It’s Finals week this week and matches are sure to impress. Kicking off the 2019 CIFA cup finals will be the junior teams at 4:15pm with Tupapa Maraerenga and Avatiu fighting for the U7 mixed cup, Avatiu and Nikao Sokattak battling out for the U9 mixed cup and Titikaveka and Matavera-Ngatangiia playing for the U11 mixed cup.
Following the juniors will be a battle between rivals Tupapa Maraerenga and Puaikura for the CIFA U17 men’s cup. Puaikura fell short of the U17 men’s round cup trophy earlier in the season after their round 13 defeat to Tupapa however todays match is their chance at redemption. They are also the defending winners of the CIFA U17 men’s cup and will turn up to defend their title.
Puaikura are a lethal team who are very capable of toppling any other side in the competition with the likes of Maeva Robati, Joseph Tuaputa and John Karika taking charge of their side on the field. Their opponents Tupapa Maraerenga are no strangers to their abilities and have also fallen at the hands of Puaikura this season. Puaikura will be formidable opponents however Tupapa also have a skilled team taking the field making this match too hard to call at this point.
The Tupapa Maraerenga U17 men know the challenges of going up against Puaikura and aware of their roles on the field say’s Tupapa coach, George Ellis. “The team understands what is at stake. They are a hungry bunch who are keen to come out and bring their best performance but they’re also very keen to lift the cup again. Puaikura are a great side and they are a team that should never be underestimated.”
“We know what they’re capable of but we also know what we’re capable of and right now we’re focused on ourselves and the way we play rather than changing up our style to match theirs. However, on the field that is up to the boys to execute.” Said Ellis.
FIXTURES:
Wednesday 18thDecember, 2019 at the CIFA complex, Matavera.
CIFA Field 1: Under 7 Mix
4.15pm Field 1: Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs Avatiu FC
Ref: Robert Savage, Tailei Blake
CIFA Field 1: Under 9 Mix
4.15pm Field 1: Avatiu FC vs Nikao Sokattak FC
Ref: Kura Smith, Lai Gukisuva
CIFA Field 2: Under 11 Mix
4.15pm Field 1: Titikaveka FC vs Matavera FC
Ref: Tahiri Elikana, Penina Katuke
Under 17 Men
4.45pm CIFA Field 1:Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs Puaikura FC
Ref: John Pareanga Assist: Teretia Teinaki, Tehainnah Tatuava
