Raemaru park is setting up to host a fan favorite match between Puaikura and Tupapa Maraerenga this Saturday.
Puaikura have a lot to prove this weekend and coach Spoon Masters says it’s not going to be a walk in the park. “Being a new face in this sport I have faced many challenges but that’s no excuse. Working alongside a bunch of guys, each having their own individual skill in soccer is slowly giving us a fair idea of what danger this team can bring to this comp but it’s a work in progress.”
“Things may not look too good on form or on the points table as we see today but that isn’t our place to question. When it’s our time, then it’s our time, it’s not about being the top or the best team it’s about expressing the passion we have for the game” explained Masters.
“We have changed our preparation tactics for this match and have decided to focus more on mentally preparing ourselves mind, body and soul and have put aside working on plays and the hard trainings” he said.
Tupapa Maraerenga on the other hand, have been preparing hard as coach Tuka Tisam explains. “We had a slow start to the season but we’ve managed to come back up through hard work and training. Our match with Puaikura this weekend will be tough. We drew to them in the first round and we are on their home turf this weekend. This Saturday we are hoping to get a favorable result from this match.”
In their last encounter Puaikura’s Jarves Aperau and Tamaiva Mateariki played key roles in holding a strong defense against Tupapa. The defensive combo will need to show the same determination to thwart the Tupapa offensive when the two sides meet.
For Tupapa, the Harmon brothers, Grover and Lee, have been an impressive midfield duo for the side. The pair will need to bring out their best game to break down a strong Puaikura defense.
In the senior women’s division, the Puaikura and Tupapa match is expected to be one to watch after the two sides look to have dropped in form in recent games. Both teams have been hard at work training for this game over the last week and are not taking this match up lightly. They both sit side by side on the points table and are capable of putting each other away however, it will come down to who has prepared the best for this match.
Meanwhile playing at the Avatiu field on Saturday is Titikaveka and Avatiu. Avatiu fell to Titikaveka in the first round of matches and have not had the best of luck with their matches to date this season, however, after looking at the way Titikaveka has been playing recently this could be their chance to get some points on the table.
Titikaveka on the other hand will need to turn their season around to remain if they wish to remain within striking distance of competition leaders Tupapa Maraerenga and Nikao Sokattak. A win could be what they need to put them back on track.
Both sides however, will need to turn up with their “A” game to be able to put each other away.
FIXTURES
Saturday 12thOctober, at the Avatiu Field
Avatiu FC vs Titikaveka FC
12.30pm Under 14 Girls
Ref: Ua Savage Assist: Angelina Mitchell, Junior Savage
1.30pm Under 14 Boys
Ref: Robert Savage Assist:Eitiare Tangirere, Penina Katuke
2.30pm Senior Women
Ref: Tahiri Elikana Assist: Junior Savage, Angelina Mitchell
4.00pm Premier Men
Ref: Robert Savage Assist:Tahiri Elikana, Kura Smith
At the Raemaru Park, Arorangi.
Puaikura FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC
12.30pm Under 14 Girls
Ref: Kura Smith Assist: Ngametua Taringa, Teretia Teinaki
1.30pm Under 14 Boys
Ref: John Pareanga Assist:Nicky Smith, Edmund Tupuna
2.30pm Senior Women
Ref: Terry Piri Assist:Pierce Iripa, Edmund Tupuna
4.00pm Premier Men
Ref: John Pareanga Assist:Pierce Iripa, Teretia Teinaki
