A season of thrilling football came to an exciting conclusion with Tupapa-Maraerenga FC emerging as the Premier Men’s Champions and Avatiu FC claiming the coveted U18 Men’s Championship title in the 2024 Round Rarotonga Cup. Both teams showcased exceptional talent, determination, and teamwork throughout the season, culminating in unforgettable performances that highlight the growth and future of football in the Cook Islands.
Tupapa-Maraerenga FC has done it again! The team took home the Premier Men’s Championship in the 2024 Round Rarotonga Cup, a testament to their remarkable consistency and skill throughout the season. With an impressive 32 points, Tupapa led the league table, demonstrating their dominance on the pitch. Their performance this season was nothing short of outstanding, with the team not only showcasing the experienced players but also introducing a fresh batch of young talent.
One of the standout features of Tupapa’s championship-winning side was the inclusion of several young players. These rising stars brought new energy and dynamism to the team, complementing the experience of their seasoned players. The combination of youth and experience proved to be the winning formula for Tupapa this season.
Coach David Milanovic couldn’t be prouder of the team’s performance, reflecting on the hard work and dedication that went into this remarkable achievement. “This victory is a result of a lot of hard work, discipline, and commitment from everyone involved—from the coaching staff to the players themselves. We’ve made great strides this year, and I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come,” Milanovic said.
As Premier Men’s Champions, Tupapa-Maraerenga FC is now looking ahead to the prestigious 2025 OFC Men’s Champions League, which will be held in their very own backyard—the Cook Islands! The opportunity to compete on the regional stage in front of their home crowd is an exciting prospect for the team, and their preparation will undoubtedly be fueled by the desire to represent their country with pride.
Tupapa’s success this season is a testament to their strength as a football club and their commitment to developing and nurturing talent. As the team prepares for the OFC Champions League, the 2024 Round Rarotonga Cup title is the perfect launchpad for what promises to be a historic year for the club.
While Tupapa-Maraerenga FC celebrated their Premier Men’s Championship, Avatiu FC was also celebrating an extraordinary achievement of their own—the U18 Men’s Championship title in the 2024 Round Rarotonga Cup. With a perfect record of 36 points and no losses throughout the season, Avatiu’s U18 team has shown that the future of Cook Islands football is in excellent hands.
The team’s flawless performance this season is a result of hard work, dedication, and the development of players who have already been making waves in higher divisions. Several of Avatiu’s U18 players have already represented the U15s and even played in the Premier Men’s league, showcasing their advanced skill and footballing intelligence at a young age. The rise of these young athletes is a clear indicator of the immense growth happening in the youth football scene in the Cook Islands.
“We’re so proud of what these boys have achieved,” said the Avatiu FC coach. “Their commitment to training, their discipline, and their desire to succeed have been incredible to watch. This is just the beginning for them, and we’re excited to see where their football journey takes them.”
The future of football in the Cook Islands looks incredibly bright with talent like this coming through the ranks. The U18 Men’s Championship victory is a significant milestone for Avatiu FC, and their young players will now look to take this success into even higher levels of competition in the years to come.
Both Tupapa-Maraerenga and Avatiu FC have proven that they are powerhouses of football in the Cook Islands, and their success this season is a reflection of the hard work and commitment from not only the players but also the coaches, managers, and support staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
The 2024 Round Rarotonga Cup has highlighted the depth of talent in the Cook Islands football community, and with Tupapa’s Premier Men’s success and Avatiu’s dominance in the U18 Men’s division, the future of the sport in the country looks more promising than ever before. These victories also serve as an inspiration for the next generation of players, coaches, and football enthusiasts in the Cook Islands, showing that dedication, teamwork, and passion can lead to great things.
While the Premier Men’s and U18 Men’s divisions have crowned their champions, the 2024 Round Rarotonga Cup is far from over. There are still more rounds to be played, and we eagerly await to see which teams will emerge victorious in the **Senior Women’s Championship** and the remaining **youth divisions**. With teams continuing to battle it out on the field, the competition is sure to remain fierce as the season draws to a close
It’s an exciting time for Cook Islands football, with both experienced clubs and emerging talent looking to claim their own championship titles. We look forward to seeing who will rise to the occasion and take home the glory in these final rounds. The competition is heating up, and the best is yet to come!
The final round of the 2024 Round Rarotonga Cup (Round 13) saw some memorable matches that capped off an exciting season. Both the Premier Men’s and U18 Men’s divisions had their fair share of drama and excitement, with teams pushing themselves to the limit for one last chance at glory
On behalf of the Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA), we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Tupapa-Maraerenga FC for winning the 2024 Premier Men’s Championship and Avatiu FC for their remarkable achievement in claiming the U18 Men’s Championship. A huge thank you goes out to all the coaches, managers, and players who have contributed to the success of these clubs. Your dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, and we look forward to seeing what you all accomplish in the future.
As we look ahead to next year, we wish Tupapa-Maraerenga all the best in their preparations for the 2025 OFC Men’s Champions League, and we can’t wait to see Avatiu’s rising stars continue to shine on the football field. Here’s to another exciting year of football in the Cook Islands!
CIFA Media
