The Titikaveka premier men are set to face the 2019 round cup champions Tupapa Maraerenga today at 4pm.
The side who took down the 2018 winners in the opening game of the season have not had the best of luck to finish in the top three of the round this season, however they have made one great push to make it to the semifinals. This is likely to be Titikaveka’s best chance at foiling the champions chances of making the finals as rumors are that the defending champions are missing at least 4 key players due to injury and other commitments.
A seasoned Titikaveka men’s player, Teariki Piri, shared a few words on his sides preparation for the upcoming match saying they’ve been focused on structure and set plays. “To prepare for this weekend’s match we had to go over our set plays and make sure we take every opportunity given. There is no second chance when playing against Tupapa. Tupapa deserve to be in the top position and they are a very classy side. We have also been focusing on our structure and trying to maintaining that throughout the match as we need to be organized going up against Tupapa.”
“Tupapa have a very good team, experienced players, young talented players, rep players and future rep players. They have a well-balanced, structured team. They have been the top team for so many years and so the challenge for us will be within our team, whether we want it more than they do.” Piri said
Meanwhile Tupapa have been hard at work preparing for this semifinal match for two weeks say’s Tupapa Maraerenga assistant coach Anthony Samuela. “The semifinals are a different beast; every team has a chance to win and it comes down to who wants it the most and who trains for it the best. We have been training for the semi’s since the end of the round and we will put everything into today’s match to hopefully go through to the finals.”
The Avatiu senior women are through to the semi’s and will play Tupapa Maraerenga also. Avatiu fought a hard battle last week against Matavera-Ngatangiia to make it through to the semifinals of the CIFA Cup and will likely come out strong against Tupapa in hopes of moving through to the final.
Avatiu’s Piri Murare has played a significant role for Avatiu being a catalyst for attacking opportunities for her side and holding her ground on defense and will likely play a key role for her side again in today’s match.
Tupapa coach Tupou Brogan says her side has experience to their advantage but anything can happen in the knockouts. “We have an experienced and seasoned side who have played with each other for years but we are in the knockouts and nothing can be left to chance. We will come out and play and we will play for the win.”
FIXTURES:
Saturday 14thDecember, at the CIFA complex, Matavera
12.30pm Under 14 Girls. Puaikura FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC
Ref: Mata Iroa Assist: Teretia Teinaki, Penina Katuke
1.30pm Under 14 Boys. Puaikura FC vs Avatiu FC
Ref: Robert Savage Assist:Kura Smith, Angelina Mitchell
2.30pm Senior Women. Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs Avatiu FC
Ref: Paul Lynch Assist: Mata Iroa, Tahiri Elikana
4.00pm Premier Men. Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs Titikaveka FC
Ref: Maara Kaukura Assist: Edmund Tupuna, John Pareanga
