Amicale
Surprise finalists last time around, Amicale will be out to prove the previous campaign was no fluke and that they are a genuine force to be reckoned with. Solomon Islander Luke Eroi remains in charge and he will again rely heavily on the services of a host of his countrymen, 10 of whom he has named in the squad. Much of the Vanuatu side’s success has been down to Eroi’s blending of that imported talent with a core of Vanuatu’s finest and it is a blueprint he clearly hopes will work again as those are the only two nationalities within the ranks. Most of the men who secured runners-up last season have been retained and the likes of Gibson Daudau, Young Paul, Jean-Robert Yelou, Dereck Malas and Stanley Waita will again play major roles. But the player many Red Roster fans come to PVL Stadium to see is frontman Fenedy Masauvakalo, whose eight strikes last year made him the league’s Golden Boot. Of the new arrivals, Solomon strikers Joachim Waroi and Joe Luwi are the most noteworthy while Kensi Tangis will make his O-League debut after starring for Vanuatu at the XIV Pacific Games during August and September. The skilful Solomon pair of Jack Wetney and Alick Maemae have been named but the scale of their involvement remains to be seen as Wetney is in Europe for professional trials and Maemae missed both legs of last season’s final due to personal commitments.
Auckland City
Along with fellow New Zealand side Waitakere, defending champions Auckland are favourites for the title and will again be the side to beat after adding to an already impressive squad. City will travel to Japan in December as OFC’s representatives in the FIFA Club World Cup and have added a touch of class to make sure they are competitive on such an elite stage. Coach Ramon Tribulietx will assume more responsibility after previously sharing the reins with Aaron McFarland – who is still very much involved but will take a slightly less hands-on role as director of football – and the Spaniard has again enlisted several of his compatriots. The Spanish contingent – consisting of Angel Berlanga, Albert Riera and Manel Exposito – were key figures last time and have been joined by another player from the home of the world champions. The signing of midfielder Andreu Guerao is a coup as he boats an impressive pedigree and has just come off a season in the Polish top flight. The ranks of the O-League’s most cosmopolitan club – six nationalities are represented – have also been boosted by Argentine striker Emiliano Tade’s arrival from Team Wellington and the return of stalwart Chad Coombes, who spent last season in England. Striker Danijel Koprivcic, named the competition’s best player in 2010-11, captain Ivan Vicelich and fullback James Pritchett are back for yet another campaign while New Zealand U-17 international Stephen Carmichael is shaping as the youngster to watch.
Hekari United
The 2010 champions put in a disappointing showing in defence of their title last season and didn’t come close to hanging onto it, winning just one of their six matches and drawing three to finish bottom of Group A. The Papua New Guinea side did have the FIFA Club World Cup to contend with as a welcome distraction but that will not be a problem this time as they look to re-establish themselves as a threat in the Pacific’s premier club competition. Coach Jerry Allen has responded to the previous campaign’s failure by overhauling his squad, which includes only 12 survivors. The most high profile of the departures include several members of Hekari’s Fijian legion, namely Alvin Singh, Tuimasi Manuca, Osea Vakatalesau and Malakai Tiwa. But Pita Bolatoga remains and will be joined by countrymen Maciu Dunadamu and Taniela Waqa, who both starred in Fiji’s march to the Pacific Games semi-finals. Solomon Islands duo Henry Fa’arodo and Gideon Omokirio have also headed for the exit door but their loss will be offset by the arrival of Vanuatu pair John Namani and Jean Kaltak. Much interest will centre on the form of young striker Kaltak as the 17-year-old is one of the brightest prospects in the Pacific. Local heroes David Muta, Andrew Lepani, Niel Hans, Kema Jack and Ericson Komeng have stayed loyal and will form the heart of the side.
Koloale
After a slow start to the last campaign, Koloale bounced back to miss out on a place in the final by just a point and will be aiming to go one better this season. They certainly have the personnel to do so after making several exciting additions to a squad that features plenty of trademark Solomon flair. Wideman James Naka played a leading role as the Bilikiki finished runners-up at the Pacific Games and his signing will have sent ripples of anticipation through Koloale’s fanatical fans, who will be looking forward to seeing Naka on one wing and his equally skilful national team colleague Joses Nawo on the other. Henry Fa’arodo, a legend in the football-mad nation, played for the Honiara-based club in the national S-League and, after turning out for Hekari in the previous O-League, will remain in the green jersey of Koloale this time. Fellow talisman Benjamin Totori was strongly tipped to return to former side Waitakere but has decided to stay put and will form a dangerous strike force with Ezra Sale and Ian Paia. Gideon Omokirio returns to his homeland from Hekari and joins the likes of George Suri and Samson Takayama in an experienced rearguard that will again operate in front of the safe hands of Shadrack Ramoni. The Solomon Islands have a history of close shaves in this competition – Kossa finished runners-up in 2008 and Koloale did the same a year later – and coach Peter Eke and his charges will be keen to finally emerge from bridesmaids’ status and lift the trophy.
For the 2012 O-League draw click here
For the full squad lists click here

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