They’ll kick off the 2016 season against that same opponent with a victory in the Champions Trophy set to see them regain some of the honour lost at the end of 2015.
The match takes place at Stade Numa Daly this Staurday and it is sure to be an exciting debut to the season.
Hienghene coach Felix Tagawa spent the end of the 2015 in Auckland taking part in the inaugural OFC/NZF A Licence and is sure to have a few new tricks in his bag for the coming year.
There are a number of youth players working their way into the ranks at the north-based club which Tagawa says adds something different again to the line-up.
“We have some young players that are very interesting and who deserve their chance,” he says.
“On the condition that they will be committed, that they will integrate into the dynamique of the team and our game style.”
Tagawa says the plan is to be ready from the outset.
“Like all the teams we are in the height of our preparations. The season gets underway on Saturday and we preparing to be ready from the start of the match,” he says.
“Last season was very long with a huge number of trips away, and at the end of the year we had a lot of injuries related to fatigue. The break has been good for the team’s health and their heads.”
Meanwhile AS Magenta are once again preparing not only for the national league, but for the 2016 OFC Champions League and as the most renowned club in New Caledonia football the cup-championship double will certainly be on their radar as well.
“Every year Magenta is eyeing the championship and the cup title. We know that we’re putting the bar high, especially as this year the goal is also to at least make the semi-finals of the OFC Champions League,” AS Magenta coach Alain Moizan says.
“We are strengthening in each position, most notably in the middle because we want to be much more efficient in possession.
“The match on Saturday will be against a great opponent in the Hienghene team and with two teams which play beautiful football.”
The Trophiee des Champions between AS Magenta and Hienghene Sport will be held at Stade Numa Daly on Saturday 27 Februray, with kick-off scheduled for 7pm.
For more on New Caledonia football visit www.fedcalfoot.com