
0
PNG
12 Mathew DAVID
17/08/94
5
0
PNG
14 Emmanuel SIMON
25/12/92
8
1
PNG
15 Ken KEPE
09/09/87
4
1
PNG
16 Japhet TIAMPO
05/07/91
6
0
PNG
17 Billson BULO
12/06/89
0
0
PNG
18 Peter DABINYABA JNR.
28/03/97
2
1
PNG
19 Makis GELMAL
12/12/91
0
0
PNG
20 Ronald WARISAN
15/09/89
5
0
PNG
21 Clement WILLIS
21/01/93
0
0
PNG
22 Andrew RARANGIA
01/06/94
0
0
SOL
24 Tutizama TANITO
27/11/93
9
2
SOL
30 Dennis GANNI (GK)
01/11/89
0
0
PNG
Coach: Peter GUNEMBA (PNG)
*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only
NALKUTAN FC 1.
NAME
D.O.B
APPEARANCES*
GOALS NATIONALITY
1
John DAVID YOKAI (GK)
28/08/07
0
0
VAN
2
Noah ROGER
18/02/95
0
0
VAN
3
Nelson SALE
10/07/86
35
0
SOL
4
Keven SHEM
05/12/93
5
0
VAN
5
Robert THOMAS
04/06/78
0
0
VAN
6
Raoul COULON
12/03/95
0
0
VAN
7
Bob ISSAC
02/06/97
0
0
VAN
8
Jean TAUSSI
17/07/96
0
0
VAN
9
James NAKA
10/09/84
22
11
SOL
10
Bong KALO
18/01/97
6
1
VAN
11
Azariah SOROMON
01/03/99
0
0
VAN
12
Eddison STEPHEN
02/10/92
0
0
VAN
13
Pierre ALICK
20/11/96
0
0
VAN
14
Kerry IAWAK
16/03/96
0
0
VAN
15
Ignace YAMACK
25/03/90
0
0
VAN
16
Daniel NATOU
25/11/89
11
0
VAN
17
Joses NAWO
05/03/95
31
8
SOL
18
Jeffery TES
12/06/87
0
0
VAN
19
Kawia LAVA
03/07/85
0
0
VAN
20
Kaloran FIRIAM
12/10/94
0
0
VAN
25
Roddy LENGA
22/04/90
0
0
VAN
27
Richard MANURIKI
25/01/92
0
0
VAN
30
Antonie TAIWIA (GK)
04/09/94
0
0
VAN
Coach: Moise POIDA (VAN)
*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only
BA FC
1.
NAME
D.O.B
APPEARANCES*
GOALS NATIONALITY
1
Misiwani NAIRUBE (GK)
22/02/96
4
0
FIJ
2
Avinesh SUWAMY
22/02/86
29
7
FIJ
3
Meli CODRO
18/08/85
15
0
FIJ
4
Manasa NAWAKULA
03/06/94
3
0
FIJ
5
Amal SINGH
11/04/94
0
0
CAN
6
Aakash SHARMA
29/05/92
0
0
FIJ
7
Samuela NABENIA
16/02/95
4
0
FIJ
8
Malakai RAKULA
16/05/92
1
0
FIJ
9
Abbu ZAHID
14/02/91
8
2
FIJ
10 Amena BOLAITAMANA
06/02/98
0
0
FIJ
11 Sitiveni CAVUILAGI
26/07/94
0
0
FIJ
12 Troy WATSON
05/01/93
0
0
CAN
13 Jonetani NEWA
29/07/97
0
0
FIJ
14 Kishan SAMI
13/03/00
0
0
FIJ
15 Saula WAQA
12/10/95
6
6
FIJ
16 Malakai TIWA
10/03/86
38
6
FIJ
17 Narendra RAO
27/06/95
5
0
FIJ
18 Laisenia NAIOKO
14/10/90
14
0
FIJ
19 Shivneel SINGH
04/11/97
0
0
FIJ
20 Josaia RATU (GK)
24/04/90
3
0
FIJ
21 Nathan BROWN
02/04/94
0
0
CAN
22 Atunaisa NAUCUKIDI (GK) 03/08/97
0
0
FIJ
23 Sanaila WAQANICAKAU 07/03/90
0
0
FIJ
Coach: Ronil KUMAR (FIJ)
*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only
TUPAPA MARAERENGA 1.
NAME
D.O.B
APPEARANCES*
GOALS NATIONALITY
1
Keegan INIA (GK)
20/03/97
0
0
COK
2
Mii JOSEPH
14/08/88
0
0
COK
3
Sean LATIMER
07/09/93
0
0
ENG
4
Teina SAVAGE
23/08/86
0
0
COK
5
Roimata KARIKA
23/05/01
0
0
COK
6
Samuel MAOATE-COX
31/08/97
3
0
COK
7
Campbell BEST
12/03/86
0
0
COK
8
Lee HARMON
23/10/01
0
0
COK
9
Geoffrey STRICKLAND
17/06/86
0
0
COK
10 Grover HARMON
09/08/89
3
0
COK
11 Maro BONSU-MARO
26/02/97
0
0
COK
12 Willyn KARIKA
09/05/00
0
0
COK
13 Pachock ABBA
01/11/86
0
0
NZL
14 Edward BROGAN
05/03/85
0
0
COK
15 Pekay EDWARDS
07/06/96
3
0
COK
16 Flynn O’BRIEN
16/02/98
0
0
NZL
17 Tyrell BARRINGER-TAHIRI
20/04/94
3
0
COK
18 James HOYT
28/09/90
2
0
FIJ
19 Anthony SAMUELA
02/06/94
3
0
COK
20 Manaariki PIERRE (GK)
16/03/01
0
0
COK
Coach: Alex NAPA (COK)
*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only
GROUP B Solomon Warriors / AS Dragon AS Lossi / Erakor Golden Star
Three sides make their return to the OFC Champions League after brief hiatus’ - hosts AS Dragon, Solomon Warriors and AS Lossi - who join 2017 debutants Erakor Golden Star in Tahiti for Group B. For AS Dragon, they’re hoping it will be a triumphant return to the regional stage on home soil. Former professional Marama Vahirua holds down the midfield, while smart recruitment has seen Reynald Lemaitre - who has over 300 Ligue 1 appearances to his name - join the ranks. Surrounding them is a swarm of youth and senior internationals who each contribute to what happens on the field. Solomon Warriors and AS Lossi are also making a return after a year off the radar. The squad assembled by Moses Toata is strong. There are senior internationals like Haddis Aengari and Jerry Donga, as well as rising talent Albert Witney. Alongside them are key recruits from Vanuatu defender Jason Thomas, John Alick and goalscorer Kensi Tangis. Lossi meanwhile has seen a number of changes since their previous appearance, most notably the departure of former coach Stephan Drahusak. While there are some familiar names in the side, ultimately little is known about this side which finished mid-table during their previous domestic campaign. Finally, Erakor Golden Star return to Tahiti with dreams of improving on their debut appearance last year. It remains very much a village-led side with the Kaltacks featuring heavily alongside Jacky Ruben and U-20 stars Ronaldo Wilkins and Joseph Iaruel and that tight-knit vibe is one of the precursors to success for this side.
For the second year in a row, Tahiti hosts a Champions League group but just one team returns from 2017 - Vanuatu’s Erakor Golden Star.
SOLOMON WARRIORS 1.
NAME
D.O.B
APPEARANCES*
GOALS NATIONALITY
1
Joseph KOMU (GK)
05/07/94
0
0
SOL
2
Haddis AENGARI
23/10/88
13
1
SOL
3
Allen PETER
15/09/95
0
0
SOL
4
Jason THOMAS
20/01/97
3
0
VAN
5
Fred FAKARI
09/11/89
5
0
SOL
6
Molea TIGI
24/09/92
9
3
SOL
8
John ALICK
25/04/91
0
0
VAN
9
Jerry DONGA
31/01/91
10
3
SOL
10 Judd MOLEA
23/08/88
8
0
SOL
11 Ian PAIA
28/10/90
12
1
SOL
12 Albert WITNEY
28/08/97
1
0
SOL
14 Roland MAMANIKA
07/07/88
0
0
SOL
15 Augustine SAMANI
13/04/91
3
0
SOL
16 Emmanuel POILA
16/07/90
14
0
SOL
17 Gibson DAUDAU
03/09/88
26
0
SOL
20 Harry MASAE
15/08/95
0
0
SOL
22 Bata FURAI
04/01/85
4
0
SOL
23 Gagame FENI
21/08/92
14
5
SOL
24 Kensi TANGIS
20/01/90
12
5
VAN
25 Matson FENNY
16/12/93
9
0
SOL
26 Lora MANI
02/06/89
0
0
SOL
28 Izomo BIRD (GK)
12/01/90
0
0
SOL
Coach: Moses TOATA (SOL)
*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only
AS DRAGON
1.
NAME
D.O.B
APPEARANCES*
GOALS NATIONALITY
1
Gilbert MERIEL (GK)
11/11/86
0
0
TAH
2
Victor SNOW
27/10/91
1
0
TAH
3
Teata HAUATA
13/03/92
0
0
TAH
4
Heimana TAVERE
01/12/99
0
0
TAH
5
Gabriel VAKOUME
09/02/89
0
0
NCL
6
Hennel TEHAAMOANA
12/04/99
0
0
TAH
7
Salomon TEVEPAUHU
05/09/85
1
0
TAH
8
Ariitapu ASEN
05/03/93
0
0
TAH
9
Samuel HNANYINE
01/03/84
0
0
TAH
10 Marama VAHIRUA
12/05/80
5
2
TAH
12 Rainui TZE-YU
26/02/92
0
0
TAH
13 Logan LEDUC
24/10/90
0
0
TAH
14 Daniel SEINO
11/03/99
0
0
TAH
15 Sullivan DUEE
09/11/87
0
0
FRA
16 Jonathan MOU
24/10/96
0
0
TAH
17 Tamatoa TETAUIRA
17/03/96
0
0
TAH
18 Louis PETITGAS
03/10/93
0
0
TAH
21 Christophe GENDRON
24/02/90
0
0
TAH
22 Clyde TINIAU
11/01/92
0
0
TAH
23 Reynald LEMAITRE
28/06/88
0
0
FRA
24 Teinaore SEINO
06/04/93
0
0
TAH
27 Hubert TAUHA
02/11/85
0
0
TAH
30 Benjamin TARDIVEL (GK)
03/12/87
0
0
TAH
Coach: Timiona ASEN (TAH)
*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only
AS LOSSI
1.
NAME
D.O.B
APPEARANCES*
GOALS NATIONALITY
1
Nicodem HMAEN (GK)
05/03/93
0
0
NCL
2
Jules KAUMA
26/10/94
0
0
NCL
3
Jonathan KAKOU
18/12/89
5
0
NCL
4
John Paul READ
28/07/90
6
0
NCL
5
Pierre KAUMA
04/08/95
3
0
NCL
6
Fonzy RANCHAIN
22/07/94
0
0
NCL
7
Damien WANAPOPO
27/02/92
0
0
NCL
8
Morgan MATHELON
12/09/91
0
0
NCL
9
Raoul WENISSO
20/07/00
0
0
NCL
10 Mone WAMOWE
31/10/86
3
0
NCL
11 Nathaneal HMAEN
04/08/93
3
0
NCL
12 Clarence NYIPIE
03/04/99
0
0
NCL
13 Warren SAIKO
01/09/87
0
0
NCL
14 Robert WAOUKA
07/01/90
1
0
NCL
15 Paul OZIKA
10/11/81
1
0
NCL
16 Jimmy WELEPANE
05/01/99
0
0
NCL
17 Henri WAIMA
06/08/91
0
0
NCL
18 Fabio KELA
10/04/87
0
0
NCL
19 Amy HNAGEJE
07/05/92
0
0
NCL
20 Arrinui TAPU
30/01/97
0
0
NCL
21 Ben-Drela HMAEN
13/03/98
0
0
NCL
29 Emmaniel WEKIEME (GK) 06/09/87
0
0
NCL
30 Patrick NYIKEINE (GK)
0
0
NCL
25/02/98
Coach: Victor WEJIEME (NCL)
*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only
ERAKOR GOLDEN STAR 1.
NAME
D.O.B
APPEARANCES*
GOALS NATIONALITY
1
Chikau MANSALE (GK)
13/01/83
19
0
VAN
2
Jack WANEMUT
02/02/92
5
0
VAN
3
Jesse KALOPONG
01/01/98
1
0
VAN
4
Gordshem DONA
27/08/96
0
0
VAN
5
Selwyn VATU
13/06/98
0
0
VAN
6
Robert TOUKOUNE
25/04/96
0
0
VAN
7
Kaltfer KALTAK
01/11/97
0
0
VAN
8
Ronaldo WILKINS
30/12/99
0
0
VAN
9
Tony KALTACK
05/11/96
3
5
VAN
10 Jacky RUBEN
10/11/96
5
0
VAN
11 Nemani ROQARA
09/06/93
3
0
VAN
12 Bernard DANIEL
11/12/89
3
0
VAN
13 Godine TENENE
03/05/98
0
0
VAN
14 Joseph IARUEL
25/01/95
0
0
VAN
15 Elkington MOLIVAKARUA
03/03/93
1
0
FIJ
16 Barry MANSALE
01/11/95
6
0
VAN
17 Jean KALTACK
19/08/94
8
4
VAN
18 Antonio WANEMAT
13/03/98
0
0
VAN
20 Serge DANIEL (GK)
16/02/91
1
0
VAN
22 Gershom KALSRAP
23/04/96
0
0
VAN
23 Remy KALSRAP
27/06/96
0
0
VAN
24 Abraham ROQARA
16/07/94
1
0
VAN
Coach: Obed JIMMY (VAN)
*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only
MATCH OFFICIALS GROUP A
GROUP B
Referees: Ben AUKWAI (SOL) George TIME (SOL) Medric LACOUR (NCL) Kader ZITOUNI (TAH) Matthew CONGER (NZL)
Referees: Salesh CHAND (FIJ) Sione LELENGA (TGA) Peter LINNEY (NZL) Nick WALDRON (NZL) Campbell KIRK-WAUGH (NZL)
Assistant Referees: John PAREANGA (COK) Simon LOUNT (NZL) Tevita MAKASINI (TGA) Douglas METE (SOL) Sione MAU (ASA)
Assistant Referees: Glen LOCHRIE (NZL) Avinesh NARAYAN (FIJ) Mark RULE (NZL) Sione TEU (TGA) Isaac TREVIS (NZL)
Referee Assesor: Neil POLOSO (SOL) Fitness Instructor: Jeremy GARAE (VAN)
Referee Assesor: Tevita VEA (TGA) Fitness Instructor: Raimana TAUOTAHA (TAH)
GROUP C Auckland City FC / Lautoka FC Madang FC / AS Venus
For the three teams drawn alongside the defending champions, knocking off Auckland City FC has been the key to success. However with both the first and second-placed teams in the group progressing to the quarter finals, there is some room for these teams to breathe this time around. Although finishing in top spot will still be the aim for each of them. With a tenth consecutive regional title on the line, Auckland City are out for victory. The regulation change means just four non-New Zealand players can be listed, including one Oceania player, meaning the approach from Auckland City has been a little different. Captain Angel Berlanga, goalkeeper Enaut Zubikarai and proven goal scorer Emiliano Tade have all made the cut, with Albert Riera’s citizenship coming through in time for him to be included. In addition to these key stalwarts, the opportunity to include young Kiwis like Callum McCowart and Owen Parker-Price brings a new element to the squad. Lautoka are another side that have trawled the Oceania talent-pool to strengthen their side with defender Brian Kaltak of Vanuatu and striker Benji Totori of Solomon Islands set to line-up beside some of Fiji’s top players. Mauri Wasi, who has seen great success with Aucklandbased club Western Springs’ youth teams, has taken over the reins at Madang FC. The key inclusion is Papua New Guinea captain Michael Foster, but overall there is a great foundation for Wasi to work with. Finally AS Venus is back in the OFC Champions League and out to do some damage. One of the leading goalscorers in the domestic league over the past few years, Teaonui Tehau, will be key to the team’s success. As captain he leads by example with a high work rate and strong leadership style.
Upsetting Auckland City FC on their run to the title is a feat so far reserved to an elite few.
AUCKLAND CITY FC 1.
NAME
D.O.B
APPEARANCES*
GOALS NATIONALITY
1
Enaut ZUBIKARAI (GK)
26/02/84
7
0
ESP
2
Liam GRAHAM
14/08/92
0
0
NZL
5
Angel BERLANGA
24/02/87
32
1
ESP
6
Te Atawhai HUDSON-WIHONGI
27/03/95
5
0
NZL
7
Cameron HOWIESON
22/12/94
6
1
NZL
8
Albert RIERA
28/12/83
22
1
NZL
9
Darren WHITE
24/03/89
25
7
NZL
10 Ryan DE VRIES
14/09/91
44
14
NZL
12 Kris BRIGHT
05/09/86
0
0
NZL
13 Alfie ROGERS
06/02/95
2
0
NZL
14 Cole PEVERLEY
07/03/88
5
0
NZL
15 Daniel MORGAN
20/11/90
5
0
NZL
16 Sam BURFOOT
01/03/92
10
1
NZL
17 Reid DRAKE
19/01/96
4
1
NZL
19 Micah LEA’ALAFA
01/06/91
21
11
SOL
20 Emiliano TADE
03/03/88
23
12
ARG
21 Harry EDGE
01/03/94
1
1
NZL
22 Harshae RANIGA
01/10/94
3
0
NZL
24 Conor TRACEY (GK)
13/04/97
0
0
NZL
25 Owen PARKER-PRICE
10/12/98
0
0
NZL
26 Callum McCOWATT
30/04/99
0
0
NZL
27 Dalton WILKINS
15/04/99
0
0
NZL
Coach: Ramon TRIBULIETX (ESP)
*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only
LAUTOKA FC
1.
NAME
D.O.B
APPEARANCES*
GOALS NATIONALITY
1 Senirusi BOKINI (GK)
06/02/94
0
0
FIJ
2 Edward JUSTIN
15/03/93
0
0
FIJ
3 Zibraaz SAHIB
09/09/89
0
0
FIJ
4 Sgazuk ALI
13/10/95
0
0
FIJ
5 Poasa BAINIVALU
18/11/92
4
0
FIJ
6 Jone VESIKULA
30/04/86
32
1
FIJ
7 Dave RADRIGAI
15/03/90
3
0
FIJ
8 Kavaia RAWAQA
20/09/90
0
0
FIJ
9 Liesari QALICA
09/12/94
0
0
FIJ
10 Cory CHETTLEBURGH
21/08/91
0
0
NZL
11 Praneel NAIDU
29/01/95
0
0
FIJ
12 Laitia TUILAU
08/05/87
13
1
FIJ
13 Josevata DUGUCAGI
09/10/88
0
0
FIJ
14 Samuela DRUDRU
30/04/89
6
0
FIJ
15 Peni FINAU
05/08/81
12
1
FIJ
16 Osea VAKATALESAU
15/01/86
28
13
FIJ
17 Kolinio SIVOKI
10/03/95
3
0
FIJ
18 Arami VOLAVOLA
13/11/98
0
0
FIJ
19 Benjamin TOTORI
20/02/86
41
17
SOL
20 Brian KALTACK
30/09/93
15
1
VAN
21 Muni NAIDU
24/03/00
0
0
FIJ
22
19/08/87
8
0
FIJ
18/10/90
0
0
FIJ
Benaminio MATEINAQARA(GK)
23 Villiame TABUCALA (GK) Coach: Kamal SWAMY (FIJ)
*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only
MADANG FC
1.
NAME
D.O.B
APPEARANCES*
GOALS NATIONALITY
1
Mikes GEWA (GK)
29/06/95
0
0
PNG
3
Abel REDENUT
17/04/95
0
0
PNG
4
Darren POLLY
06/06/95
0
0
PNG
5
Langarap SAMOL
21/07/89
3
0
PNG
6
Samuel KINI
10/10/86
15
1
PNG
7
Maximillion SEGUM
31/12/91
0
0
PNG
8
Michael FOSTER
05/09/85
6
1
PNG
9
Pulung STEVEN
13/11/94
0
0
PNG
10 Emmanuel AIREM
21/11/94
0
0
PNG
11 Vanya MALAGIAN
04/03/96
3
1
PNG
12 Nigel MALAGIAN
05/02/96
3
0
PNG
13 Jonnel KAMBUAL
09/04/95
0
0
PNG
14 Neil HANS
24/04/88
5
0
PNG
15 Hanson TOPIO
30/10/87
3
0
PNG
16 Papalau AWELE
01/03/95
3
0
PNG
18 Stahl GUBAG
17/07/99
20
1
PNG
19 Romo RAYMOND
05/05/91
0
0
PNG
20 Neville MANASSEH (GK)
30/03/89
0
0
PNG
21 Charles LEPANI (GK)
20/08/94
0
0
PNG
22 Steven INIA
04/03/96
1
0
PNG
23 Solomon MAPAI
21/12/96
2
0
PNG
25 Darren STEVEN
04/06/94
0
0
PNG
Coach: Maurie WASI (PNG) *Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only
AS VENUS
1.
NAME
D.O.B
APPEARANCES*
GOALS NATIONALITY
1
Tamatiti PATIA (GK)
21/01/91
0
0
TAH
2
Tauarii TAPUTUARAI
03/01/93
0
0
TAH
3
Kevin BARBE
02/09/97
0
0
TAH
4
Jean-Claude PARAUE
24/05/89
0
0
TAH
5
Marcel TIHONI
28/12/85
0
0
TAH
6
Hitinui VERNAUDON
08/04/95
0
0
TAH
7
Marama ANAU
13/01/91
0
0
TAH
9
Tefai FAEHAU
26/02/88
0
0
TAH
10 Teaonui TEHAU
01/09/92
11
6
TAH
11 Raiamanu TETAUIRA
11/01/93
0
0
TAH
12 Mauarii TEHINA
16/10/93
0
0
TAH
13 Yann PENNEQUIN-LE BRAS
10/01/94
0
0
FRA
14 Faretua MARAETEFAU
29/10/89
0
0
TAH
16 Heiarii TAVANAE
15/02/92
3
1
TAH
18 Tivini TEUMERE
14/04/99
0
0
TAH
22 Tevaearai TAMATAI
15/01/01
0
0
TAH
23 Mauri HEITAA
31/07/99
0
0
TAH
24 Hauragi HURI
07/03/99
0
0
TAH
25 Ramanui AMAU
09/06/00
0
0
TAH
26 Louis GITTON
02/04/02
0
0
TAH
27 Kittin MARO
01/05/99
0
0
TAH
29 Christian TEPAU
08/01/99
0
0
TAH
30 Roonui TEHAU
15/12/99
0
0
TAH
Coach: Sam GARCIA (TAH) *Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only
GROUP D Team Wellington / AS Magenta Lupe Ole Soaga / Marist FC
For three years running, Team Wellington and AS Magenta have met in the semi-finals of the OFC Champions League and on each occasion the side from New Zealand’s capital have prevailed. Meeting in the Group Stage takes the pressure of the Caledonians somewhat, but given the competitive nature of the club getting one over their rivals will still be a priority. Like Auckland City, Team Wellington have also had to make critical decisions around their recruitment this season. Ross Allen is one of Guernsey FC’s top scorers, and has made the move Down Under with the hopes his previous success will translate. Roy Kayara of New Caledonia has returned to Wellington and already is seeing more game time than before. He’s used to the heat and pressure of Champions League football, having made nine appearances for three different clubs previously. For Magenta, the times are changing and although the backbone of the squad remains Alain Moizan has incorporated a lot of youth in his squad. A key inclusion is U-17 national team captain Cameron Wadenges whose leadership and talent shone through at India 2017. Lupe Ole Soaga have made it through as the secondranked Qualifier team for the second season in a year, and although the step up is at times a struggle, to their credit Lupe never give up. Marist FC rose to Champions League material under the guidance of Brazilian Juliano Schmeling. After leading them through much of the S-League season, he left the squad in the hands of brothers Jerry Allen, former Hekari United coach, and Jerry Sam. Although the squad has been through some upheaval, they are close-knit and capable of greatness. They’re also playing on familiar ground which could be the advantage they need to attain that coveted quarter final spot.
A three-time runner-up has a target on their back as their rivals go in search of some glory of their own.
TEAM WELLINGTON 1.
NAME
D.O.B
APPEARANCES*
GOALS NATIONALITY
1
Scott BASALAJ (GK)
19/04/94
12
0
NZL
2
Justin GULLEY
15/01/93
10
0
NZL
3
Scott HILLIAR
25/07/94
0
0
NZL
4
Mario ILICH
23/06/95
1
0
NZL
5
Liam WOOD
30/03/98
0
0
NZL
6
Taylor SCHRIJVERS
20/12/96
4
0
NZL
7
Eric MOLLOY
12/12/92
0
0
IRE
8
Tiahn MANUEL
22/05/99
0
0
NZL
9
Tom JACKSON
14/02/91
16
9
NZL
10 Nathanael HAILEMARIAM
08/03/94
5
2
NZL
11 Mario BARCIA
05/11/89
12
1
ARG
12 Andrew BEVIN
16/05/92
12
3
NZL
13 Roy KAYARA
02/05/90
9
0
NCL
14 Jack-Henry SINCLAIR
23/02/98
0
0
NZL
15 Joel STEVENS
07/02/95
9
4
NZL
16 Angus KILKOLLY
18/04/96
0
0
NZL
19 Ross ALLEN
02/03/87
0
0
GUE
20 Hamish WATSON
17/04/93
0
0
NZL
21 Daniel MULHOLLAND
20/04/97
0
0
NZL
22 Marcel KAMPMAN (GK)
15/01/98
0
0
NZL
23 Steve DIMAKIS (GK)
30/11/80
0
0
NZL
Coach: Jose FIGUERA (ENG)
*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only
AS MAGENTA
1.
NAME
D.O.B
APPEARANCES*
GOALS NATIONALITY
1
Steeve IXOEE (GK)
28/08/70
0
0
NCL
2
Jean-Christ WAJOKA
18/02/95
12
3
NCL
3
Jean-Brice WADRIAKO
10/07/86
9
0
NCL
4
Gregory TARAMOIN
05/12/93
0
0
NCL
5
Mickael TIAOU
04/06/78
1
0
NCL
6
Iler HNAUK
12/03/95
0
0
NCL
7
Renzo WEJIEME
02/06/97
0
0
NCL
8
Yorick HNAUTRA
17/07/96
3
1
NCL
9
Emile OUNEI
10/09/84
0
0
NCL
10 Richard SELE
18/01/97
0
0
NCL
11 Kevin NEMIA
01/03/99
5
2
NCL
12 Benjamin BERNARD HERVE
02/10/92
2
0
NCL
13 Cameron WADENGES
20/11/96
0
0
NCL
14 Jean-Claude JEWINE
16/03/96
3
0
NCL
15 Didier SIMANE
25/03/90
5
0
NCL
16 Mickael ULILE (GK)
25/11/89
1
0
NCL
17 Wilsen POAMENO
05/03/95
3
0
NCL
18 Bill NICHOLLS
12/06/87
8
4
NCL
19 Joseph ATHALE
03/07/85
5
1
NCL
20 Maraima TCHAO
12/10/94
0
0
NCL
22 Henri WARAWANE
22/04/90
0
0
NCL
23 Pierrot JELEWED
25/01/92
5
2
NCL
29 Leon IXOEE (GK)
04/09/94
3
0
NCL
Coach: Alain MOIZAN (FRA)
*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only
LUPE OLE SOAGA 1.
NAME
D.O.B
APPEARANCES*
GOALS NATIONALITY
1
Faalavelave MATAGI (GK) 13/03/97
6
0
SAM
2
Vaalii FAALOGO
09/11/83
3
0
SAM
3
Spencer KELI
26/10/85
3
0
SAM
4
Vito LALOATA
15/10/96
6
0
SAM
5
Tauati TANOAI
19/04/98
0
0
SAM
6
Michael FIFI’I
24/12/87
3
0
SOL
7
Lawrie LETUTUSA
11/06/93
6
0
SAM
8
Darren ALATINA TALILAI 23/10/95
2
0
SAM
9
Samuelu MALO
04/04/99
3
0
SAM
10 Lapalapa TONI
04/07/94
8
1
SAM
11 Suivai ATAGA
21/04/87
5
1
SAM
12 Kareti SOAGA
23/03/84
3
0
SAM
13 Vaa TAUALAI
06/04/98
4
0
SAM
14 Albert BELL
26/11/92
2
0
SAM
15 Faafua ATAGA (GK)
27/04/94
5
0
SAM
16 Andrew SETEFANO
10/08/87
6
2
SAM
17 Ken KEREWI
08/05/82
0
0
NIG
18 Bird VAGAIA
26/10/87
3
0
SAM
19 Cihan ERBIL
06/04/87
0
0
SAM
20 Luki GOSCHE
13/01/86
5
1
SAM
21 Kevin AH KUOI
21/08/84
0
0
SAM
22 Eti FATU (GK)
25/02/01
0
0
SAM
23 Johnwesley TEO
19/02/96
0
0
SAM
Coach: Paul UALESI (SAM)
*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only
MARIST FC
1.
NAME
D.O.B
APPEARANCES*
GOALS NATIONALITY
1
Anthony TALO (GK)
08/01/96
6
0
SOL
2
Joachim WAROI
20/09/88
27
6
SOL
3
Michael BOSO
03/09/91
3
0
SOL
4
John ROFETA
02/09/94
0
0
SOL
5
Jeffery BULE
15/11/91
26
1
SOL
6
Robert LAUA
08/09/91
3
0
SOL
7
Atkin KAUA
04/04/96
3
0
SOL
8
Henry FA’ARODO
05/10/82
21
1
SOL
9
Abraham INIGA
21/11/79
19
3
SOL
10 Timothy BAKALE
29/03/95
3
0
SOL
11 Mathias IANI
14/08/95
1
0
SOL
12 Zantas KABINI
21/02/85
0
0
SOL
13 Natanela BERO
28/11/94
0
0
SOL
14 Koriak UPAIGA
13/06/87
36
0
PNG
16 John AETA
02/09/00
0
0
SOL
18 Thomas AMASIA
25/08/98
0
0
SOL
19 Joel PAKALIKI
07/10/93
0
0
SOL
20 Davidson TOME
17/04/94
0
0
SOL
21 Alvin RAY
23/01/97
0
0
SOL
22 Harold NAUANIA
10/10/97
0
0
SOL
23 Fredrick DOLA
06/04/94
0
0
SOL
24 Thomas TALOGA
12/08/85
2
0
SOL
25 Joachim KAIRI (GK)
10/04/95
0
0
SOL
Coach: Jerry ALLEN (SOL)
*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only
MATCH OFFICIALS GROUP C Referees: Joel HOPKEN (VAN) Mederic LACOUR (NCL) Hamilton SIAU (SOL) George TIME (SOL) Assistant Referees: Bertrand BRIAL (NCL) Bernard MUTUKERA (SOL) Stephen SENIGA (SOL) Hilmon SESE (VAN) Marc SINYEUE (NCL) Referee Assesor: Neil FOX (NZL) Fitness Instructor: Greg GALLOP (NZL)
GROUP D Referees: Robinson BANGA (VAN) Norbert HAUATA (TAH) Averii JACQUES (TAH) David YAREBOINEN (PNG) Kader ZITOUNI (TAH) Assistant Referees: Mahit CHILIA (VAN) Jeremy GARAE (VAN) Noah KUSUNAN (PNG) Folio MOEAKI (TGA) Malaetala SALANOA (SAM) Referee Assesor: Petteson LUSI (SOL) Fitness Instructor: Hugo PADO (SOL)
OFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE COVERAGE
Stay up-to-date with all the OFC Champions League action with our dedicated media & television staff.
The OFC Media & Communications team, along with the television department and our media partners across the Pacific, will be bringing fans all the latest news and action from all four venues of the OFC Champions League 2018 Group Stage. We invite fans to join the conversation via our dedicated Champions League twitter handle @ OFCChampsLeague and our facebook page, / OFCfootball. The games will be available live across the globe thanks to the streaming platform Mycujoo. Visit the Oceania Football Confederation channel, or head to the website to access the links. As well as the matches, the teams will be working hard to bring the tournament to life with profiles of the players, peeks behind-the-scene, and also the culture and atmosphere in each of the unique venues - Tahiti, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and New Zealand. We will be sharing daily galleries on Facebook and there will also be some additional content on instagram. Follow us and make sure you don’t miss a thing. We hope you enjoy the tournament and invite you to share any feedback on our Facebook page or email us; media@oceanaifootball.com.
@OFCfootball