2008 O-LEAGUE PREVIEW

The second edition of the O-League gets underway this weekend with matches kicking off in two countries involving a team each from Fiji, New Zealand, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. OFC Media takes a closer look at the clubs and their squads that will contest the 2008 O-League competition as the race to qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup prepares to kick-off.

In Group A, Auckland City and Waitakere United - the two New Zealand clubs - will once again start as red-hot favourites with both clubs having already won an OFC Club title once previously. AS Manu Ura face an uphill battle to qualify from this group with the two Kiwi teams heavily fancied to win the O-League outright. Tahitian football suffered a disappointing XIII South Pacific Games, however, Manu Ura have enjoyed a great start to their domestic season and could spring a surprise.

Group B is wide open with Solomon Islands champions Kossa FC making their debut in the O-League. Last season's runners-up, Ba, have lost players from the squad that took them to the final, but can still draw on a raft of international quality players. Tafea FC will be the outside bet to qualify from this section with most of their squad drawn from the Vanuatu international team that earned a bronze medal at the XIII South Pacific Games - Samoa 2007.

AS MANU URA - TAHITI

AS Manu Ura have made a bright start to the defence of their Division Federale championship with two wins and a draw in the opening three weeks of the league race in Tahiti.

Tahiti international goalkeepers Daniel Tapeta and Jonathan Torohia will fight it out for the number one jersey at club level. Tapeta and Torohia were both part of Tahiti’s failed XIII South Pacific Games/FIFA World Cup Qualifying – Samoa 2007 bid in August/September and both will be out to taste some success after a torrid time in Samoa.

Prolific striker, Billy Mataitai, will be relied upon to score the goals that will lift his club out of a difficult group with his exploits at XIII South Pacific Games – Samoa 2007 and OFC Beach Soccer Championship sure to add to his already notable levels of experience.

Auguste Washetine is another name familiar to XIII South Pacific Games – Samoa 2007 observers. The muscular and bustling striker will join international team-mate Mataitai in the search for O-League goals and defenders will be mindful of Washetine’s physical approach and eye for goal.

AS MANU URA: Daniel TAPETA; Jonathan TOROHIA; Rex FAURA; Jean Paul FAURA; Hiashi KAKE; Jean-Yves LY WAUT; Billy MATAITAI; Phillipe MORETTA; Hiroana POROIAE; Dave PENI; Adrien TAERO; Henri TAPEA; Temarama TAUIHARA; Tamatoa TAUIHARA; Vetea TEPA; Vetea TETUANUI; Stephane TUAIRAU; Auguste WASHETINE; Andrew TAURU; Celestin TAUPUA; Taia HONG; Eddy PITO; Axel TEMATAUA; Nohoarii ROBSON; Gregory LANTEIRIES; Rooarii ROO.

Coach: Teivitau PITO

Assistant Coach: Vaio ANANIA

Assistant Coach: Felix TAUMIHAU

O-LEAGUE HISTORY

AS Manu Ura are making their debut in the OFC O-League competition after securing the Tahiti Division Federale at the expense of AS Temanava.

DOMESTIC FORM

AS Manu Ura sit atop the Tahiti Division Federale unbeaten after three rounds and have progressed to the quarter-finals of the 2008 FTF Coupe de Polynesia Francaise.

AUCKLAND CITY FC – NEW ZEALAND

Former O-League champions Auckland City begin their campaign under the tutelage of new coach Colin Tuaa.

Tuaa – a former New Zealand international striker and coach of the New Zealand team that played at the FIFA U-17 World Cup – has made a raft of new signings designed to wage simultaneous campaigns both domestically and on the Oceania front. City’s main transfer coup is 33-year-old former Republic of Korea international Ki-Hyung Lee.

Lee represented Korea forty seven times since 1997, scoring three goals. He has also represented his country at youth and Olympic levels. Lee played two hundred and fifty seven K-League matches scoring twenty three goals and is certain to add glamour and class to the 2008 O-League.

The classy midfielder was part of the powerful club side Suwon Samsung that won back-to-back K-League titles in 1998 and 1999 and won the championship again in 2003 representing Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma.

City’s other new signings read like a who’s who of Oceania international football with New Zealand’s Rupesh Puna, Craig Wylie and Jeff Campbell joined by Solomon Islands pair of George Suri and Henry Fa’arodo.

Fiji international midfielder Salesh Kumar joins the throng with Northern League goal-getter Eliezer Anello making the step up after a bountiful season with Three Kings United.

AUCKLAND CITY FC: 1. Ross NICHOLSON; 2. Joel MATHEWS; 3. Craig WYLIE; 4. Paul SEAMAN; 5. Ben SIGMUND; 6. Ki-Hyung LEE; 7. James PRITCHETT; 8. Chad COOMBES; 9. Paul URLOVIC; 10. Grant YOUNG; 11. Luiz DEL MONTE; 12. Tamati WILLIAMS; 13. Alex FENERIDIS; 14. Keryn JORDAN; 15. Jeff CAMPBELL; 16. George SURI; 17. Bryan LITTLE; 18. Henry FA’ARODO; 19. Salesh KUMAR; 20. Greg UHLMANN; 21. Riki VAN STEEDEN; 22.. Sam MATHEWS; 23. Eliezer ANELLO; 24. Sam CAMPBELL; 25. Jake MATHEWS; 26. Rupesh PUNA; 27. John NIYONSABA; 28. Liam MULROONEY; 29. Lance HESLOP; 30. Mark FULCHER.

Coach: Colin TUAA

Assistant Coach: Clive CAMPBELL

GK Coach: Miroslav NIKOLIC

Manager: David STRINGER

O-LEAGUE HISTORY

Auckland City first competed in the OFC Club Championship – Tahiti 2005 where they were eliminated at the group stage by Sydney FC (AUS) and AS Pirae (TAH). Auckland City FC was crowned OFC club champions in 2006 after a 3-1 win over AS Pirae (TAH) at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand and went on to represent OFC at the FIFA Club World Cup – Japan 2006 losing 0-2 to Al-Ahly (CAF) and 0-3 to Jeonbuk Motors (AFC). Auckland City were eliminated at the group stage of the 2006/07 O-League on goal difference after draws with eventual champions Waitakere United (NZL) and two wins (2-0) and (4-0) over AS Mont Dore (NCL).

DOMESTIC FORM

Auckland City has yet to begin their pursuit of a record fourth NZFC title in a row.

BA – FIJI

Ba has suffered for recent success both on the domestic and international stage with many of its star players the subject of transfer speculation and activity since last season’s competition. Peni Finau, Ronil Kumar and Osea Vakatalesau have either relocated to New Zealand or are rumoured to be on the verge of doing so, and a recent 3-0 defeat at the hands of Labasa in the Fiji FA New World National League has left many observers wondering if Ba’s long running domination of domestic football is coming to a close.

Coach Yogendra Dutt will refute such suggestions and can point to a squad brimming with ability and experience. Captain and goalkeeper Laisenia Tuba is joined by Fiji internationals Shalen Lal, Avinesh Swamy, Josaia Bukalidi, Malakai Tiwa, Malakai Kainihewe, and Jone Vesikula, with the reliable presence of Keni Doidoi, Robert Wise and Tuimasi Manuca offering further O-League experience to the mix.

Ba’s main advantage is their experience of playing in last year’s final after winning through in a tough group that included AS Temanava (TAH) and Marist FC (SOL). The Fijian champions will have to be at their absolute best to replicate the feat with Tafea FC (VAN) and Kossa FC (SOL) both considered clubs on the rise.

Ba's three home matches drew nearly 25,000 fans in Fiji and 7000 fans in New Zealand for the 2007 O-League Final, 2nd leg.

BA: 1. Laisenia TUBA; 2. Avinesh SWAMY; 3. Shalen LAL; 4. Manoa MASI; 5. Rinal PRASAD; 6. Jone VESIKULA; 7. Tuimasi MANUCA; 8. Keni DOIDOI; 9. Josaia BUKALIDI; 10. Ronald CHANDRA; 11. Robert WISE; 12. Peni FINAU; 13. Kiniviliame TURAGALAILAI; 14. Luke VIDOVI; 15. Osea VAKATALESAU; 16. Malakai TIWA; 17. Malakai KAINIHEWE; 18. Semesa DOIDOI; 19. Leone VURUKANIA; 20. Niumaia TAGI; 21. Jone SOROLO; 22. Epeli CODRO; 23. Krishna SAMI.

Coach: Yogendra DUTT

Manager: Lilian KHAN

O-LEAGUE HISTORY

Ba finished runners-up in the 2006/07 O-League after losing on the away goals rule to Waitakere United (NZL) in last season’s two-legged final. Ba won through after triumphing in Group B against Marist FC (SOL) and AS Temanava (TAH). 2007 – Runners-up

DOMESTIC FORM

Ba have won five domestic competitions in the past calendar year including Battle of the Giants, Inter-District Cup, Fiji FACT, New World National League and Champion of Champions. However, recent results have gone against Ba, including a 3-0 defeat by Labasa in the National League.

KOSSA FC – SOLOMON ISLANDS

The sense of disappointment and sadness after Solomon Islands performance at the XIII South Pacific Games – Samoa 2007 has left a gaping hole in the international football calendar for fans of the game in the island nation.

Kossa FC will carry the hopes of not only their club, but the entire football-mad nation, as Solomon Islands seek to restore its reputation as a football powerhouse in the South Pacific.

Coach Jacob Moli has acted fast to ensure Kossa FC don’t underachieve as Marist FC did last season by signing Papua New Guinea international and former Auckland City striker Reginald Davani. Davani joins two more foreign imports in the shape of Fiji pair Inosi Cawaanikawai and Akariva Daunatou.

FIFA Beach Soccer heroes Joe Luwi and James Naka make the move to Kossa FC from Marist FC with international defenders Gideon Omokirio and the athletic Samson Takayama shoring up the defence.

KOSSA FC: John MORGAN; Severino AEFI; Michael MAENUU; Gideon OMOKIRIO; Samson TAKAYAMA; Terry OIAKA; Eddie KAIRI; Kenneth RIHANUA; Sam MAENA; Ken TONGA; Seni NGAVA; Royal EPA; Joe LUWI; Mahlon MAEMANIA; Franco NEE; James NAKA; Philip ASHLEY; Paul WALE; Desmond SALA; Samson WAAHERO; Willie SADE; Jeffrey KONAI; Reginald DAVANI; Solomon TAHI; Roy ENORI; Tome FAISI; Alwyn DANITOFEA; Willie NAMO; Inosi CAWAANIKAWAI; Akariva DAUNATOU.

Coach: Jacob MOLI

Assistant Coach: Moses TOATA

Manager: Willie LAI

O-LEAGUE HISTORY

Kossa FC won through to the 2008 O-League after winning the National Clubs Championship at the expense of defending O-League representatives Marist FC earlier this year, ending Marist FC’s two year association with Oceania’s premier club competition, if only for the present time.

DOMESTIC FORM

Kossa FC currently sit in 5^th place in the DJ League but qualified for the 2008 O-League after winning the National Clubs Championship earlier this year.

TAFEA FC – VANUATU

Vanuatu football is enjoying a high at present with the international team securing an OFC Nations Cup/FIFA World Cup South Africa Qualifier Stage 2 berth on the back of their sensational XIII South Pacific Games – Samoa 2007 bronze medal efforts in Apia in August.

The national U-12 selection won the OFC U-12 Festival of Football – Papua New Guinea 2007 and later finished 19^th out of 32 at the Danone Nations Cup in France proving the popularity of football in the country is in good health.

Add to that Tafea FC’s comprehensive victory in the OFC O-League Preliminary qualifying competition over University FC and JS Baco and it is little wonder the club’s inclusion in the O-League is promoting great excitement in Port Vila.

The bulk of the Tafea FC squad have represented Vanuatu at age-group or full international level with veteran goalkeeper David Chilia(above) best remembered for his heroics three years ago when Vanuatu defeated New Zealand’s All Whites 4-2 in Adelaide, and an equally impressive display when Tafea FC elminated Napier City Rovers at the OFC Club Championship in 2000.

Dynamic midfield maestro Francois Sakama will be the dangerman for Tafea FC with his eye-catching performances at the XIII South Pacific Games – Samoa 2007 still fresh in the memory.

Sakama’s stunning right foot volley from 18 yards out against Solomon Islands in the Bronze Medal match won plaudits for goal of the tournament and will ensure he is watched carefully by opposition goalkeepers.

Tafea FC play Solomon Islands club Makuru FC as preparation for their opening match against Kossa FC in Honiara.

TAFEA FC: 1. David CHILIA; 2. Samson OBED; 3. Jacques MAFIL NAWAN; 4. Ephraim KALORIB; 5. Tom MANSES; 6. Fedy VAVA; 7. Moise POIDA; 8. Pita David MAKI; 9. Jean Nako NAPRAPOL; 10. Richard IWAI; 11. Etienne MERMER; 12. Hubert NAKE; 13. Francois SAKAMA; 14. Waren Roger WAIWAI; 15. Ali SILAS; 16. Alphonse Welin QORIG; 17. Geoffrey Lego GETE; 18. Silas NAMATAK; 19. Lorry THOMPSEN; 20. Alista KALIP; 21. Jason AVOCK; 22. Shem SIPAI; 23. Talom IARUELI; 24. Timothy JOB; 25. Titus NOAL; 26. Andrew MAHIT.

Coach: Michel KALO

Assistant Coach: Joseph Matou SOANI

Manager: Stephen FELIX

O-LEAGUE HISTORY

Tafea FC qualified for the 2008 O-League after winning the OFC O-League Preliminary competition in New Caledonia in May, defeating University FC (PNG) and JS Baco (NCL) in a three team tournament. Tafea FC’s best finish at this level was in 2000-01 when they lost the final of the OFC Club Championship to Wollongong Wolves by 1-0.

1999 – First Round

2001 – Runners-up

2005 – Third

2006 – First Round

2007 – Did not compete

DOMESTIC FORM

Tafea FC have won the VFF National League title 13 times in a row since 1994 and are without doubt the strongest club in Vanuatu on and off the pitch.

WAITAKERE UNITED – NEW ZEALAND

The defending O-League champions have added a new coach and new players in a bid to retain the O-League title. Chris Milicich takes over from Steve Cain in the dugout and is joined by former Wolves defender and new player/coach, Neil Emblen. Aware Waitakere United face a daunting playoff match with the winners of the Japanese J-League in a FIFA Club World Cup Qualifier in December, Milicich has given the Waitakere squad an overhaul.

Goalkeeper Richard Gillespie, Jason Hayne, Neil Sykes and Jonathan Perry make the move out West from NZFC champions Auckland City and are joined by former New Zealand Knights players Darren Bazeley and Neil Emblen, adding a wealth of steal and experience to the squad.Solomon Island international Benjamin Totori left Youngheart Manawatu during the winter to take up the chance for a shot at FIFA Club World Cup – Japan 2007 glory and is joined by nuggety Fiji international midfield man Ronil Kumar.

Commins Menapi has been deemed Waitakere United’s “marquee” signing with the Solomon Islands skipper charged once again with firing home the goals that could propel Milicich’s club to an O-League title defence.

WAITAKERE UNITED: 1. Richard GILLESPIE; 2. Jonathan PERRY; 3.Shane PASCOE; 4. Matt CUNNEEN; 5. Danny HAY; 6. Darren BAZELEY; 7. Jason HAYNE; 8. Commins MENAPI; 9. Benjamin TOTORI; 10. Allan PEARCE; 11. Neil SYKES; 13. Daniel KOPRIVCIC; 14. Hoani EDWARDS; 15. Christopher BALE; 16. Neil EMBLEN; 17. Jake BUTLER; 18. Ronil KUMAR; 19. Mikael MUNDAY; 20. Jason ROWLEY; 21. Graham PEARCE; 22. Simon EADDY; 23. Blair KONICK; 24. Tim MYERS; 25. Leo SHIN; 26. Byron PAULUS; 27. Tom WEBB; 28. Aaran ROWLEY; 29. Denver MacDONALD; 30. Peter NORRIS; 31. Sean DOWLING.

Coach: Chris MILICICH

Player/Coach: Neil EMBLEN

O-LEAGUE HISTORY

Waitakere United’s debut season saw the West Auckland club win the inaugural O-League at the first time of asking. United – included because of the withdrawal of Vanuatu’s club champions – were drawn in Group A against fellow Kiwis Auckland City and AS Mont Dore (NCL). 2007 - Champions

DOMESTIC FORM

Waitakere United have yet to begin their NZFC campaign. Ironically, despite winning the O-League, Waitakere United have yet to win the NZFC title outright, although they did finish top of the NZFC minor premiership last season.

The dream of a place at the FIFA Club World Cup – Japan 2008 will be foremost in the minds of fans as 2008 O-League kicks-off this weekend in New Zealand and the Solomon Islands.

2006/07 NZFC champions Auckland City play host to Tahiti’s Division Federale title holders, AS Manu Ura, at McLeod Road, Henderson, Auckland, kick-off 1500hrs (NZT).

Auckland City have yet to begin the defence of the NZFC title and face an as yet undefeated AS Manu Ura that sits atop the Tahiti Division Federale after three rounds and has already booked passage to the quarter-finals of the 2008 FTF Coupe de Polynesie-Francaise.

Auckland City has signed a raft of new players with former Republic of Korea midfielder Ki-Hyung Lee, 33, the pick of the bunch. The 47-times capped star has an impressive CV that includes over 200 K-League appearances and three K-League titles.

By contrast AS Manu Ura cannot point to any overseas star signings with the entire squad of Tahitian extraction. International striker, Billy Mataitai, will be the main goal threat for the visitors alongside August Washetine. Both men were star performers for Tahiti during a difficult XIII South Pacific Games campaign.

Solomon Islands O-League debutants, Kossa FC, face a tough opening encounter against the experienced Tafea FC of Vanuatu at Lawson Tama Stadium, Honiara, kick-off 1500hrs (ST).

Kossa FC has struggled to find its form since winning the National Clubs Championship earlier this year and have so far struggled to replicate that form in the new DJ League, with Koloale, Makuru and Marist FC all sitting above them in the table.

Tafea FC are no strangers to success after winning 13 National League titles in a row and appearing at the final stages of the O-League on four separate occasions (1999, 2001, 2005, 2006). Veteran international goalkeeper, David Chilia, will lead Tafea FC on its latest O-League adventure with many of the Tafea FC squad fresh from their spirit-lifting bronze medal performances with the national team at XIII South Pacific Games – Samoa 2007.

Star midfielder Francois Sakama broke Solomon Islands hearts during in Samoa with one of the goals of the tournament and the talented youngster will be looking to cause similar problems for the hosts in the 2008 O-League.

Tafea FC lost its final O-League preparation match 0-1 to Makuru FC of the Solomon Islands but will start Saturday’s match as one of the competition’s most experienced competitors.

Saturday 27^th October, 2007

2008 O-League

Group A

Auckland City FC (NZL) vs. AS Manu Ura (TAH)

At McLeod Road,

Henderson,

Auckland

Kick-off: 1500hrs (NZT)

visit: www.aucklandcityfc.com for match day details

visit: www.oceaniafootball.com for live text updates

2008 O-League

Group B

Kossa FC (SOL) vs. Tafea FC (VAN)

At Lawson Tama Stadium,

Honiara,

Solomon Islands

Kick-off: 1500hrs (ST)

visit: www.oceaniafootball.com for live text updates

The Executive Committee of the Federation Tahitienne de Football (FTF) has elected OFC President/FIFA Vice-President Reynald Temarii as the new FTF President for the next four years.  Temarii defeated fellow candidate Armand Colombani convincingly with an 88% base from eligible votes. Temarii’s term as FTF President will carry through until 2011 and he will continue in his present capacity as OFC President as usual.Quickly following the election victory, FTF President Temarii installed former OFC Competitions officer, Vairani Davio, as its new General Secretary, with Davio given the responsibility for executing a new four year vision for FTF under the auspices of its newly elected President. Temarii replaces outgoing FTF President Eugene Haereraaroa.  The draw for the next round of the 2008 FTF Coupe de Polynesie Francaise is will be announced in the next 24 hours following the latest round of matches played at the weekend. 2008 FTF Coupe de Polynesie Francaise First Round results: 

Excelsior 0, AS Temanava 2; JT 1, Vairao 0; Vaiotaha 0, AS Dragon 8; Vaiete 4, Mahina 3; Mira 1, Roniu 2; Mapu Ura 2, Tearaa 5; Tiare Hinano 8, Hitiaa 2; Papara 0, TAC 1; AS Pirae 1, Tefana 3; Tiare Tahiti 6, Tiarei 1; Punaruu 0, Samine 3; AS Manu Ura 4, Aorai 2; Tamarii Faaa 3, AS Venus 0; Arue 10, Maire Nui 2; Vaiari Nui 5, Papenoo 1; Tapuhute 0, Central Sport 1.

AS Manu Ura received the perfect boost ahead of their opening O-League crunch match against Auckland City this weekend after recording a morale-boosting 3-0 win over Tahiti Federale rivals Temarii Faaa that sent the defending champions to the top of French-Polynesia's premier football club competition.

AS Manu Ura claimed the Division Federale from AS Temanava and look a good bet to retain the title they won last season after making several new acquisitions for a busy season ahead that will see the Tahitian champions face a punishing schedule that includes Coupe de Polynesie, Division Federale and O-League.

Tahiti international goalkeepers Daniel Tapeta and Jonathan Torohia will fight it out for the number one jersey at club level. Tapeta and Torohia were both part of Tahiti’s failed XIII South Pacific Games/FIFA World Cup Qualifying – Samoa 2007 bid in August/September and both will be out to taste some success after a torrid time in Samoa. 

Prolific 24-year-old striker, Billy Mataitai, will be relied upon to score the goals that will somehow shoehorn his club out of a difficult O-League group with his exploits at XIII South Pacific Games – Samoa 2007 and OFC Beach Soccer Championship sure to add to his already notable levels of experience. 

Auguste Washetine is another name familiar to XIII South Pacific Games – Samoa 2007 observers. The muscular and bustling striker will join international team-mate Mataitai in the search for O-League goals and defenders will be mindful of Washetine’s physical approach and eye for goal.

Elsewhere in Division Federale, AS Pirae were too strong for TAC, defeating the bottom-placed club 3-1. Aorai drew 1-1 with Tefana and last season's frontrunners, AS Dragon, continue their difficult start to this season after a dramatic 2-2 draw with JT. 

TAHITI DIVISION FEDERALE - standings

	PL.	W.	D.	L.	GF.	GA.	PTS.	GD.
Manu Ura	3	2	1	0	5	1	8	+4
Tefana	3	1	2	0	7	3	7	+4
JT	3	1	2	0	4	3	7	+1
Temanava	3	2	0	1	3	2	7	+1
Central Sport	3	2	0	1	5	6	7	-1
AS Pirae	3	1	1	1	4	3	6	+1
Temarii Faaa	3	1	1	1	3	4	6	-1
AS Dragon	3	0	2	1	3	4	5	-1
Aorai	3	0	1	2	1	3	4	-2
TAC	3	0	0	3	3	9	0	-6

Tahiti Division Federale: win = 3pts, draw = 2pts, loss = 1pt

Next fixtures: JT vs. Tamarii Faaa; Aorai vs. TAC; AS Dragon vs. AS Temanava; Centra Sport vs. AS Pirae; AS Manu Ura vs. Tefana. 

 

The draw for the last 32 of the Coupe de Polynesie has been made with several mouthwatering fixtures in prospect including the tie of the round between AS Pirae and AS Tefana.

The other matches that pique the interest include the game between AS Temanava and AS Excelsior, whilst defending Division Federale champions and OFC O-League representatives AS Manu Ura have been paired up with Division Excellence title winners, Aorai.

The draw - conducted by Federation Tahitienne de Football President, Eugene Haereraaroa - involved clubs from Tahiti's Division Federale, Division Excellence (Division One) and Premiere Division (Division Two).

AS Venus had earlier won through to the main draw of the Coupe de Polynesie after they recorded a 2-1 win over Tiare Anani. AS Venus was joined by Mapua Ura after they dispatched Tohivea 3-0 in the Coupe de Polynesie Preliminairie Round.

Meanwhile, in the Tahiti Division Federale, AS Pirae drew 0-0 with AS Tamarii Faa in their catch-up fixture following their involvement in the DOM-TOM Cup competition. AS Pirae turned in a stale performance in this match which reflected the uncertainty surrounding the club at present following the departure of star player Jose Hmae to AS Mont Dore in his home of New Caledonia.

THE FULL DRAW:

VAIOTAHA - DRAGON

TIARE TAHITI - TIAREI

JT - VAIRAO

PUNARUU - SAMINE

VAIETE - OLYMPIQUE MAHINA

MANU URA - AORAI

MIRA - RONIU

T. FAA'A - VENUS

MAPUA URA - TEARAA

ARUE - MAIRE NUI

TIARE HINANO - HITIAA

VAIARI NUI - PAPENOO

PAPARA - TAC

TAPUHUTE - CENTRAL

PIRAE - TEFANA

EXCELSIOR - TEMANAVA

Auckland City have named a formidable squad ahead of the 2007/08 OFC O-League and New Zealand Football Championship (NZFC) season with a host of new signings that include former South Korea international, Ki-Hyung Lee, Solomon Islands internationals Henry Fa'arodo and George Suri, All Whites Craig Wylie and Jeff Campbell, with Fiji's Salesh Kumar, and freescoring Northern League striker, Eliezer Anello.

Head Coach Colin Tuaa, along with assistant, Clive Campbell, is very excited about the makeup of the squad and is delighted with the way the team is shaping up. "Clive and I have been most impressed with the work ethic and commitment from the players so far. There is a great team spirit building and the atmosphere both on and off the field is electric. We possess many talented individuals and if we gel the way I believe we can, we will be tough to beat this season." Tuaa (pictured below) is also pleased with the overall balance and depth accross the squad. 

"We have recruited players that are versatile and can play various roles. We also have plenty of speed and flair across all positions and the squad is littered with experienced and technical players, who possess the football intelligence to take control of games. Add to that, our proven goal scorers and we have the recipe for success."

  There are a number of new faces at the club this season and Tuaa says they have settled in extremely well at Auckland City. "To be honest the squad looks as though they have been together for sometime. Each individual brings something exciting to the team. They have all been made to feel very welcome by the club and our existing players have played a huge part in this." With the opening match of the season now less than four weeks away Tuaa has a positive message for all Auckland City supporters. "We aim to play an attractive brand of football built around a solid defensive base. I know that you will witness some memorable moments this season and I can assure you that the players will always give their very best for Auckland City FC."