Tafea FC Women are preparing for another major test on the regional stage as they build toward the 2026 OFC Women’s Champions League in Solomon Islands.

Drawn in Group A alongside Henderson Eels FC, Hekari Women FC and Ba Women FC, the Vanuatu champions travel with belief, experience and a strong sense of purpose as they look to make another impact in Oceania’s premier women’s club competition.

In 2024 at the same venue Tafea FC came agonisingly close to causing an upset of seismic proportions, when after qualifying for the semi-finals, they took eventual champions Auckland United to extra time, before succumbing 2-1.

Coach Robert Calvo has called upon experienced Solomon Islands coach Franco Nee to assist the side in Honiara. Tafea FC will be the first visiting side to arrive for the tournament and while Calvo says preparation has been going well, the main challenge remains a lack of competitive matches at home. “Which makes it harder to fully test combinations and match-readiness before arriving in Honiara. Even so, the group continues to prepare with intensity and focus, determined to be ready when the competition begins.”

For Tafea FC Women, success in Honiara will depend on strong physical preparation, and the discipline and commitment of the squad throughout the campaign. In a tournament environment where small margins matter, the team believes fitness, organisation and collective responsibility will be decisive factors.

One of Tafea’s biggest strengths is the experience within the group. The squad includes several Vanuatu internationals who played at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers and have represented the national team at age group level.

History

Tafea FC is a registered club of the Port Vila Football Association, the main association under the Vanuatu Football Federation, and the women’s team was established in 2021. The club arrives as champion of Vanuatu for the second time and will take part in its second OFC Women’s Champions League campaign. Their first appearance in Solomon Islands ended in heartbreak, with Tafea losing the semi-final to Auckland United FC after extra time. Many of the players are national representatives, underlining the quality within the squad. After losing to Penama Tigers in the VFF Women’s Champions League two years ago, Tafea responded strongly by reclaiming the domestic title to qualify for this edition of the OFC Women’s Champions League.

The Team

Tafea FC Women will take a squad of 23 registered players to Solomon Islands, giving the coaching staff depth and options across the tournament. That group combines established leaders with players who continue to grow in confidence and influence.

Player to Watch: Leimata Simon

Captain Leimata Simon is a key player for Tafea FC. A proven goalscorer and a leader, she has produced strong performances for the national and is regarded as one of the side’s most important figures. Technically gifted and a powerful shooter, Simon has scored some outstanding goals for Vanuatu and brings real attacking quality to the team. Just as importantly, she is known as a serious, skilful and committed player with strong values. Over the past five years, she has played a major leadership role in the development of the team and has been central to Tafea’s progress and success in domestic competitions.

Squad list: