Cook Islands champions Puaikura FC are set to make their long-awaited OFC Women’s Champions League debut, arriving in Honiara with confidence after winning the qualifying tournament earlier this year.

Daniel Taokia’s side secured their place at the 2026 tournament in Honiara after making home advantage count during the OFC Women’s Champions League – Qualifying round. They scored five goals with none conceded in their two matches, winning 2-0 against Tonga’s Nuhuhetulu FC and 3-0 against American Samoa’s PanSa FC.

Now stepping into their first-ever OFC Women’s Champions League main tournament, Taokia says preparation has been positive, despite disruptions caused by international duty and squad movement.

“The preparation has been great.  We took a week break after qualifiers so players and management could have downtime with family. The restart was really good and everyone came back refreshed and ready to go again.” Taokia said.

“We did hit a disruption with 14 players part of our qualifiers campaign away with the national women’s team in New Zealand for FIFA friendlies. Of those 14, only eight will be available for Solomon Islands, plus six we have left here at home. But despite this, we remain positive and are looking forward to our debut in this tournament.”

Despite the challenge of limited continuity, Puaikura see opportunity in their unpredictability as they prepare to face more established opposition in Group B.

“As this is our first time competing, the advantage is that no one really knows much about our team,” said Taokia.

“But we are looking forward to the tournament and the opposition we will face.”

Puaikura’s squad blends youth and experience, with a number of players expected to play key roles in their debut campaign.

Among the players to watch is  13-year-old Primrose Savage, who impressed during qualifying with a fearless debut performance beyond her years. She is joined by experienced campaigners including captain Teupoko Tuariki, vice-captain Victoria Fatiaki, national representative Teretia Teinaki, and Auckland-based midfielder Rachel Head.

With momentum from qualifying, Puaikura FC will be aiming to make an immediate impression on the OFC stage with their first match against champions, Auckland United on the 30th June.

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Photo Credit: Cook Islands Football Association