Oceania will finally have its first professional football league when the OFC Pro League kicks off at Eden Park this weekend.
All eight competing clubs will play three matches in six days during the first round of the competition in Auckland, with Bula FC and Vanuatu United FC sharing the honour of playing the first-ever match on Saturday, January 17th.
It will be the first of 72 matches during the competition’s inaugural season, with the league returning to Auckland for the finals in May.
Round 1 Breakdown
The tournament’s opening match day at Eden Park has it all – with Roy Krishna marking his return to the region for Bula FC, and Auckland FC and South Island United facing off in New Zealand’s new football rivalry.
The second match day at Eden Park follows with South Melbourne FC’s return to OFC competition for the first time since 1999 against Tahiti United, and the first instalment of Melanesia’s new football derby between PNG Hekari FC and Solomon Kings FC.
The action then moves to North Harbour Stadium on Auckland’s North Shore for the remaining four matchdays.
New Zealand clubs South Island United and Auckland FC will have home support against both Bula FC and Vanuatu United across two matchdays on the 20th and the 23rd of January, whilst PNG Hekari FC and South Melbourne FC close out the opening round on the 24th of January with a blockbuster clash.
Auckland FC
Starting the competition at home, Auckland FC face off against New Zealand rivals South Island United in a must-see start to the competition at Eden Park.
“We know everything about South Island United. I know Rob Sherman (South Island United coach) very well, and we know the individual talent they’ve got,” says Auckland FC head coach Luke Casserly.
Casserly is confident in the squad he has picked, who will also face Vanuatu United FC and Bula FC during Round One.
“The lead-in has been short, but I’m really excited for some of the players that have come in. They are some of the best from the New Zealand National League, and I’m really excited for them to get the opportunity to be professionals.”
Bula FC
Fiji’s first professional football club, Bula FC, will take part in the OFC Pro League’s historic first game against Vanuatu United FC on January 17th.
“As a coach, I want to be remembered for taking Fijian football to a better place,” says coach Stéphane Auvray, who also holds a dual role with the national team.
Fiji’s all-time top-scorer and appearance holder, Roy Krishna, is also part of the squad and has returned to the region for the OFC Pro League.
“He has a lot of experience and the players look up to him. If the players have questions, they reach out to him. He’s a very good player.”
PNG Hekari FC
Led by Brazilian coach Marcos Gusmão, PNG Hekari FC begin their campaign against Melanesian rivals Solomon Kings FC on Sunday.
“Our preparation started three months ago, and it’s been very intense,” says Gusmão.
PNG Hekari FC will also face South Melbourne FC and Tahiti United during their stay in Auckland for the first round of the competition.
“Both the coaching staff and the players are very excited for this competition, and it is a great opportunity for Papua New Guinea to showcase its football and its talent to the entire Oceania region.”
Solomon Kings FC
Englishman Ben Cahn has previously spent most of his coaching career in Australia but will lead Solomon Kings FC for the inaugural OFC Pro League.
“It was an unknown coming in. But I’ve been really impressed by the playing group, and I’m happy with how our preparation has gone,” says Cahn.
The Kings have signed Raphael Lea’i, who returns from playing in Europe and Australia to be part of the Solomon Islands first professional club.
“He’s full of enthusiasm, and we want to do everything we can to help him showcase his talent. But there are plenty of other good players capable of making a mark.”
South Island United
Making history as the South Island’s first professional football club, South Island United have rivals Auckland FC in their sights on the opening matchday.
“We’ve tried to recruit predominantly South Island players, and we’re happy with the squad that we’ve got,” says coach Rob Sherman.
Sherman has spent many years as a coach in region, including with the Fiji national team for the FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifiers.
“I think it’s a major step for the whole region. Oceania is under-recruited, and this league is an opportunity for players to take the step up to top football.’
South Melbourne FC
Oceania’s club of the 20th century, South Melbourne FC make their return to OFC competition for the OFC Pro League.
“We’ve been a part of Oceania before, and this competition is a valuable step for us along with the other teams in the region,” says coach Sinisa Cohadzic.
South Melbourne FC arrive in Auckland off the back of their Australia Championship title in December and have retained the core group of their squad.
“As a club, we’re always ambitious, and winning trophies is in our DNA. But we come here with a lot of respect for our opposition, and there are a lot of unknowns.”
Tahiti United
Tahiti’s first professional football club, Tahiti United, will play South Melbourne FC in their inaugural OFC Pro League match at Eden Park.
“The preparations have gone very well,” says coach Samuel Garcia, who will also retain his role as head coach of the Tahiti national team.
Tahiti United are captained by Teaonui Tehau, the nation’s all-time lead goal-scorer and appearance holder.
“The players are looking forward to taking to the field for their first match,” says Garcia, who’s squad will also play PNG Hekari FC and Solomon Kings FC in Auckland.
Vanuatu United FC
Vanuatu United FC will play their part in making history when they play the first-ever game in OFC Pro League history against Bula FC.
“We’ve worked steadily to get everyone on the same level and aligned behind the playing idea,” says coach Lars Hopp.
Hopp will only serve as coach for the first round of the competition, where Vanuatu United FC also face Auckland FC and South Island United.
“Our squad has been put together with a core group from the Vanuatu national team. The six foreigners we’ve also added has created a good mix.”
Don’t miss the OFC Pro League kick-off this weekend as Round 1 gets underway.
Bring the family along to watch the action and enjoy the family funzone, with tickets from only $15.
Visit Ticketmaster NZ to secure your seat!
Watch all the action from the inaugural OFC Pro League live and free on FIFA+ HERE