Puaikura FC has secured their place at the 2017 OFC Champions League Qualifier after claiming the Cook Islands Premier Men’s Round Cup 2016 championship title on Saturday.

The Anthony Samuela coached team defeated Avatiu 4-0 in their ninth win of the season, remaining unbeaten after 11 games and winning the league with one match still to play.

Puaikura FC will play their final match of the season on Saturday against Titikaveka hoping to secure a clean slate before shifting focus to the 2017 OFC Champions League Qualifier in Tonga next January.

This is the second time Puaikura FC has won the Round Cup championship title. In 2013, the team’s domestic success saw them make their debut in the qualifier in Samoa, where they performed valiantly to challenge eventual winners Lupe Ole Soaga.

Puaikura join the champions of Tonga (Veitongo), Samoa (Lupe o le Soaga) and American Samoa (Utulei Youth) at the 2017 OFC Champions League Qualifier which will be held from 28 January to 4 February in Tonga. The top two teams progress to the group stage of the 2017 OFC Champions League which has been expanded to 16 teams for the first time.

For more on Cook Islands football visit www.cookislandsfootball.com