Titikaveka and Nikao Sokattak are the teams to watch this weekend when the two clubs meet on Saturday at Teimurimotia Park in Titikaveka for the seventh-round game of the week.
The two clubs sit on first equal on the points table along with Tupapa Maraerenga in the premier men’s division making the game even more interesting. Titikaveka and Nikao Sokattak will be hunting wins to stay atop the points table and to boost their morale for the games to come. A loss or draw for both teams will see them drop on the table.
Titikaveka head coach Theresa Tatuava stated that it will be an important game for her side as it will determine how they will finish the season. “It hasn’t been an easy week but the team has to realize that they are not out yet and that they are still in it if they want it. Tomorrow’s game will be a challenge both physically and mentally, we do have a good team and I don’t think this was expected but they are a great team of men who get on well with each other, if they can rise above last week’s defeat to Tupapa they will be up for the challenge.”
For Nikao Sokattak all games are important as Nikao Sokattak’s head coach Alex Napa explains, “Our approach, is all games are important, however because of the results from the first round, it’s doubly so. I’m sure like other teams, we are examining each game on its own merits, meaning the caliber of the opponent and where we can make a difference based on what we can bring to the match on the day, what the weather and grounds are like.”
“Three points is three points but it’s very important to us how we play to get the points. Getting continuity consistently from the practice field into the game is high priority for us in this round and we know if we can impose our play consistently, then we have better chance of getting points than if we don’t.” He said.
“There were certain parts of our game that came together consistently in the last game, but we really had to work harder in practice the week before to achieve it. The end result on the field was good to see and we hope to build on that in this next game as a team unit, acknowledging the quality of the next opponent is higher. The gap between the top 4 teams is not that far really at this stage, so we can’t be complacent.” He stated.
As for the Nikao Sokattak and Titikaveka Senior women it’s about turning their seasons around and setting it back on track. Both teams drew last week against their respective opponents and need wins this week to set things on the right path. The two teams sit in fourth and fifth respectively.
Meanwhile at the Takitumu school field. Matavera will host Tupapa Maraerenga. The first time the two teams met this season it turned out to be a close game. Since then the two teams looked to have picked up their form and could pull off yet another close encounter. This match will be important for both teams as Matavera are needing points to climb up the table and Tupapa are need a win to stay either tied at the top or become the lone leader in the premier men’s division.
FIXTURES
Saturday 5thOctober, at the Takitumu school, Matavera.
Matavera FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC
12.30pm Under 14 Girls
Ref:Mata Iroa Assist: Teretia Teinaki, Angelina Mitchell
1.30pm Under 14 Boys
Ref:Maara Kaukura Assist:Tione Nand, Edmund Tupuna
2.30pm Senior Women
Ref:Mata Iroa Assist: Junior Savage, Angelina Mitchell
4.00pm Premier Men
Ref:Maara Kaukura Assist: Edmund Tupuna, Tione Nand
At the Teimurimotia Park, Titikaveka.
Titikaveka FC vs Nikao Sokattak FC
12.30pm Under 14 Girls
Ref:Tahiri Elikana Assist:Nicky Smith, Ua Savage
1.30pm Under 14 Boys
Ref:John Pareanga Assist: Nicky Smith, Penina Katuke
2.30pm Senior Women
Ref:Paul Lynch Assist:Tahiri Elikana, Ua Savage
4.00pm Premier Men
Ref:John Pareanga Assist: Tehainnah Tatuava, Pierce Iripa
