Thirteen players and officials departed from Rarotonga in the early hours of the morning and will spend four days at the OFC Academy before making their way to Papua New Guinea.
They have lined up two friendly matches against local Auckland club sides, as preparation for Tonga, Papua New Guinea and the defending champions New Zealand.
“It’s going to be a difficult tournament with the teams we are playing against all ranked higher than the Cook Islands,” says assistant coach Michelle Paiti.
Paiti has been handling the tournament build-up in Cook Islands, while head coach Jimmy Katoa has been working with the Auckland-based players. Two further members of the team are based in Christchurch in New Zealand’s South Island.
Training in Rarotonga got underway four months ago, and Paiti says while they started with a wider list of potential squad members it was soon whittled down due to several players being unavailable for selection, but that has opened the door for new players.
“Six players are set to earn their first senior women’s international cap during this competition,” Paiti says.
Three of the six were in the 2012 U-17 squad, while the youngest player, Moeroa Harmon, is just 14 years old.
“We’re bringing her through because she’s capable. Women’s is a big step, but it is an opportunity for her to experience the next level.”
The remainder of the squad is experienced players who have played together in the national setup either at the 2010 OFC Women’s Nations Cup or the 2011 Pacific Games.
“It helps having that core of players who have experience at this level, against these same opponents. It’s especially good for the younger players coming through, that they have someone to lean on.”
The Cook Islands get their 2014 OFC Women’s Nations Cup campaign underway on Saturday 25 October against hosts Papua New Guinea.
Squad list:
Edwina MATENGA – Titikaveka
Elizabeth HARMON – Tupapa Maraerenga
Imelda VAKAI – Takuvaine
Jennifer AKAVI – Nikao Sokattak
Marcel TIAORE – Nikao Sokattak
Marissa IROA – Tupapa Maraerenga
Mii PIRI – Tupapa Maraerenga
Moeroa HARMON – Tupapa Maraerenga
Rai NGANU – Puaikura
Tepaeru TOKA – Nikao Sokattak/Aitutaki
Dayna NAPA – Christchurch
Lee MAOATE-COX – Christchurch
Linade UNUKA – Fencibles United, Auckland
Mama HENRY – Fencibles United, Auckland
Tayla-Jayne HETHERINGTON – Papatoetoe AFC, Auckland
Tekura TUTAI – Te Atatu, Auckland
Coach: Jimmy Katoa
Assistant Coach: Michelle Paiti
For more on Cook Islands football visit www.cookislandsfootball.com