Round isn't over but everyone's played a game so wanna give some thoughts
Auckland - Easily the strongest looking side right off the bat, A-League quality on the field and on the bench gives them such an advantage over everyone else. Not really much to say other than it's looking like they're heavy favourites to win everything now.
Solomon Kings - Admittedly had to stop watching during HT but they seem well enough. I can see them potentially making finals but hard to say early on.
South Melbourne - The Wellinton Phoenix of the Pro League, where people debate if they should be in this comp and us Nix and AFC fans have to look away awkwardly. Despite getting a win this was a pretty dissapointing start from the Hellas. This is a pre-established club meaning they'll want to move with more cohessivness and fluidity than all the other teams, yet they really struggled here. Every other club is going to improve as the squads get to know each other better, so if they don't switch up quickly they could end up as the big underperformers.
Bula fc - Admittedly didn't catch this game because I was out but I don't think a draw is that horrible. I and many others picked them to be the top Islander team but it's early days. At least our boy Krishna got a goal.
Vanuatu United - Well I feel stupid for overreacting so much when their manager and head coach left. Clearly the loss isn't so bad when everyone is new around here. Not sure if they've found full time replacements yet but hope they can do it soon or it will start being a problem.
PNG Hekari - Like I said earlier didn't catch the 2nd half so can't say much really. I guess because they lost they'll sorta just be dwelling in the bottom half but who knows
South Island - Having Auckland as your debut opponent is rough and despite losing 3-0 I don't believe it's telling of them having an awful season. Gray was consistently well positioned, Yoo was very exciting on attack and has a bright future, and OVH with A-League experience could be very helpful in the long run. I see them finishing top 3 at least.
Tahiti United - Honestly I wrote them off at the start, as did many others, but they performed much better than expected. Their defence especially stood out as they just gave South no room at all. Constant tackles made it basically impossible for South to make anything from open play and in the end needed a last minute free kick to finally win it. I think they'll definitely be competing for top 4 this season.
Very early days, but AFC II were yes very impressive. Gillion will stand out at this level, as he should.
Drake, Bayliss and Normann ran the midfield. Faulds you suspect will be like a junior Cosgrove, causing defenders plenty of issues with his size.
Prins and young Bailey Ferguson were impressive off the pine. 18 yr Ferguson will definitely be one to watch, NZ eligible and Young Player of the Season in the QLD NPL. American Jonathan Robinson also seems exciting.
Then you have old men Tade and Den Heijer to provide some guidance when the comp moves to the Island hubs.
Lots of depth, some stability with same coach as the reserves had during the domestic season, and no doubt very well resourced off the pitch with Foley's dosh. Playing first hub at home to help potentially start them off with 3 wins. Yes they are the very early favourites. And yeah the whole finals series is also in Auckland in May - when the Island teams may struggle with the cooler climes.
Genius Sports will help to safeguard the OFC Pro League through a robust combination of 24/7 betting monitoring, a series of educational workshops and model integrity rules.
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“At OFC, integrity is fundamental to how we govern, operate, and deliver the game across Oceania. As we embark on an exciting new chapter for football in the region, upholding these principles is more important than ever. We are excited to officially partner with Genius Sports as our integrity partner and look forward to the strength this partnership will bring.” — Farah Mohammed, Head of Legal and Compliance, OFC
Genius Sports works in partnership with over 100 leagues and federations globally to help protect the transparency and fairness of competitions from betting-related corruption.
Round isn't over but everyone's played a game so wanna give some thoughts
Auckland - Easily the strongest looking side right off the bat, A-League quality on the field and on the bench gives them such an advantage over everyone else. Not really much to say other than it's looking like they're heavy favourites to win everything now.
Solomon Kings - Admittedly had to stop watching during HT but they seem well enough. I can see them potentially making finals but hard to say early on.
South Melbourne - The Wellinton Phoenix of the Pro League, where people debate if they should be in this comp and us Nix and AFC fans have to look away awkwardly. Despite getting a win this was a pretty dissapointing start from the Hellas. This is a pre-established club meaning they'll want to move with more cohessivness and fluidity than all the other teams, yet they really struggled here. Every other club is going to improve as the squads get to know each other better, so if they don't switch up quickly they could end up as the big underperformers.
Bula fc - Admittedly didn't catch this game because I was out but I don't think a draw is that horrible. I and many others picked them to be the top Islander team but it's early days. At least our boy Krishna got a goal.
Vanuatu United - Well I feel stupid for overreacting so much when their manager and head coach left. Clearly the loss isn't so bad when everyone is new around here. Not sure if they've found full time replacements yet but hope they can do it soon or it will start being a problem.
PNG Hekari - Like I said earlier didn't catch the 2nd half so can't say much really. I guess because they lost they'll sorta just be dwelling in the bottom half but who knows
South Island - Having Auckland as your debut opponent is rough and despite losing 3-0 I don't believe it's telling of them having an awful season. Gray was consistently well positioned, Yoo was very exciting on attack and has a bright future, and OVH with A-League experience could be very helpful in the long run. I see them finishing top 3 at least.
Tahiti United - Honestly I wrote them off at the start, as did many others, but they performed much better than expected. Their defence especially stood out as they just gave South no room at all. Constant tackles made it basically impossible for South to make anything from open play and in the end needed a last minute free kick to finally win it. I think they'll definitely be competing for top 4 this season.
I agree with most of this but: Solomon Kings - they are just okay. I didn't think they were great first half, then second half only won 1-0 with man advantage and a better team for me wins by more. Hekari - were poor yes but will quietly be pleased they stayed in the game so long with ten men, had chances at the end to equalise. Bula - are the best island team, demonstrated poor game management. Vanuatu - are still likely to struggle, but have good foreigners and strong spirit. Tahiti - bit early to call they'll compete for top four bc I do think their squads is weak on paper. But their locals are decent. How bad is the injury to Gardner I wonder... South Island - look, they'll be top four, but that midfield has gotta be better if they'll be anywhere near the title.
Fiji is hosting it's hub between 2 cities Suva and Ba. They are only about 200km apart, but yeah is a pity Christchurch didn't get to host some games for this Auckland hub.
Maybe they can take a finals game to the Garden City in May. At the moment the whole finals series is scheduled for Auckland. By May, Te Kaha will have opened.
Fiji Football won’t answer Bula FC questions on Merchandising Contract
The Fiji Football Association (FFA) has respectfully declined to comment on serious questions being raised about Bula FC relating to its ownership, management, hiring practices, contracts and alleged conflicts of interest.
FFA Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Yusuf, speaking to Duavata News, said the Association respectfully declined to comment.
“I have no comments to make. All contracts and recruitment details are with Bula FC, and they have confidentiality agreements with all staff and players. Bula FC is a separate entity, and we respect that. Bula FC has its own management team and is a separate entity,” Yusuf said.
“We again thank you for your understanding,” Yusuf said.
Duavata News thanks Mr Yusuf for his timely response.
Over the past 12 hours, a large number of Duavata News readers have contacted the outlet directly, raising a multitude of questions regarding Bula FC.
These include concerns surrounding the appointment of FFA Vice President (West) Nazia Ali-Krishna as Bula FC’s Acting Chief Commercial Officer and the simultaneous awarding of a merchandising contract to a brand known as RK21, which is owned by her husband, Roy Krishna.
Duavata News can now confirm that RK21 is the official kit provider for Bula FC.
Questions have been sent to Ms Ali-Krishna seeking clarification on the value of the contract and whether any conflict-of-interest checks were conducted prior to the contract being awarded to her husband, given her position.
In a TikTok video, Ms Ali is also seen inside a merchandising store in New Zealand, showing viewers jerseys priced at up to NZD $125 and other merchandise, including bottles.
Screenshots also sent to Duavata News show Ms Ali-Krishna engaging with Ba football supporters on Viber regarding the quality of the team jerseys and referencing the company RK on multiple occasions.
Roy Krishna, Ms Ali-Krishna’s husband, is currently contracted with the club and is the captain of Bula FC. Duavata News has also sought clarification on the value of his playing contract.
Further questions relate to whether Ms Ali-Krishna’s nephews have been appointed to key positions within the team, including the team manager role.
Duavata News has also sought clarification on the ownership of Bula FC, the company’s shareholding structure, and the extent of any funding provided by FIFA through the FFA to Bula FC. Questions were also sent asking how much, if any, of that funding may have been paid to entities such as RK21.
Duavata News has highlighted that Bula FC claims to be Fiji’s first professional club and to represent Fiji and its people, and should therefore be transparent and accountable.
As of publication, no responses have been received to these questions from Bula FC management, and we await an official response.
Wait, no, it's not possible - cronyism, nepotism and corruption in OFC????? - just another example of the sharke that surrounds OFC and this circus of a comp.
Fiji Football won’t answer Bula FC questions on Merchandising Contract
The Fiji Football Association (FFA) has respectfully declined to comment on serious questions being raised about Bula FC relating to its ownership, management, hiring practices, contracts and alleged conflicts of interest.
FFA Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Yusuf, speaking to Duavata News, said the Association respectfully declined to comment.
“I have no comments to make. All contracts and recruitment details are with Bula FC, and they have confidentiality agreements with all staff and players. Bula FC is a separate entity, and we respect that. Bula FC has its own management team and is a separate entity,” Yusuf said.
“We again thank you for your understanding,” Yusuf said.
Duavata News thanks Mr Yusuf for his timely response.
Over the past 12 hours, a large number of Duavata News readers have contacted the outlet directly, raising a multitude of questions regarding Bula FC.
These include concerns surrounding the appointment of FFA Vice President (West) Nazia Ali-Krishna as Bula FC’s Acting Chief Commercial Officer and the simultaneous awarding of a merchandising contract to a brand known as RK21, which is owned by her husband, Roy Krishna.
Duavata News can now confirm that RK21 is the official kit provider for Bula FC.
Questions have been sent to Ms Ali-Krishna seeking clarification on the value of the contract and whether any conflict-of-interest checks were conducted prior to the contract being awarded to her husband, given her position.
In a TikTok video, Ms Ali is also seen inside a merchandising store in New Zealand, showing viewers jerseys priced at up to NZD $125 and other merchandise, including bottles.
Screenshots also sent to Duavata News show Ms Ali-Krishna engaging with Ba football supporters on Viber regarding the quality of the team jerseys and referencing the company RK on multiple occasions.
Roy Krishna, Ms Ali-Krishna’s husband, is currently contracted with the club and is the captain of Bula FC. Duavata News has also sought clarification on the value of his playing contract.
Further questions relate to whether Ms Ali-Krishna’s nephews have been appointed to key positions within the team, including the team manager role.
Duavata News has also sought clarification on the ownership of Bula FC, the company’s shareholding structure, and the extent of any funding provided by FIFA through the FFA to Bula FC. Questions were also sent asking how much, if any, of that funding may have been paid to entities such as RK21.
Duavata News has highlighted that Bula FC claims to be Fiji’s first professional club and to represent Fiji and its people, and should therefore be transparent and accountable.
As of publication, no responses have been received to these questions from Bula FC management, and we await an official response.
Dale's tweeted this FB post from the Vanuatu Football Federation announcing that Lars Hopp has revoked his earlier resignation from the coaching role at Vanuatu United
Dale's tweeted this FB post from the Vanuatu Football Federation announcing that Lars Hopp has revoked his earlier resignation from the coaching role at Vanuatu United
Other than South Island United, Auckland FC and Bula FC who have indicated their kits will be available to purchase, does anyone know if the other clubs will have any merchandise available to purchase?
I'm really keen to get my hands on a Vanuatu United kit but have struggled to get any response from the club through their social media platforms. Even my mate who's been a Team Liaison for them while they are in Auckland seems to have no luck getting an answer from their staff haha
Rumours going around that AFC and us are out of the FFA Cup, cool if thats the case can OFC tell South Melbourne to get lost considering it would be pretty hard to boot us and AFC out of the A-League.
South Island United spark media buzz ahead of games in Papua New Guinea
OFC Pro League club South Island United have drawn enthusiastic media interest on their arrival in Papua New Guinea for the second round of the new competition.
The South Island United squad touched down in Port Moresby on Thursday, ready to play South Melbourne on Sunday, followed by games against Solomon Kings (Wednesday) and local pride Hekari FC (next Saturday).
After a win and a loss in the opening round in Auckland last week, the South Island’s groundbreaking professional football team will get their first taste of playing in the sweltering, humid conditions near the equator.
“For many of our players, this will be their first experience in these conditions, which could play a significant role, but of course, the conditions will be the same for all teams,” said coach Rob Sherman after the team was welcomed by a large contingent of local media in the capital of Papua New Guinea.
Main photo: United vice-captain Ollie van Rijssel (right) is greeted by local media in Port Moresby. Photo credit: South Island United.
Examples of the local media attention for the OFC Pro League.
The team arrived in Port Moresby after a long voyage across the Pacific, which included the unique situation of sharing the final flight from Brisbane with rival teams from Melbourne, the Solomon Islands and Tahiti.
“You won’t see that anywhere else in world football,” Sherman said, pointing at striker Ryan Feutz sitting next to the South Melbourne defender who could be marking him on Sunday.
South Melbourne arrive in Papua New Guinea after a confidence-boosting 5-0 win over Hekari and are considered one of the early favourites for the inaugural OFC Pro League title.
“South Melbourne are an existing club where players have played together for a while, but I have seen enough progress in our team in the first few weeks to have full confidence in a good result in all three games in Port Moresby,” Sherman said.
The Welshman will only have two training sessions in the Sir Murray Humphrey Stadium to get his players used to the local conditions, but he accepts that this will be the rapid-fire reality of the world’s newest professional league.
“And you will not hear any complaints. Everyone in our team is excited to represent the South Island on the international stage and to experience football on foreign soil,” said Sherman, who has extensive knowledge of playing in Papua New Guinea after taking the Fiji national team there for the recent FIFA Men’s World Cup qualifiers.
Captain Christian Gray is another PNG veteran, sharing his knowledge with his younger teammates after competing in Port Moresby with Auckland City in the OFC Champions League.
South Island United will be without centre-back Josh Rogerson for the first match in Round 2 after he suffered a concussion against Auckland FC two weeks ago.
“Josh is recovering well, and we hope to be able to pick him for the latter games in PNG, but otherwise our squad is fit and ready to go.”
Sherman said he had been impressed with the talent and commitment of the South Island United squad and thinks there is still a lot of improvement possible from the recent 2-1 victory over Vanuatu United.
“What we have seen in the matches so far is that there are no easy teams in this competition, so there can be no complacency against any of the teams. But if we play to our ability, I know we can grab some good results on this trip.”
Marcos Gusmão has resigned as head coach of PNG Hekari after their third loss of the season. 😬
#Sports PNG Hekari Football Club has officially announced the resignation of Head Coach Marcos Gusmao. The Brazilian cited personal reasons behind his decision to step away from the club.
Marcos Gusmão has resigned as head coach of PNG Hekari after their third loss of the season. 😬
#Sports PNG Hekari Football Club has officially announced the resignation of Head Coach Marcos Gusmao. The Brazilian cited personal reasons behind his decision to step away from the club.
Marcos Gusmão has resigned as head coach of PNG Hekari after their third loss of the season. 😬
#Sports PNG Hekari Football Club has officially announced the resignation of Head Coach Marcos Gusmao. The Brazilian cited personal reasons behind his decision to step away from the club.
I did think something was going on when their two new Brazilian players (Kaue Silva and Rafael Chaves) weren't even in the squad against Auckland... wonder if they will stick around at all.
Official statement says that "Marcos has made this decision based solely on personal reasons, which he expressed clearly during our management meeting. He shared that this may be his last involvement in football, as he has chosen to dedicate more time to his wife and family."
Todays games Auckland v Tahiti - should be fairly straightforward for Auckland I think they can really dominate the middle of the park and make the pressure pay, Tahiti have been a very counterattack focussed team so far (effectively so though it has to be said) Hekari v Vanuatu - massive game for both teams, Hekari disappointing so far but pressure to win at home + the unexpected change in coach, Vanuatu have had promising showings in other games but will feel it's the one where they should get over the line.
Looks like the round 3 fixtures and venues have been decided.
The Greek Herald has confirmed the venues as Olympic Village (Heidelberg's ground) and The Home of the Matildas. Also when looking at Fifa+ it also confirms these venues for the round.
It appears that the first 2 matchdays (21&22 Feb) will be played at Olympic Village with the rest (24, 25, 27, 28 Feb, 3, 4 Mar) will be played at The Home of the Matildas.
They will also play the 3 rescheduled matches from Auckland during this hub.
Melbourne, Australia will host Round 3 of the OFC Pro League, kicking off later this month.
The third round of the competition will see 15 matches held across two venues in Melbourne, at The Home of the Matildas and Olympic Village, from the 21st of February to the 4th of March.
All eight clubs will play at least three matches, with six clubs to play four, with the rescheduling of three Round 1 fixtures.
Venues Home of the Matildas Match Days Hosted: February 24th, 25th, 27th, 28th & March 3rd and 4th
Located at La Trobe University Sports Park in Melbourne, The Home of the Matildas is the training base for the Australian national women’s team and central hub for Australian women’s football.
Opened in July 2023, The Home of the Matildas is also used by professional club Melbourne Victory and Football Victoria, regularly hosting A-League Women’s matches, and youth fixtures. It features a grandstand capable of holding 800 people, and the facilities also include a high-performance gym, multiple changing rooms, elite-level recovery areas, and function spaces.
Olympic Village was originally built for the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne.
Olympic Village Match Days Hosted: February 21st and 22nd
Located in Heidelberg West, and also sometimes referred to as Olympic Park, the venue was built for the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games.
It has been the home to local NPL Victoria and Australia Championship club Heidelberg United since 1982, and holds a capacity of 12,000.
Think it was $90AUD, a mate of mine and I bought one each so I had it sent to Brisbane first before my mate posted my one to me. Shady(?) part of the buy was that I had to Whatsapp the supplier as they don't sell it online and payment had to be made by Paypal hahahYoungHeartHM
football137
Managed to finally get my hands on a Vanuatu United top, bit of an ordeal to get it from China to Christchurch but it’s here!image.jpg2.78 MB
Think it was $90AUD, a mate of mine and I bought one each so I had it sent to Brisbane first before my mate posted my one to me. Shady(?) part of the buy was that I had to Whatsapp the supplier as they don't sell it online and payment had to be made by Paypal hahahYoungHeartHM
football137
Managed to finally get my hands on a Vanuatu United top, bit of an ordeal to get it from China to Christchurch but it’s here!image.jpg2.78 MB
How much did it cost?
It's probably just the former banker in me speaking here, but that would 100% stop me from paying a PayPal account after being told to message a supplier through WhatsApp. 🤣
Fair enough haha, I was just banking on Paypal's Buyer Protection if I didn't end up getting the shirts. Nevertheless, Up The Chiefs!YoungHeartHM
football137
Think it was $90AUD, a mate of mine and I bought one each so I had it sent to Brisbane first before my mate posted my one to me. Shady(?) part of the buy was that I had to Whatsapp the supplier as they don't sell it online and payment had to be made by Paypal hahahYoungHeartHM
football137
Managed to finally get my hands on a Vanuatu United top, bit of an ordeal to get it from China to Christchurch but it’s here!image.jpg2.78 MB
How much did it cost?
It's probably just the former banker in me speaking here, but that would 100% stop me from paying a PayPal account after being told to message a supplier through WhatsApp. 🤣
Honiara, Solomon Islands will host Round 4 of the OFC Pro League, kicking off in mid-March.
The fourth round of the competition will see eight matches held at the National Stadium in Honiara from the 14th-19th of March. All eight clubs will play two matches across the five days of competition.
Host club Solomon Kings FC will get the chance to play in front of their home fans for the first time, following a stellar start to the competition that has seen them cement themselves as early frontrunners for a top four finish.
They’ll host the league’s current top two – including Auckland FC in a replay of their memorable upset victory from the second round in Port Moresby, followed by South Melbourne FC.
The National Stadium in Honiara will host all eight OFC Pro League Round 4 fixtures.
Venues
National Sports Stadium
Match Days Hosted: March 14th, 15th, 18th, & 19th
With football as it’s national sport, the National Stadium in Honiara is likely to bear witness to unrivalled energy when it plays host to the fourth round of the OFC Pro League, and it’s first-ever professional football club, Solomon Kings FC.
Constructed in preparation for the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands, the National Stadium has a capacity of 10,000, and has already been used to host both region’s two premier club finals, the OFC Women’s Champions League final in 2024, and the OFC Men’s Champions League final in 2025.
