Puaikura and Nikao Sokattak will clash once again today and tomorrow at the CIFA Complex in Matavera, marking their second encounter of the season.

The Premier Men’s and Senior Women’s teams are both determined to improve their standings in the competition.

Today’s fixtures kick off with the U15 Boys at 4pm. Both teams are coming off wins from last week and will be eager to secure another three points.

Nikao, known for their structured gameplay, will aim to take advantage of any opportunities to strengthen their position as they sit second behind current leaders, Avatiu.

Puaikura’s unpredictable attacking style could prove to be a challenge for their opponents, with their young attackers consistently catching teams off guard.

In the Senior Women clash at 5pm, Puaikura will focus on their possession-based play, pushing the ball forward and utilising the width of the field. Esther Potoru, Victoria Fatiaki, and Teupoko Tuariki will be crucial in stretching Nikao’s defence and creating scoring opportunities. Potoru, who scored last week, will aim to lead the attack once again.

Nikao, on the other hand, will rely on their quick counter-attacks. Jennifer Akavi will anchor the defence, while Shannon Van Eijk will be looking to exploit any gaps left by Puaikura’s forward movement. With Courtney Napa orchestrating play, Nikao will be ready to pounce on turnovers and catch Puaikura off guard.

This match will be a test of Puaikura’s ability to control possession against Nikao’s quick transitions.

Friday’s matches kick off with the U15 Girls.

Nikao, coming off a draw last week, will be looking to improve and maintain their position on the table. Puaikura, known for their consistent performances, will push forward to test Nikao’s defence in what promises to be an exciting encounter.

Friday’s Premier Men’s match will be a tactical showdown between Puaikura’s high pressing and fast attacking style and Nikao Sokattak’s possession-focused approach.

Puaikura, fresh off a strong outing against Tupapa, will rely on players like Daniel Taokia and Dwayne Tiputoa to disrupt Nikao’s build-up play and create quick opportunities for striker Tepa Tuaputa. 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 Puaikura’s press and supply their forwards. If Nikao can maintain composure, they’ll have the chance to dictate the tempo, but if Puaikura’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.

• CIFA Media

Fixtures

Thursday at CIFA Complex, Matavera – 4pm U15 Boys Puaikura vs Nikao Sokattak (Ref: Teupoko Tuariki, AR1: Jaceline Pukerua, AR2: Rajeenta Singh),

5pm Senior Women Puaikura vs Nikao Sokattak (Ref: Robert Savage Jnr, AR1: Athylene Savage, AR2: Jaceline Pukerua, 4th: Robert Savage  Snr).

Friday at CIFA Complex, Matavera – 4pm U15 Girls Puaikura vs Nikao Sokattak (Ref: Athylene Savage, AR1: Ranjeeta Singh, AR2: Jason Lindsay),

5pm Premier Men Puaikura vs Nikao Sokattak (Ref: Penina Katuke, AR1: John Pareanga, AR2: Robert Savage Snr, 4th: George George).