With the OFC Pro League’s historic kick-off on the horizon, we continue our look at the eight inaugural teams, as they seek to make an impact in Oceania’s first-ever professional football league.
South Island United (New Zealand)
Starved of professional football for many years, New Zealand’s South Island will finally have a club to call their own in the OFC Pro League.
Built from the foundations of Christchurch United, South Island United are coached by former Fiji national team coach Rob Sherman, who brings a wealth of coaching experience with him.
Sherman has assembled a squad that represents some of the untapped potential of the country’s southern region, with New Zealand international Oskar Van Hattum the standout name, whilst the likes of David Yoo and Haris Zeb have impressed at domestic level.
Despite being the fifth professional football club in New Zealand’s storied history, South Island United represent a new demographic of football fans, and will be eager to prove themselves, particularly against northern rivals Auckland FC.
Tahiti United (Tahiti, French Polynesia)
A nation used to punching above their weight in football, Tahiti United enter the OFC Pro League as French Polynesia’s first professional football team.
Coach Samuel Garcia is a familiar face on the sidelines of OFC competition and will take on a dual coaching role with the Tahitian national team.
Teaonui Tehau is the most eye-catching name in the squad. The forward has amassed 49 caps for the Tahiti national team, including being part of the squad for the historic OFC Men’s Nations Cup victory in 2012.
Built as the professional arm of domestic giants AS Vénus, Tahiti United will aim to represent all of French Polynesia with pride and dignity as they enter an exciting new era for football in the region.
South Melbourne FC (Australia)
Announced as the Oceania Club of the 20th century, South Melbourne FC return to OFC competition at the start of an exciting professional era for the region and will host the third circuit round of the league in February.
Recently crowned Australian Championship winners, they have the experienced Sinisha Cohadzic in the dugout, having been appointed Head Coach in 2025.
Cohadzic – who previously served as the club’s Technical Director – will be attempting to replicate that Championship success in the OFC Pro League, retaining the bulk of the title-winning squad for their new journey.
Despite Australia not having been a member of OFC since 2006, South Melbourne FC will be motivated to add to their rich history in the region and write another memorable chapter for Australian football.
Vanuatu United FC (Vanuatu)
Loud crowds and packed stadiums have long been a feature of football in Vanuatu and finally, the nation now has a professional club to throw that support behind.
German coach Lars Hopp has arrived on the islands as Head Coach of both Vanuatu United FC and the men’s national team and has signalled his title ambitions with the preparation and organisation of his squad earlier than most.
Former Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Matthew Acton is a big overseas coup for the club between the sticks, whilst New Zealand’s Otto Ingham and Owen Smith line up in attack. There’s also a strong core of impressive local talent, including Jordy Tasip, Michel Coulon, Jason Thomas and Alex Saniel.
Nicknamed the Chiefs, Vanuatu United FC represent a watershed moment not just for football in the country, but for the development of all sport in Vanuatu.
Don’t miss out on the action, buy your tickets for the first circuit round of the OFC Pro League HERE