FIJI’S wonder boy Roy Krishna showed how much he has learnt from his exposure with Waitakere United, as the player from Siberia got a brace for Vodafone Labasa in their 3-0 wn over  Suva at the Courts Homecentres Inter District Competition at Govind Park.

Vanuatu striker Joseph Namiriau scored the third goal and the two have formed a deadly combination and yet again could prove to be the key to Labasa's progress on western soil. Labasa has never won a title in the west and are keen to end the drought.

Suva, who have not won the IDC for 25 years, did not look like a winning team and might have to wait for another year based on their performance last night.

The Whites defence and pattern of play was way off the mark and coach Oscar Tembo will have to dig deep if he is to bring glory to the capital city.

Suva will know today if it will progress further in the tournament as the side has two matches. The Inosi Cava-captained side will meet Esala Masi's Nadroga before facing arch-rivals Rewa.

Nadi and Nadroga played out a 0-0 draw in the opening match of the tournament while Tavua beat Nasinu 2-1.

Nadroga has the best chance to cement a place in the semi-finals as the side has two matches today. Apart from Suva, the import laden side will play Rewa, which is expected to be a thriller.

Nasinu is another side with a tough challenge ahead as they face two matches against a star-studded Navua and Lautoka.

Navua with imports Matthew Williams and Che Bunce from New Zealand along with Rasmus Hansen from Denmark, has never won the IDC.

Navua soccer president Anil Sharma wants that to end but it will take a mammoth effort from the side.

Tavua goalkeeper Jone Turagarere was the hero for Tavua in its 2-1 win over a luckless Nasinu.

The veteran goalkeeper who turns 40 next month proved that age is no barrier in sports, pulling several magnificent saves to deny Nasinu a bright start in the tournament.

Tavua coach Lambert Sarju heaped praises on Turagarere, adding he could match top goalies in the country.

The side has not been given much of a chance by most. however, the performance put on by the minnows, could see the side spring a few surprises in Ba.

Gone was the Tavua pattern of kick and chase, as the side resorted to more constructive football. Sarju said the side was not at the tournament to make up the numbers.

"We are happy with the first win, but we still have three games to go and we need to sharpen up on attack," Sarju said.

"Most have been talking about the bigger teams, and we would prefer to stay the underdogs."

Esava Naitisiwai got a goal in each half to earn Tavua the three points.

Nasinu with imports Robert Mafane and Aldrine Kilua combined well early in attack, however Tavua scored on the counter in the eighth minute.

Nasinu managed to equalise through Kaushik Kumar moments before half-time after a defensive blunder.

Naitasiwai sealed Tavua's win with a thunderous drive two minutes before full time.

Tavua will play Lautoka today.

Oakley Cannons striker Ratu Veresa Toma says it is critical for Nadroga to start scoring from its next match. This after the Stallions were held to 0-0 draw by Nadi .

The 27-year-old, dreadlocked warrior from Yako Village showed glimpses of his old form, which made him a feared striker on the local scene, before he sustained a career threatening knee injury.

"It is good to be back playing in Fiji after a long time," Toma said.

"I am improving with every game since recovering from injury and I am pleased to have played well in such a competitive game.

"We should have won by two goals, but we are happy with the draw because Nadi too had chances and both teams played really well.

Nothing much can be said about the game because it was our first one together."

Toma said despite the draw, the side was happy with the result and overall performance.

"A chance is always a chance and you have got to take it to be in the last four," he said.

"I am sure we will start scoring goals from the next game and also be one of the teams in the semi-finals." Nadi coach Ravuama Madigi hailed his defenders and said they were lucky to escape with a point.

"The backline was outstanding. They are good ball players and also very physical," Madigi said.

"Nadroga had two good chances which the goalkeeper did very well to save."

Madigi said Nadi would regroup and return a stronger unit for today's game against Labasa.

"We need to improve to beat Labasa," he said.

With a combined total of overseas-based 10 players featuring in the opening game, Nadi and Nadroga set the stage for what will be a fiercely contested IDC.

The class of both the teams was clearly evident from the start with a number of shots fired on target.

Tayfun Derrimol missed Nadroga's best chance after being put into space by Esala Masi midway in the first half while the footwork of crafty Tolgay Ozby is sure to keep fans amused in the tournament.

Lautoka and Ba played a 1-1 draw.

Lautoka’s Valerio Nawatu scored in the 24th minute, but Fiji striker Maciu Dunadamu equalised within two minutes.

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Hekari Souths United FC are ready for the challenges of the O-League according to club owner John Kapi Natto.

The PNGFA Vice President and NSL Board chairman was speaking after Hekari returned from a  successful trip to Brisbane where they played an International friendly match against the Sunshine Coast FC, the Queensland State League champions.

Natto said the teams preparation so far has been very good. In terms of morning and afternoon training, the boys are continuing to give 100 per cent into the physical and tactical training.

"After beating Solomon Islands Under-23 (Solympics) 4 -2, Marist FC 4-1 and then beating the Sunshine Coast FC 3-1 last week, I can say our boys are ready for Solomon Islands and Fiji champion clubs," Natto said.

He said that injured defender Jacob Pekau has returned to camp and will go through the remaining training with the boys and also undergo final medical check ups if he is injury free.

Pekau will add height to booster the backline and will be assisted by Cyril Muta, Brian Tuhiana and Koriak Upaiga.

"We are still negotiating with a defender from the Rewa Football Club in Fiji and we hope that he will soon join us But that depends on whether clearances of release are given by the Fiji Football Association".

Hekari South's entry into the O-League will be the first time a club from Papua New Guinea has entered the competition

Natto said the management are well focussed to see Hekari become successful in the 2008 O-League campaign.

"The preparation has been good and I urge all our supporters to come in numbers and support our Hekari Souths United FC (PNG) as they will be up against Fiji’s BA FC on December 13," he said.

Natto said this is exciting for PNG football now as the OFC’s premier competition, the O-League will now come to PNG soil for the first time and I am also very excited about it.

This will see the champions of each Pacific country battle it out to represent the Oceania region in the annual FIFA Club World Cup tournament in Japan. 

DUBAI - As the Solomon Island futsal side is in transit, waiting to return home, team correspondent James Rufhus reflects on the Kurukuru's first ever visit to a FIFA Futsal World Cup.

Solomon Kurukuru might not have won any games at the FIFA Futsal World Cup, but off the field they were big winners as ambassadors for their nation. If first impressions really are everything then all of the Solomon Islands have benefitted from the six weeks that the fourteen young men have been away. Most people the team encountered had never met a someone from the Happy Isles before, however if you asked them now to describe a typical Solomon Islander then they would enthusiastically paint a picture of a friendly, respectful, and above all, joyous person.

The scene of Kurukuru leaving the Brasilia Palace Hotel was telling of the relationship that the team built with everyone around them during the tournament. Hotel managers, cleaners, security gaurds, police and various World Cup staff all turned out to say goodbye and wish them well. 'I've been working in the hotel industry for seven years,' said Team Liason Officer Manager Eduardo, ' and I've never met a sports group like this before. We love you – thank you.'

On returning from their opening World Cup game against Cuba the boys found a small cake on each of their beds, attached was a note that read 'Your singing gives our hotel energy, have a nice Championship'. The gesture referred to the team's morning devotion that begins with two or three songs of praise. What Kurukuru did not know was that their songs carried throughout the hotel and were given staff an uplifting start to the day.

The next morning they were requested to worship not in a small hotel room as usual, but in the lobby. A crowd of staff gathered and Head of Delegation Pastor Seru lead the team and onlookers through a morning devotion that was memorable for all. 'They liked our songs, but it's not only entertainment,' said Seru, 'it's worship. For everyone that's met us we are not losers because we really represent our nation and Jesus well.'

The way the team played its futsal also won many admirers, including the Brazilian media and Futsal team. Although they were beaten in all their games, Kurukuru's potential was recognised by people with knowledge of the game and encouraging words were never far away. At Brasilia airport it was a photographer who worked at the World Cup at liked what he saw. When they got off the plane in Sao Paulo it was a young woman who came over and said that her mother saw them playing on television and was impressed with their spirit and skills. Certainly it is a rare team that loses a match 32–2 and can still inspire a rapturous response from the crowd as they leave the court.

Kurukuru is currently in Dubai, en-route to Singapore, then Brisbane and finally back to home on Sunday at 12:30pm. And friends, family or fans wanting to greet them at Henderson Airport are most welcome – they surely deserve it!

The Papua New Guinea Football Association headed by David Chung is looking to improve the country’s referees.

Chung spoke of the importance of referees in Papua New Guinea before departing for New Zealand for the under-17 girls World Cup this month.

"Referees play an important part in our game and it is appropriate they get more training and development to help bring the game to a higher level," Chung said.

With this vision PNGFA has lured Neil Poloso to run the “OFC’s PNGFA referees and referees instructors course” under the banner of FIFA.

The aim of this course is to enhance referees skills and technique and also open the pathway for referees to get a FIFA ref badge should they excel.

And with the NSL getting stronger every year, PNGFA is targeting referees to better their skills and technique so that the competition is on track for future development.

Poloso will arrive on Saturday. The next day he will fly to Lae for the five-day workshop.The course will see about 30 participants both old and new taking part.

The referees and referees instructors course starts from October 12 to 16 and will be held at the PNFA academy in Lae.

PNGFA Southern region development officer Taku Niebo said all referee co-ordinators in each member associations must submit names of the participants.

“Only 30 places are available for this course,” Niebo said.

“We will only allow 10 participants for the instructors course while 20 will be for the referees.”

He said nominated referees would have to meet their own costs to Lae and back.

AUCKLAND – The Thai Airways All Whites have rocketed up 57 places in the latest FIFA rankings to 54th, following back-to-back 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign wins over New Caledonia in September.

Convincing home (3-0) and away (3-1) victories over the French territory booked a place at next year’s 2009 Confederations Cup, and a two-legged playoff with the fifth best Asian team for a place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and earned Ricki Herbert’s men the title of best mover for October.

New Caledonia, who had briefly overtaken the All Whites as Oceania’s top ranked team in September slipped 27 places to 122nd.

The All Whites, whose highest position since FIFA World Rankings began was 47 in 2002, have climbed over 100 places since beginning their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign in September 2007.

Five wins from as many FIFA World Cup qualifiers to date have seen the All Whites leave behind last September’s record low of 156th.

The All Whites’ final World Cup qualifier against Fiji – originally scheduled as the campaign’s opener in Albany – will be played on November 19 in Lautoka.

Meanwhile, European champions Spain extended their lead at the top of the rankings ahead of nearest challengers Italy and Germany, while Brazil moved up two places to fourth.

Spain, Italy, and Brazil, have all qualified for next year’s FIFA Confederations Cup which also includes USA (ranked 21st), Egypt (22), Iraq (77) and South Africa (85).

Korea Republic, currently Asia’s fifth-ranked team, sit one place below New Zealand in 55th.

Ricki Herbert believes the Thai Airways All Whites’ latest world ranking of 54 could be a catalyst for increased international opportunities.

The All Whites shot up 57 places in the October edition of FIFA’s rankings, to reach their highest position since 2002, and Herbert reckons that could lead to higher-profile friendlies in the build-up to the Confederations Cup in South Africa next June.

“It adds a quality profile to the team and in that respect it’s a timely rise given the draw for the FIFA Confederations Cup is on November 22,” Herbert said.

“We may be seen as ideal opposition through Asia now, especially given the World Cup playoff coming up next year.”

“It also shows the importance of the results in our qualifying campaign, with the weighting pace on them.”

The rise up the rankings charts is also significant for players looking for contracts with European clubs.

England’s Home Office, for example, will automatically grant work permits to players from nations ranked in the top 70, and who have played in 75% of the country’s ‘A’ matches in the previous two years.

“I’m delighted for the players. It’s a fantastic achievement and now it creates potential opportunities for them and the team.”

Story provided by NZF Media. For more visit www.nzsoccer.com

The DJ Premier League matches took centre stage again in the Honiara Football Association league following a brief suspension to cater for the touring Brisbane Wolves side toward the end of September.

Tuesday 23rd Sept 2008

Koloale vs Uncles  (1-1)

Beach soccer star player Nicholas Muri who joined Koloale FC for this season scored the opening goal before Judd Molea grabbed the equalizer to see the two teams share competition points. It was a tough match with both sides playing a better standard of football in the second half. Koloale have beaten Brisbane Wolves twice in the previous week and were expected to win this match but Uncles held them right through to the end.

Sunbeam vs K1 United (3-3)
 
Sunbeam looking for its first win in the current HFA DJ League still could not break its misfortune and could only settle for a draw in their match versus K1 United. Sitting at the bottom of the table, they have a long road to travel if they are to make a come back in the league where all the clubs are eyeing a place in the next season. The Honiara Football Association has made it clear that two bottom placed teams in the division will be relegated to first division in the new season.

Wednesday 24th September 2008

Naha vs Makuru (1-3)

Makuru welcomed back its veteran striker Batram Suri to the fold with a win. Suri who was away in New Zealand is an important player in the Makuru camp and his presence inspired his team mates. Naha on the other hand is a team comprising players who are young but inexperienced. They got their name into the score-sheet first before Makuru made up for their mistake by hammering in three goals.

Thursday 25th September 2008

Zome Mars vs Laugu (5-4)

The inclusion of beach soccer king James Naka in the Zome Mars squad has inspired the team to play better football this season. Though they have recorded a mixed bag of results in the league so far, Naka’s presence is truly an inspiration to the team. He has attracted people to turn up for their matches and provided an extra dimension to games. Their match against Laugu was expected to be tough and was an exciting affair. It was a cat and mouse race by the two clubs. In the end Zome Mars managed to win just by one goal. Naka scored two of the five goals

Saturday 27th September 2008

Hana vs Kossa (2-3)

Kossa was lucky to have won this match. Two goals up, the Kossa players allowed Hana back into the match in the second half and the match could have gone either way. Mahlon Maemania who came in for Kossa in the second half provided the winner when he hit a ball from some 30 meters out to clinch victory and important match points.

Marist vs Rangers  (2-0) 

Rangers had themselves to blame for their loss. They had chances but they failed to utilize them. The absence of their key striker, Godwin Bebeu who is currently in Fiji for the IDC competition has affected their balance upfront.

HFA DJ LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION WEEK 5 TABLE STANDINGS

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
1	Marist FC	5	4	1	0	14	3	11	13
2	Makuru FC	5	3	1	1	11	3	8	10
3	KOSSA FC	5	3	1	1	8	4	4	10
4	Uncles FC	5	2	3	0	9	3	6	9
5	Koloale FC	5	2	3	0	8	6	2	9
6	Naha FC	5	3	0	2	11	10	1	9
7	Zome Mars FC	5	2	1	2	12	12	0	7
8	Rangers FC	5	2	1	2	8	8	0	7
9	Hana FC	5	1	1	3	5	11	-6	4
10	K1 United FC	5	1	1	3	7	18	-11	4
11	Sunbeam FC	5	0	1	4	6	15	-9	1
12	Laugu FC	5	0	0	5	7