The 2019 premier men’s CIFA Cup final will be played today at 4pm at the CIFA complex in Matavera. The long-awaited final is a repeat fixture from last year with Nikao Sokattak playing the 2018 winners Tupapa Maraerenga.
Last year, the Cup holders, Tupapa Maraerenga made a stunning comeback from a 2-0 deficit against Nikao to win the 2-3. This year Nikao Sokattak is hoping to turn that result around say’s head coach Alex Napa. “Knockout football is always exciting. There are no 2nd games to come back from, so anything can happen on the day. Barring any misfortune between now and the opening whistle, we enter the knockout competition with our full strength complement of players that have played our best games during the season including our last game vs Tupapa. I’m excited for the matchup, and Tupapa deserves the top position they have defended well during the season, and Nikao FC has this last chance to upset that dominance a little.”
Napa is hopeful that his side can come away with the win saying “It’s fair to say based on the Tupapa vs Titikaveka game result, both teams have to play for the full 90mins, I think this year more than last year, we are better prepared for this game. Our young team from last year has matured a bit more, and stronger, but our preparation hasn’t changed if anything it’s about reaffirming what we do well and try to limit Tupapa’s chances and strengths.”
“We know and understand how Tupapa plays, and vice-versa they understand our game as well, so nothing new there, so its whatever happens on the field on the day. There’s a lot of respect from both teams being 1st and 2nd on the table and that’s very exciting for football fans and for me as Coach. Good luck to both teams and may I take this opportunity to wish all the finalist a great game, safe festive season and a great year to come.” Napa said.
Anthony Samuela, the Tupapa assistant coach has expressed his views ahead of the match saying “We are looking forward to this match and are keen to come out and play some good final’s football. We haven’t made changes to our preparation as our style of play has worked for us for just about the whole of the season and so we are focused on playing our game.”
“We are coming to defend our title today and we will be playing to win. We know how Nikao play’s and they are formidable opponents and a team that we will not overlook. They have speed, a lot of skill and some good experience in their team, but we also have similar attributes. The challenge for us today will likely lie in everyone’s mental preparation.”
The Titikaveka senior women will also be out to defend their title today as they play Tupapa in the senior women’s final at 2:30pm in another repeat final of last year.
Titikaveka’s form has been in tip top shape throughout the third round and the knockouts with 8 wins’ in nine matches. Throughout those matches, Maeva Carr and Paulina Pierre have played crucial roles up front for their side while Tehinnah Tatuava has commanded a strong defense line. Carr and Pierre have been the catalysts of goals scored by their side or the ones putting their side ahead. Their teammate on the other hand has prevented many goal scoring opportunities that have made it to their defense end of the pitch. The trio are likely to play a key role for their side today in their match against Tupapa and will likely take charge against the Round cup champions.
The Tupapa senior women on the other hand are eager to turn the tables this time around after they lost the cup last year. Tupapa senior women’s coach Tupou Brogan say’s her side has been preparing well for this match as they know what’s on the line. “It’s the final, everyone wants to win and no one wants to lose. Today we will play for the win and we will be aiming for the double, the round cup and the CIFA Cup. We lost last year and we know what it feels like to be so close and have it all slip away. That is a feeling we don’t want to have this year. Titikaveka are a great side, they beat us this year, but we also beat them, we are aware of how they play but our focus is on ourselves and how we play.”
Kicking off the day’s proceedings at 12:30, will be the U14 girls final where Ngatangiia-Matavera plays Puaikura for the U14 girls CIFA cup, meanwhile playing for the U14 Boys CIFA cup today is Tupapa and Puaikura. The four youth teams playing today are very talented and have the potential to impress crowds, their hunger to win and their demonstration of skill is what makes their matches ones to watch.
CIFA Competition manager, Pauline Dean, encourages the public to come and enjoy an active afternoon of fun football action. “Today is the CIFA Cup final and the day a lot of people have been waiting for. It’s bound to be an exciting day as all teams are here for a reason. They are eager to win and eager to put on a show. Apart from that we wish everyone a wonderful and safe festive season”.
FIXTURES
Saturday 21stDecember, at the CIFA complex, Matavera
12.30pm Under 14 Girls Puaikura FC vs Matavera FC
Ref: Robert Savage Assist:Ua Savage, Penina Katuke
4thOfficial: Mata Iroa
1.30pm Under 14 Boys Puaikura FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC
Ref: Tahiri Elikana Assist:Kura Smith, Junior Savage
4thOfficial: John Pareanga
2.30pm Senior Women Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs Titikaveka FC
Ref: Lai Gukisuva Assist: Mata Iroa, Robert Savage
4thOfficial: Kura Smith
4.00pm Premier Men Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs Nikao Sokattak FC
Ref: Maara Kaukura Assist: John Pareanga, Edmund Tupuna
4thOfficial: Lai Gukisuva
