NEW ZEALAND – COMPETITIONS REVIEW UNDERWAY

AUCKLAND – A lawyer, a historian, two former All Whites, a double rugby and netball international and an Olympic gold medal winning Rhodes Scholar have begun the process of reviewing the structure of football competitions in New Zealand. The seven person panel – headed by Auckland barrister Simon Jefferson – is entrusted with gathering information…

The 2009 Our Telekom National Club Championship is heating up with Match Day 4 producing two draws and a one-goal thriller. Hoards of people crowded into Lawson Tama Stadium on Thursday to see Malu’u United beat Gossa 3-2, while Malango and Soloso drew 3-3 and powerhouses Uncles and Makuru also matched each other with a…

Honiara representatives are in command of the 2009 Our Telekom National Club Championship after huge scorelines in their respective matches at Lawson Tama Stadium yesterday. The wealth of experience in the Honiara clubs proved too much for the provincial minnots who could not keep up the pace. Honiara’s Marist FC remain a strong contender for the title after recording…

Budding All Whites striker Chris Wood has been rewarded with his first professional contract at West Bromwich Albion. The 17-year-old has penned a two-year deal, plus a further two years option in the club’s favour. Wood’s contract completes a rapid rise to prominence for the young Auckland-born, Waikato-raised ace, who is currently winging his way…

AUCKLAND – The All Whites have enjoyed a special send off at Auckland Airport today as the New Zealand-based players head for South Africa to represent Oceania at next month’s FIFA Confederations Cup. Guests from CanTeen – an organisation supporting young people living with cancer – shared afternoon tea with the players and received footballs…

Tonga Football Association (TFA) General Secretary Ahongalu Fusimalohi and visiting Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Consultant Franck Castillo this week held successful discussions with Tongan government officials to gain support for the grassroots initiative ‘Just Play’. The meeting put the wheels in motion towards the launching of the Active and Healthy Kids for Life, school and community, ‘Just…

Tafea FC have reclaimed their place as Vanuatu’s top club side by winning the Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) Bred Cup last weekend and securing a spot in the 2010 O-League. It will be a welcome return to Oceania Football Confederation’s premier club competition for Tafea who participated in the 2008 O-League but were edged out by…

The countdown to the OFC Futsal Championship Fiji 2009 can now begin after the release of the official draw by Oceania Football Confederation (OFC). With four teams confirmed, the championship is set to take place from 6-10 July at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. Match Day 1 action sees Fiji pitted against Vanuatu while New…

AUCKLAND – Auckland City captain Ivan Vicelich has answered an SOS call from All Whites coach Ricki Herbert to come out of retirement and replace injured Ryan Nelsen for the FIFA Confederations Cup campaign in South Africa. A veteran of New Zealand’s two previous Confederations Cup appearances in 1999 and 2003, Vicelich hung up his…

Captain of the Solomon Islands Biliki team James Naka who has been drafted by Navua for the Fiji FACT competition says he is willing to share his knowledge and expertise in developing beach football in Fiji. The 25-year-old striker, who has featured in three FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups for the Solomon Islands, played last weekend…