A number of names made their mark on the OFC Pro League stage as the competition got underway in Auckland last week. Now as the action heads to Port Moresby, the intensity has lifted as all eight clubs jostle for early momentum.
The second round will feature 12 matches across six match days at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, with each club playing three matches.
We’ve picked out one player from each club to watch out for across the second round of the competition, as the stakes heat up.
Rex Naime | PNG Hekari FC
Age: 23
Position: Forward
The pressure is on PNG Hekari FC in front of their home crowd after losing both of their opening games, and Rex Naime will be eager to rise to the occasion as professional football arrives in Papua New Guinea for the first time.
Naime announced himself during Hekari United’s run to the OFC Men’s Champions League 2025 final, finishing as the competition’s second-top goalscorer with four, including a hat-trick during the group stage.
Following the suspension of Ati Kepo for a red card during the first round, Naime now shoulders the weight of the goal-scoring responsibility and will be hunting down PNG Hekari FC’s first goal of the competition in Port Moresby.
Kaile Auvray | Bula FC
Age: 22
Position: Forward
The son of coach Stephane Auvray, Bula FC forward Kaile Auvray is a Trinidad & Tobago international and recently shared the field with Lionel Messi during his time with Jamaican club Cavalier FC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Incredibly, he has represented three different nations, amassing 18 caps for Trinidad & Tobago (including the recent FIFA World Cup 26™ qualifiers), one cap for St Martin, and two caps for the USA U-17 side.
After failing to capitalize on a red card for Auckland FC during their second match of the opening round, Auvray will be eager for an offensive response as Bula FC search for their first OFC Pro League win in Papua New Guinea.
Christian Gray | South Island United
Age: 29
Position: Defender
Former Auckland City FC star, Christian Gray, has quickly adjusted to life with new club South Island United, starting in both of their games as captain so far.
Gray is famous for scoring against Boca Juniors at FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ and has won the OFC Men’s Champions League four times before.
Whilst his defensive line has shown some nerves in the competition early on, being breached four times across their two games, Gray will be aiming to lift his teammates as they attempt to find a higher level in Papua New Guinea.
Oscar Mason | Auckland FC
Age: 21
Position: Goalkeeper
One of only two goalkeepers to have maintained a clean sheet through the opening round, 21-year-old Oscar Mason has quickly asserted himself as Auckland FC’s preferred option between the sticks, playing in two of their three games so far.
Mason is a former New Zealand U-20 international and joined the club for the OFC Pro League, after winning the Northern League with Western Springs.
Arriving in Papua New Guinea as early league leaders, Auckland FC already have a target on their backs. Mason’s performances in goal will be crucial as they attempt to maintain their 100% record across their three games during the second round.
William Cardona | Vanuatu United FC
Age: 23
Position: Midfielder
American midfielder William Cardona stole the headlines on opening night of the OFC Pro League, scoring a dramatic late equaliser for Vanuatu United FC in a 2-2 draw with Bula FC at Eden Park.
He followed that up with impressive performances against both Auckland FC and South Island United during the opening round and has played every minute of Vanuatu United FC’s three matches in the competition so far.
Having announced himself as the heartbeat of the side in midfield, Cardona will be eager to aid Vanuatu United FC to their first win in Port Moresby.
Sota Higashide | Solomon Kings FC
Age: 28
Position: Forward
Japanese forward Sota Higashide was the star for Solomon Kings FC during the opening round, scoring the only goal in their 1-0 win over PNG Hekari FC.
Playing in the Pacific is a new experience for Higashide, who has previously spent time under coach Ben Cahn at FC Tiamo Hirakata in the Japanese fourth division and has been brought to the Solomon Islands by the Englishman.
So far Higashide has been limited to minutes off the bench, but Cahn has spoken about him being part of the starting side as his fitness builds up. Whether he’s ready to take that step up for the second round in Papua New Guinea will be intriguing.
Jordan Swibel | South Melbourne FC
Age: 26
Position: Forward
South Melbourne’s marquee OFC Pro League signing, Jordan Swibel, opened his account for the competition against PNG Hekari FC during the opening round, scoring twice to seal a convincing 5-0 victory.
Swibel has previous experience in the Australian A-League, for both Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers, and in Canada with Valour FC, making him one of the league’s more accomplished marksman.
High on confidence, with South Melbourne having won both of their opening two matches, Swibel will be an early contender for the OFC Pro League’s inaugural Golden Boot award should he maintain his goal scoring form.
Matatia Paama | Tahiti United
Age: 33
Position: Defender
Tahiti United’s defensive ability was a standout of the opening round of the OFC Pro League, central defender Matatia Paama proving integral.
Paama helped his side keep a clean sheet against Solomon Kings FC, notably making a last-ditch tackle on Raphael Lea’i in front of his own goal, and kept the South Melbourne FC attack frustrated for long periods of their 2-1 defeat.
Paama is an experienced Tahitian international and has relished his first taste of professional football so far. Whether he can keep Auckland FC at bay during Tahiti United’s second match in PNG will be of particular interest.
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Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek