The OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League 2025 final will be decided at the Vodafone Arena in Suva on Sunday, with Waikato Rapids of New Zealand and Mataks FC of the Solomon Islands battling for the title.
Playing in their first OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League, the Waikato Rapids will be attempting to win the championship at their maiden attempt. They are also the first club outside of both the Solomon Islands or New Caledonia to reach the final.
In contrast, Mataks FC return to the final after falling short by one goal in a 3-4 defeat to to AS PTT in last year’s final in New Caledonia. They will be looking to make amends this time around, and follow in the the footsteps of compatriots Kooline FC from the Solomon Islands, who won the inaugral title in 2019.
Waikato Rapids head coach Jet Lim said his team have enjoyed competing on the international stage.
“It’s been amazing. This is the first international tournament for the Waikato Rapids, so for it to go as well as it has so far, has been amazing. We’re really looking forward to the final against Mataks.”
The Rapids went unbeaten through their round-robin matches, notching 29 goals and five consecutive wins. Captain Aidan Robson said the team are excited for the chance to capture the title.
“The feeling in the camp is pretty positive, we go into the final with a lot of confidence. It’s pretty amazing that we’ve come this far, and there’s been a lot in the background to get to this point. Hopefully we can make everyone proud on Sunday.”
Standing in their way of a fairytale finish is the Mataks FC, who clawed their way back in the competition with three straight wins to end the round-robin phase, after losing their first two matches.
Head coach Francis Lafai said he is proud of his team’s efforts to fight their way back.
“To comeback from losing in the round robin, I knew anything could happen. It was a hard start for us, but I’m so happy to make it to the final. We were very happy to win three games and qualify for the finals.
“They’re a good side, so we have to step up our game. It won’t be easy but we’ll give our best, I guarantee a good game with the brothers from Waikato Rapids.”
When they met in the round-robin phase, Waikato beat Mataks FC 5-0, in a game where the Solomon Islands club were missing several key names. After three straight wins though, the team is confident about their chances heading into the final.
Captain Elis Mana, who currently leads the Golden Boot standings with nine goals, said Mataks will push hard in the final.
“Tomorrow in the final, Mataks will try and give a good game. We will have a complete team and we will provide a good fight for the Waikato team.”
Jet Lim said the team are aware of their opponent’s motivation and will look to stop the momentum.
“We’ve had to grow into the tournament; the same thing has happened to them. Going into this final, we know they will be fizzing and they have a lot of high quality. We know it’s going to be a battle, and we are prepared and excited.”
With the stage set, Vodafone Arena will be set alight as both teams look to capture their first OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League title.
Earlier in the day, hosts Suva FC will face Gulf Komara FC in the 5th & 6th place play-off, whilst AS PTT will take on Southern Legions FC in the 3rd & 4th place play-off. This is the first edition of the competition where AS PTT haven’t featured in the final.
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Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek.