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Tupapa’s Grover Harmon and Puaikura’s Dwayne Tiputoa during last season’s performance. CIFA MEDIA/ 24071006
The 2024 Rarotonga football season kicks off in three weeks and it promises to be an exciting and competitive affair.
As the six Super Men’s teams prepare for the upcoming season, expectations are at an all-time high.
Each team brings its own unique talents, history and passion to the field.
CIFA Media takes an inside look at the Super Men’s team’s preparations and expectations as they prepare to kick off the new season in three weeks.
Tupa Maralunga Football Club
Tupapa Maraerenga FC is a team with a long history and dominance in Rarotongan football that is committed to maintaining its winning tradition while developing young talent.
Head coach Dave Milanovich outlined their main objectives: “Our main goal is to win the league and the knockout rounds.”
He also highlighted their preparedness strategies.
“We are working to establish principles in attack and defence to create a cohesive team where every player knows their role. Maintaining tactical discipline and unity on the pitch is crucial.”
Key players to watch out for include Grover Harmon, Paavo Mustonen and Sunai Joseph who are expected to play key roles in the team’s games along with promising players Shane Tuteru, Tuffy Tuakana and John Noovao.
Puaikura Football Club
The team, known for developing skilled players, aims to make a big impact this season.
The team is integrating experienced players like Dwayne Tiputoa, Jarves Aperau and Paul-Luiz Van Eijk with promising newcomers like Tamatoa Matutu, Oscar Wichman and Nia Remuera to create a competitive squad.
Puaikura is committed to developing team spirit, motivating players to get the best out of them, using both young and experienced players to challenge for the top positions.
Nikausokatake Football Club
The team is known for its tactical strength and good teamwork and is determined to regain the championship position this year.
Head coach Alex Napa stressed the need to rebuild the senior team after losing a number of key players to other opportunities and youth education overseas.
“Our expectation is to consolidate and rebuild the senior team,” he said.
Napa stressed the importance of adapting quickly to new players and maintaining consistency.
“It’s always difficult to improve performance when key pieces are missing, so we have to focus on consistency first and try to stay competitive.”
Team chemistry is a key focus for Napa, which they describe as “the glue that makes our other characteristics work together.”
He added that good chemistry improves understanding and coordination, making the team more cohesive from goalkeeper to forward.
This approach, along with an emphasis on physical preparation, is seen as key to their success.
With key players such as Tamaiva Mateariki and Rangi Moore in defence, Nikao Sokattak aims to excel with a united play.
Awatiu Football Club
Avatiu FC are eager to showcase their talent and move up the rankings.
Head coach Terry Pirri outlined their main objectives: “Our main goal is to integrate our U18 players into the men’s team and improve on our ranking from last year.”
Piri focuses on blending young players with experienced players, filling open spots on the men’s team with talented U18 players while keeping a core of experienced players in key positions.
When talking about areas that needed improvement last season, he stressed the importance of player attendance and training commitment.
“Most importantly, we have to ensure that we continue to attend training sessions,” he stressed.
Pirie believes a strong training ethic has been crucial to the team’s progress and success this season.
Avatiu FC aims to blend the experience of Tini Maruaiti with the versatile talents of Tione Nand and Christopher Pita into the team to meet the challenges of this season.
Titikaveka Football Club
Known for their resilience, Titikaweka Football Club is preparing for the new season with renewed energy and strategic planning.
Their focus this season is to build a competitive team and surprise opponents.
Core players Teariki Piri, Bill Tangapiri and Ioane Moore, along with rookie players Temarii Jubilee and Eddie Matenga, led the charge with an emphasis on motivation and developing a strong team mentality. Teamwork, discipline and capitalising on the strengths of each player were key to their approach.
Matavella Football Club
The team hopes to achieve major success this season with renewed purpose and determination.
Head coach Ronny Sakai highlighted their main objective: “Our main goal is to consolidate the club’s previous achievements and strive to qualify for the knockout rounds.”
As a new member of the club, Sakai is focusing on training regularly and organizing friendly matches with other clubs as part of his preparations.
“These events are vital for me to assess our players, plan effective training sessions and improve our football skills while matching our preferred style of play,” he explained.
Sakai’s goal is to create an organised team, drawing on the experience of Siaosi Kaufononga, George Ellis and Edward Brogan, to compete at the highest level.
As the 2024 Rarotonga football season approaches, the Super League men’s team is gearing up for the challenges ahead.
Football fans can look forward to exciting and competitive matches, and the enduring competitive spirit of Cook Islands football.
The upcoming season will be one of talent, strategy and passion as each team strives to achieve their goals.
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