Following an historic first round in Auckland, the OFC Pro League moves to Papua New Guinea for the second round of fixtures this weekend.
All eight clubs will play three matches across seven days at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
Auckland FC arrive as league leaders, followed closely by South Melbourne FC, both having claimed victory in all of their matches so far.
Round 2 Breakdown
Both looking for their first win of the competition, Vanuatu United FC and Tahiti United kickstart the second round of the competition. That’s followed by a marquee clash between PNG Hekari FC and league leaders Auckland FC – the hosts attempting to get their first points on the board.
South Melbourne FC put their 100% record on the line against South Island United on the second match day, whilst Solomon Kings FC will also attempt to maintain their unbeaten run against Bula FC later on Sunday.
PNG Hekari FC continue their home campaign against Melanesian rivals Vanuatu United FC during the midweek round of fixtures, before facing South Island United to finish the round.
After the second round concludes on February 8, all eight clubs will have played at least five matches, and over a quarter of their circuit round fixtures.
PNG Hekari FC
The pressure is on PNG Hekari FC, as they attempt to make-up for a difficult start to the competition in front of their home fans, losing both of their first two matches, and failing to find the back of the net.
“The team did not perform well in Auckland. At home we will try to play more offensively, and do our best,” says head coach Marcos Gusmão.
PNG Hekari FC face league leaders Auckland FC in a difficult start to their home round, before playing Vanuatu United FC and South Island United.
“Auckland FC are a good team, and I think it’s great for us to play against clubs from New Zealand and Australia, to expose us to a higher level.”
Auckland FC
Flying high with three wins from their first three matches, Auckland FC made the most of home comforts during the opening round and sit atop the table early on.
After playing host side PNG Hekari FC, they’ll take on Tahiti United and Solomon Kings FC during the second round of the competition.
Head coach Luke Casserly admits the conditions will be a major challenge though, something Auckland FC have had very little experience with in the past.
“It’s been tricky and the conditions have been quite different since we’ve arrived here. We’re going to have to adjust,” Casserly says.
South Melbourne FC
Having had one of their opening round fixtures postponed, South Melbourne FC sit second behind Auckland FC on the ladder with two wins from two.
“We know confidence and performance are very important, but we also respect all our opponents,” says head coach Sinisa Cohadzic.
Just like Auckland FC, South Melbourne arrive without the familiarity of the hot and humid conditions present in the islands.
“We got to play a friendly game in 40 degrees heat a couple of days ago, so some of the players now have experience. But it will still be a challenge, and just like everybody else, we have to deal with it and adjust.”
Solomon Kings FC
The only other club still unbeaten after the opening round, Solomon Kings FC travel to neighboring Papua New Guinea with four points from their two games.
“We’re happy with the start, but it’s too early to make comparisons to other teams, and we’re taking one game at a time,” says head coach Ben Cahn.
The Kings begin their second round of fixtures against Bula FC on Sunday, before playing South Island United and Auckland FC.
“Bula FC really impressed me with their performances during the first round. They set up quite well and I think it will be a good game.”
South Island United
After suffering defeat to rivals Auckland FC in their opening game, South Island United responded with a victory, and head to Port Moresby with three points on the board from their opening two games of the competition.
“We’ve got a platform we can build on, and I’m pretty happy with the potential of the team,” says head coach Rob Sherman.
South Island United scored twice in the first ten minutes to beat Vanuatu United FC in Auckland, and will play South Melbourne FC, Solomon Kings FC, and hosts PNG Hekari FC, in what shapes as a tough second round schedule.
“We’re evolving, and I was very pleased with the first half performance of our second game in Auckland. We want more of that.”
Bula FC
It’s been a middling start for Bula FC, who arrive in Port Moresby with a solitary point from their opening two games.
“I think we’ve shown some good things through the first two games, but we still have to work on a few details,” says head coach Stephane Auvray.
Bula FC open against Solomon Kings FC on Sunday, before facing South Melbourne FC and Tahiti United later in the week.
“Just like the other teams, we are still building and trying to collect as many points as we can during the second round of the circuit series.”
Tahiti United
Tahiti United showed plenty of defensive steel during the opening round and will want to further improve in Papua New Guinea after picking up a single point from their two fixtures in Auckland.
Travel issues meant they only arrived in Port Moresby two days before their first game on Saturday though, changing their preparation schedule.
“Unfortunately, we had a delay and our first training session in PNG is today. But we are prepared, and we are here to compete,” says head coach Samuel Garcia.
Tahiti United begin the second round against Vanuatu United FC and also play Auckland FC and Bula FC in Papua New Guinea.
Vanuatu United FC
With coach Lars Hopp now confirmed to stay on for the remainder of the competition, Vanuatu United FC are keen to build on the promising performances they delivered in Auckland, as they still look for an elusive win.
“There’s a good mixture of confidence and humility within the squad. We must draw on our performances from the first round,” says Hopp.
Hopp and his team have had a recent taste of success in Papua New Guinea already with the Vanuatu men’s national team, winning the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup last October – the nation’s first title since 1990.
“The players still have the good feeling from when they were here last time. We know this is a new tournament though, and you don’t win anything with old trophies. We must keep working hard and delivering.”
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