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 27th 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