The stakes couldn’t be higher as the OFC Pro League splits into the Leaders and Challengers Groups next week, with all eyes on securing a semi-final place as Round 6 gets underway in Auckland.
The chance to lift the trophy on May 24 at Eden Park will undoubtedly be a lingering thought in many of the players’ minds, and now is the time to step up and fight to make those dreams a reality.
As the competition reaches its climax in Aotearoa, we’ve picked one player from each of the eight clubs who has impressed throughout the season, to look out for in Round 6.
Oscar Mason
Age: 21
Position: Goalkeeper
Young Auckland FC goalkeeper Oscar Mason has made a name for himself in the OFC Pro League this season, keeping five clean sheets in his ten appearances between the sticks for the regular season leaders.
At just 21-years-old, Mason has shown experience above his years and produced one of the most memorable moments of the season in Honiara during Round 4, to deny Sota Higashide from the penalty spot in a 1-0 win for Auckland over Solomon Kings FC.
His composure, control and skillset have solidified him as Auckland’s number one this season, and higher honors must surely await Mason if he continues in this rich vein of form when the Pro League returns to Auckland for Round 6 and the finals.
Roy Krishna
Age: 38
Position: Forward
One of the star names of the inaugural OFC Pro League, Roy Krishna has rediscovered some form towards the latter half of the season, including scoring the second and decisive goal in Bula FC’s home win over Auckland FC on home soil.
His goal tally is up to three for the campaign, but the veteran would surely like to add to that when Bula take on the competition favorites in the Leaders Group.
His experience and leadership off the field have also undoubtedly benefitted Fiji’s first professional football club in their maiden season, and Krishna’s teammates will be looking for him to continue to guide them in Auckland as the heat is turned up.
Rex Naime
Age: 22
Position: Forward
In what has been a difficult campaign for PNG Hekari FC, Rex Naime’s individual attributes have continually stood out.
His speed, skill and trickery have kept opponents alert on the counter-attack, with Naime scoring three goals so far this season for his side.
The second phase of the competition has given PNG Hekari the chance to reset off the back of a win over South Melbourne FC in Ba, and Naime can help his club finish on a high in Round 6 if he can produce some more magic.
Sota Higashide
Age: 27
Position: Forward
Arguably the best hidden talent unearthed by the launch of the OFC Pro League this season has been Solomon Kings FC’s Japanese forward Sota Higashide.
The attacker originally arrived in camp with no understanding of English or Pidgin but has earnt the respect of his teammates and competition with his performances on the field – continually producing some clutch moments when needed.
Higashide has scored five goals this season, the most for the Kings, including dramatic late winners in victories over PNG Hekari FC and Vanuatu United FC. All eyes will be on him as the Kings attempt to climb out of the Challengers Group in Auckland.
Ryan Feutz
Age: 24
Position: Forward
One of three players tied at the top of the Golden Boot standings heading into Round 6, South Island United’s Ryan Feutz has proven one of the competition’s most lethal marksmen with seven goals to his name.
Three of his goals came during the previous round in Fiji, including a superb stoppage-time free kick that orchestrated a win against Vanuatu United FC, and two second half strikes in a dramatic 3-3 draw with Tahiti United.
Returning home to New Zealand for the final stretch of the competition, the pressure will be on Feutz as he looks to pull clear in the Golden Boot race and boost South Island United’s title chances.
Joseph Athale
Age: 30
Position: Defender
It’s been a bumper five months for Joseph Athale, who as well as playing professionally for the first time with Tahiti United, was also part of the New Caledonian national team who impressed in their FIFA World Cup 26™ play-off in Mexico in March.
Athale has been a leader for Tahiti United throughout their Pro League campaign so far and has shown plenty of versatility with his involvement both defensively and in attack for Samuel Garcia’s side.
His goal in a 1-0 win over Vanuatu United FC briefly kept their chances of a Leaders Group spot alive in Suva, before they were brutally extinguished by South Melbourne FC. He’ll have to help pick his side back up for the Challengers Group in Auckland as they look to finish the season on a high.
Alex Saniel
Age: 29
Position: Forward
Another of the three players tied at the top of the Golden Boot race, Vanuatu United FC’s Alex Saniel has scored seven goals this season – at least four more than any of his Chiefs teammates.
He’ll also be returning to Eden Park in Auckland during Round 6 – the venue where he made history by scoring the very first OFC Pro League goal in a 2-2 draw with Bula FC on the opening day of the competition.
His attacking output has been crucial, although it hasn’t been enough to guide Vanuatu United into the top four in their first season, and Saniel will have to help his side regroup as they attempt to keep their campaign alive in the Challengers Group.
Jordon Lampard
Age: 28
Position: Defender
One of those who may have shied away from the limelight in comparison to some of his South Melbourne FC teammates, Jordon Lampard has played a crucial supporting role for Hellas throughout the Pro League season.
The left-back has provided seven assists – the most of any player in the competition – and provided a constant threat from set-piece.
Lampard has perfectly suited the style that coach Sinisa Cohadzic wants South Melbourne to play, and the defender is someone opponents will have to shut down if the Australian club are to be stopped in Auckland.
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