The 15th and final game between the top of the table runners Nikao Sokattak and Tupapa Maraerenga tomorrow at the CIFA Complex will decide the Championship title for the 2021 Tower Insurance Premiership.
For Tupapa Maraerenga, it is a must win game to gain their championship title to make it five years in row. As for Nikao Sokattak, a draw is enough for them to win the championship title since 2009.
Both teams have been rivals since their first encounter and are currently neighbours on the points table sitting at 34 points with Nikao Sokattak slightly having a better goal average, therefore a draw is enough.
Without a doubt Nikao will bring speed when up against a tough defense line like Dave Milanovic and John Noovao, the usual score board markers Julius David and Toru Mateariki will be the two to watch out for, as these two are forever starved for a goal, but a breach in Tupapa’s back wall isn’t something anyone can do easily. While the forwards do their part by hopefully gaining touches and goals, Nikao’s mid-fielders Marc Leito and James Osiramo will be focused on keeping unwanted balls in their area before resorting to the backline for extra security. This Nikao side will need to gel together in tomorrow’s match if they want to claim the champion’s title. Nikao has the upper hand in tomorrow’s match with some key players for Tupapa not available due to injury.
The men in black Tupapa, aren’t a lot that have been conquered easily and are known for their tireless drive for a goal. With multiple experienced in their team, Tupapa’s mid-fielders Anthony Samuela and Paavo Mustonen will be a hard two to take the ball off as they are known for keeping tabs on every ball they gain and putting opportune balls in behind their opponents backline for their forwards Geoffrey Strickland and Maru Tearaitoa who will need to be head strong when taking on Nikao’s Jack Poiri and Tamaiva Mateariki at the back, and putting shots to the back of the net.
This game is no doubt the most important game for 2021 as the champion club will not only claim the Premiership Trophy, but also $7,000 prize money and will represent the Cook Islands at the OFC Champions League 2022.
Come on down to the CIFA Complex tomorrow and find out who will claim the 2021 Tower Insurance Premiership title.
The ladies in black will take on Nikao Sokattak today at CIFA Complex, at 5pm. For their final round battle, these ladies in black already taken the champions title and will be looking to further their lead, while the Nikao side will want a win to keep their comfortable seating at 4th.
Playing before the senior women today, will be the BSP U15 Boys, then the BSP U15 Girls will draw the curtain for the battle of the year in the Premier men’s division.
