The round 10 of the 2024 Rarotonga Round Cup Competition today will see some exciting matches, with Puaikura facing Matavera-Ngatangiia at Raemaru Park and Tupapa Maraerenga FC hosting Nikao Sokattak at Victoria Park.

The day’s fixtures at both venues will begin at 11:15am with the Under-15 Boys division, followed by the Under-15 Girls at 12:15pm, the Under-18 Men at 1:15pm, Senior Women at 2:40pm, ending with the Premier Men at 4:20 p.m.

At Raemaru Park, Puaikura FC premier men will host Matavera-Ngatangiia FC in an exciting battle.

Puaikura is currently in third place with 14 points from four wins, two draws, and three losses. They are determined to narrow the gap at the top. Dwayne Tiputoa, along with Daniel Taokia and Tuka Tisam, will be key in challenging Matavera’s defence.

With Matavera having earned 17 points and Puaikura 14 so far, fans can look forward to a thrilling encounter marked by high-paced and attacking football. Matavera’s defence, though solid, will need to be vigilant to counter Puaikura’s attacking threats and secure another vital victory.

Puaikura will enter this match with a strong determination to solidify their position in the top three. Tepa Tuaputa will be keen to seize opportunities and make a significant impact in the attacking third, contributing to Puaikura’s offensive efforts. Midfielders Natham Tisam and JJ Karika will play a key role in orchestrating play and linking the midfield with the attack, while centre-back Jarves will provide the necessary stability and organisation at the back.

Matavera-Ngatangiia will look to close the gap and challenge for the top spot. Despite a draw in their previous encounter against Titikaveka, Matavera has been steadily improving, with a series of strong performances in recent weeks. Midfielders Jay Jay Osinamo and Mark Leito will play important roles in slowing down Puaikura and launching counter-attacks. Defenders Edward Brogan and Ronnie Sakai will need to stay sharp to manage Puaikura’s attack.

This match promises to be a tactical battle as both teams are well aware of the impact of the result. Expect a closely contested game where strategic decisions and key moments could determine the outcome.

In the Senior Women’s match, Puaikura is entering this clash with momentum after last week’s win against Nikao Sokattak. On the other hand, Matavera, coming off a loss, will aim to turn that result into a victory.

Puaikura’s game plan revolves around a high-pressing style, with the midfield playing a crucial role in winning back possession and creating opportunities for the forwards. Their aggressive approach aims to disrupt their opponents’ build-up play and force errors that can be turned into scoring chances. Victoria Fatiaki continues to be a key player, contributing crucial goals. In defence, Matilda Auua and Natasha Dean have been solid, providing the stability necessary for the team to play with confidence.

Matavera-Ngatangiia, determined to recover from their recent loss to Titikaveka, will be counting on their midfield to take control of the game and provide crucial support to young striker Tauariki Nia. With a focus on maintaining possession and pressing forward, Matavera’s midfielders Deb Mataio and Samantha Lockington will need to work cohesively to break through Puaikura’s defence. Creating chances for Nia will be a priority, as the young striker’s pace and finishing ability could be the key to turning the match in their favour.

At Victoria Park, the highflying Tupapa will host a struggling Nikao Sokattak.

Tupapa Maraerenga is currently leading the Premier Men division standings with 23 points, while Nikao Sokattak sits in fifth place with seven points, just behind Avatiu.

Tupapa comes into this match after a 6-0 victory against Avatiu, while Nikao Sokattak is looking to maintain the momentum from a surprising 5-3 win over Puaikura. Both teams will be eager to strengthen their standings in the competition.

Tupapa has displayed dominance in both attack and defence throughout the season, reflecting their strong form and consistent performances. Defenders Avi Enoka and Teina Savage will anchor the backline, while Shane Tuteru and Henry McKenzie press forward in the midfield with the guidance of Grover Harmon. Tupapa’s midfielders need to create opportunities for forwards Tahitoa Webb and Tuffy Ngametua, who have been clinical in front of the goal. Their pressing game will be key to unsettling Nikao’s defence, led by Tamaiva Mateariki and Rangi Moore.

Nikao, meanwhile, will aim to control possession, with Owenne Matapo and Atu Putere looking to break through Tupapa’s press and supply quality balls to their forwards. If Nikao can maintain composure, they’ll have the chance to control the tempo, but if Tupapa’s press succeeds, Nikao may find themselves on the back foot. With such contrasting styles, the match could be decided by which team can impose their game plan more effectively.

In the Senior Women’s clash,Tupapa is known for their possession-based football, focusing on precise passing and ball retention to create attacking opportunities. Their midfield controls the tempo of the game and looks to feed their striker through well-timed through balls, relying on clinical finishing to convert chances. Claudean Robati, Tupapa’s captain, plays a pivotal role in maintaining their composed style of play, while also leading the defensive efforts to prevent Nikao from capitalising on the counter.

Nikao, on the other hand, relies on quick counter-attacks. Jennifer Akavi anchors the defence, while Shannon Van Eijk looks to exploit any gaps left by Tupapa’s forward movement. With Jennifer Akavi leading their plays, Nikao will be ready to pounce on turnovers and catch Tupapa off guard. This match tests Tupapa’s ability to control possession against Nikao’s quick transitions.

In addition to the senior matches, the youth divisions will also be in full swing at both Raemaru Park and Victoria Park.

• CIFA Media

Fixtures

At Raemaru Park Puaikura FC vs Matavera-Ngatangiia FC – 11:15am U15 Boys (Ref: Robert Savage Jnr, AR1: Ioane Brogan, AR2: Jubilee), 12:15pm U15 Girls (Ref: Jaceleine, AR1: Prashant Mani, AR2: Matilda Auua), 1:15pm U18 Boys (Ref: John Pareanga, AR1: Matilda Auua, AR2: Prasahant Mani), 2:40pm Senior Women (Ref: Robert Savage Jnr, AR1: Lai Gukisuva, AR2: Jaceleine, 4th: Ioane Brogan), 4:20pm Premier Men (Ref: John Pareanga, AR1: Te Upoko, AR2: Robert Snr, 4th: Uamaki). At Victoria Park Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs Nikao Sokattak FC – 11:15am U15 Boys (Ref: Tupou Brogan, AR1: Teina Savage, AR2: Andrew Teena), 12:15pm U15 Girls (Ref: Teariki Piri, AR1: Gracedece Touna, AR2: Mata Iroa), 1:15pm U18 Boys (Ref: Rakesh Varman, AR1: Andrew Teena, AR2: Teariki Piri, 4th: Mata Iroa), 2:40pm Senior Women (Ref: Mata Iro, AR1: Rakesh Varman,          AR2: Andrew Teena, 4^th Gracedece Touna), 4:20pm Premier Men (Ref: Rakesh Varman, AR1: Tupou Brogan, AR2: Teariki Piri, 4th: Athena Napa).