After 56 matches and five rounds of the regular season, the OFC Pro League now splits into two groups for the second phase of the competition, as May 24th’s final draws ever closer.
The clubs who finished inside the top four have qualified for the Leaders Group, whilst those in the bottom four have gone into the Challengers Group – although importantly, everyone’s points tally has reset to zero.
The top three in the Leaders Group will qualify for the semi-finals, whilst the team that finishes top of the Challengers Group will contest a play-off with the fourth-placed side from the Leaders Group for the remaining semi-final spot.
The points reset and format of the competition means that any of the eight competing clubs can still lift Oceania’s new and most prestigious piece of silverware on May 24 at Eden Park.
So, what’s gone before doesn’t matter now!
It only adds to the jeopardy and excitement at this stage of the competition, as clubs like Auckland FC and South Melbourne FC attempt to maintain their momentum, whilst PNG Hekari FC are placed back on an even level in the Challengers Group and given a free shot at reviving their campaign.
Ahead of Round 6 in Auckland, we’ve spoken to all eight coaches to reveal how they’re feeling ahead of the second phase of the competition.
Leaders Group
For those who finished in the top four and earned their place in the Leaders Group, a place in the semi-final and the pathway to the title is far more straightforward than those in the Challengers Group – handing them the advantage.
Locking in a semi-final may be easier said than done though, and for all four clubs the Leaders Group will be about avoiding fourth spot and building some momentum ahead of knockout finals football later in the month.
Auckland FC
Having finished top of the standings during the regular season, Auckland FC may feel the pressure of the Leaders Group more than most – particularly on home soil in front of their passionate fans.
“I don’t necessarily view it as a reset, but more a continuation of the progress we have made as a team,” says head coach Luke Casserly.
“Of course, we expect a step up in intensity from all teams as we enter the finals circuit with so much to play for. I’m really looking forward to the challenge and seeing how the group takes it on.”
South Melbourne FC
The other club to have had a firm grip on a top four position throughout the season; South Melbourne FC cannot afford to slip up now.
“We’ve reached the final phase, where it’s crucial that we continue performing to our standards,” says head coach Sinisa Cohadzic.
“With the league approaching its conclusion, every result carries significant importance. As a result, we’ll be aiming to field our strongest possible team in each game.”
Bula FC
A home round to conclude the regular season provided a major boost for Bula FC, who have climbed into the top four and now find themselves amongst the big boys.
“Yes, it is a total reset,” says head coach Stephane Auvray. “The regular season was the first experience as professional players for many of our players. It was an opportunity to give our players a platform to discover who we are as a team. We now have better knowledge of our strengths and weaknesses.”
“Being in the Leaders Group, we are conscious that we are not the favourites. As such, we have nothing to lose. Our season is already a positive one and making it to the last rounds would be the cherry on the cake.”
South Island United
It took a nervy run of results for South Island United to seal their Leaders Group spot, which was only confirmed on the final day of the regular season in Ba. They return to New Zealand with a free shot at a deep run in the competition.
“It’s just another step on our evolution and development as a club,” says head coach Rob Sherman. “We will try to win every game and improve our performances. To do this we must learn lessons from our previous games, both positive and negative elements!”
Challengers Group
For the bottom four, their title aspirations aren’t dead and buried, but the path to the Pro League title has become much harder. To reach even the semi-finals, the winner of the Challengers Group must play four games in 12 days – a brutal run of fixtures given the lifted intensity and pressure of what’s at stake.
Importantly though, the second phase has given all four clubs an opportunity to reset both mentally, and in the standings, handing them a second chance in the competition.
With that in mind, the Challengers Group is set to feature some fierce battles, as all four clubs fight for top spot and a prized position in the semi-final play-off.
Solomon Kings FC
Having had a top four position in their sights for much of the season, the Challengers Group will not be where Solomon Kings FC hoped to playing at this stage. Nevertheless, they have already proven they can mix it with the best in the competition and will be eyeing up the long route to the inaugural Pro League title.
“The way the competition is formatted, it’s less of a second chance and just a different path to the semi-finals,” says head coach Ben Cahn. “Of course, we wanted to finish as high up as possible and we’re disappointed to end up in 5th, but the format of the competition means everyone is still alive and still has a chance to win it.”
“The players have been through a lot in the last few months on and off the pitch, they’ll be motivated to finish as strongly as we can. We know we can beat any team so it’s a good opportunity to keep improving and try to find the consistency of performance and results that are needed to go on and win the competition.”
Tahiti United
A brutal defeat to South Melbourne FC cut short Tahiti United’s top four aspirations, and they will have to pick themselves back up in Auckland.
“The boys’ motivation is intact,” says head coach Samuel Garcia. “The very good round we had in Fiji is a source of hope. Yes, also it is indeed a second chance to qualify for the semi-finals. We will have to manage the turnover better because we felt a lot of fatigue at the end of the fourth match during Round 5 in Ba.”
Vanuatu United FC
Inconsistency proved a major problem for Vanuatu United FC throughout the campaign, but the thought of producing one good round in Auckland to potentially push themselves into a semi-finals spot will be of motivation for the Chiefs.
“This is absolutely a second chance,” says head coach Lars Hopp. “I think it keeps the season alive and gives everyone a new goal to work towards.”
PNG Hekari FC
The reset arguably benefits PNG Hekari FC the most, who up until Round 6 have had a difficult campaign and produced just two wins all season.
“Football always gives you another opportunity to prove yourself, and this is our moment to respond with character, discipline, and belief,” says head coach Jerry Allen. “We must stay united and fight for the badge, the fans, and each other.
“Absolutely, the chance to reach the semi-final is a big motivation for everyone. The players know what is at stake, and this should bring out our best performance. We must play with hunger, confidence, and heart because opportunities like this must be taken.”
Tickets & How to Watch
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