Football hits round five this week as Puaikura take on Titikaveka, Avatiu face off with Matavera-Ngatangiia and Nikao Sokattak goes head to head with Tupapa Maraerenga.
Kicking off at 4:15pm on Wednesday 18th September, will be the the U7 mixed, U9 mixed and U11 mixed teams, who are eager to hit the pitch after the long break in the season. These teams are always fun to watch and parents, friends and family are encouraged to come to support and witness the magic the little ones pull off.
Later, at 4:45pm the U17 men’s teams will kick off in what could be an interesting fifth round encounter.
Nikao Sokattak’s U17 men’s coach Alex Napa say’s he and his side are itching to get back on the field after a good three weeks of preparing. “We have used the time to polish up on the basics after our last game which we lost narrowly 2-1 despite numerous chances to win it. The U19s tournament matches have been a good highlighter of explaining certain aspects of play which at times is easy to watch another team execute, rather than trying to explain it.”
Playing Nikao Sokattak today at the Takitumu school field will be Tupapa Maraerenga. Tupapa’s U17 men’s coach George Ellis says his side has been doing what they can to best prepare themselves for their match today. “Before the break, I tried to watch a bit of Nikao’s game with Matavera. From what I saw of their match, they are a very talented side and they will be a tough team to beat when we play. We have worked on a few basic things over the break which I believe will help us in the match against them and the matches to come.”
Avatiu president and U17 mens coach Terry Piri also spoke about how his side has been preparing over the break for their upcoming matches. “The 3-week break has been good, we did our best to prepare our team and got them to play with our seniors which was a good chance for them to execute the training practices.”
Puaikura U17 men’s coach, Tavake Karika. Also expressed his side’s situation over the break saying “We hoped the break would help us, but it did not go the way we expected, we wanted to work more on our game structure but we focused more towards teamwork and playing as a team.”
After three weeks of preparation, strategy adjustments and skill polishing, the matches are expected to be exciting contests.
FIXTURES:
Wednesday 18thSeptember, 2019 at the CIFA complex, Matavera.
CIFA Field 1: Under 7 Mix
4.15pm Field 1: Titikaveka FC vs Puaikura FC
Ref: Ngametua Taringa
4.15pm Field 2: Avatiu FC vs Matavera FC
Ref:Kura Smith
4.15pm Field 3: Nikao Sokattak FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC
Ref: Junior Savage
CIFA Field 1: Under 9 Mix
4.15pm Field 1: Titikaveka FC vs Puaikura FC
Ref: Tahiri Elikana
4.15pm Field 2: Avatiu FC vs Matavera FC
Ref: Emilie Pierce
4.15pm Field 3: Nikao Sokattak FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC
Ref: Eitiare Tangirere
CIFA Field 2: Under 11 Mix
4.15pm Field 1: Titikaveka FC vs Puaikura FC
Ref: Teretia Teinaki, Penina Katuke
4.15pm Field 2: Avatiu FC vs Matavera FC
Ref: Tehainnah Tatuava, Tailei Noovao – Blake
4.15pm Field 3: Nikao Sokattak FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC
Ref: Tione Nand, Nicky Smith
Under 17 Men
4.45pm CIFA Field 1: Titikaveka FC vs Puaikura FC
Ref: Robert Savage Assist: Ngametua Taringa, Teretia Teinaki
4.45pm CIFA Field 2: Avatiu FC vs Matavera FC
Ref: Lai Gukisuva Assist: Tahiri Elikana, Junior Savage
4.45pm Matavera: Nikao Sokattak FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC
Ref: Maara Kaukura Assist: Mata Iroa, Tione Nand
