Puaikura and Nikao Sokattak will go head to head today at 5pm for a spot in the 2019 premier men’s CIFA cup final while the Avatiu U14 girls will play Matavera-Ngatangiia for a place in the U14 girls final.
Nikao will play Puaikura who overcame a feisty Matavera-Ngatangiia men’s side last week. Nikao have had an extra week to prepare themselves for the match against Puaikura and will have had some time to attend to all their injuries giving them a slight advantage heading into the match. Nikao will come out to win especially after their last encounter with Puaikura lost them their chance to win the round cup. Nikao won’t leave anything to chance and will aim to put any goal scoring opportunity that comes their way into the net through the likes of Samuel Koiatu and Toru Mateariki.
Puaikura on the other hand, are a formidable team and will come out fighting for win as well in their match today. Puaikura’s 2019 season has had a few ups and downs, with more recent matches being on the up side. The side has come a long way since the beginning of the season where they started a little slow but have since made their way to the semifinal of the CIFA knock out cup with the goal of winning the final. However, they must defeat Nikao in their match today.
Puaikura goalkeeper, Tuiate Tuariki, has been the savior for his side on many occasions, preventing numerous goal scoring opportunities. Today he faces a side who has had time to prepare themselves to beat him but he too has prepared a whole season for a moment like this and will need to bring his best performance to help get his team through to the final. At the same time his teammates up the front will need to finish off any goal scoring chance to give them an edge.
FIXTURES
Friday 13thDecember, 2019 at the CIFA complex, Matavera
4.00pm Under 14 Girls Avatiu FC vs Matavera FC
Ref: Robert Savage Assist:Tahiri Elikana, Teretia Teinaki
5.00pm Premier Men Nikao Sokattak FC vs Puaikura FC
Ref: John Pareanga Assist: Robert Savage, Maara Kaukura
