As the second phase of the 2024 Rarotonga Round Cup Competition kicks off, round seven promises thrilling encounters across two key venues.

At the CIFA Complex, Avatiu FC and Puaikura FC will clash in a highly anticipated double-header, featuring their Premier Men’s and Senior Women’s teams. Both sides are eager to secure crucial points, making this a must-watch event.

Meanwhile, at Victoria Park, Tupapa Maraerenga FC will host Titikaveka FC. This venue will also showcase exciting matches, with both teams aiming to assert their dominance and make a strong push up the standings.

Avatiu FC vs Puaikura FC

In the Premier Men’s division, Avatiu will look to rebound from their previous defeat against Puaikura, who dominated their last encounter.

Avatiu’s campaign so far has seen standout performances from players such as Tione Nand, Paul Ngaroi, and Joseph Crocombe. Nand’s tireless work rate in midfield has been essential to Avatiu’s game, providing crucial transitions from defence to attack. At the back, Ngaroi has been a key figure in organising the defines, while Crocombe’s speed and technique in forward positions have made him a consistent threat on the counterattack.

Puaikura, however, will enter the match in strong form, confident of repeating their earlier success.

Leading their charge are Daniel Taokia, Paul Luiz Van Eijk, and Jarves Aperau. Taokia, one of the top scorers this season, will be looking to extend his impressive goal tally.

In the midfield, Van Eijk has been controlling games with his composed play and pinpoint passing, setting the tempo for Puaikura. Meanwhile, Aperau has been solid in defence, often neutralising opposing attacks and ensuring Puaikura’s backline remains difficult to break through.

Both teams are equipped with the talent to make this an evenly matched contest. Avatiu’s determination to avenge their earlier defeat will clash with Puaikura’s ambition to maintain their dominance in the league, setting the stage for a thrilling match.

In the Senior Women’s division, both Avatiu and Puaikura bring formidable lineups into this pivotal fixture.

Tara Mitchell, Avatiu’s centre-back, has been a reliable defensive leader throughout the season, with her ability to read the game and block opposition attacks proving crucial. Paerua Ngaroi has been an engine in midfield, offering both defensive support and creativity going forward, while Rima Browne brings attacking flair and speed, helping to create chances for her side.

Puaikura’s Senior Women will be led by Natasha Dean, a central figure in their defence, whose leadership and defensive acumen have played a key role in the team’s success.

In attack, Victoria Fatiaki has been Puaikura’s main goal-scoring threat, using her pace and finishing skills to consistently break down opposition defences. Esther Potoru, the creative force in midfield, will be tasked with supplying Fatiaki and making attacking runs of her own.

With both teams in strong form and eager to climb the standings, this matchup is shaping up to be a tactical battle of defences against quick, counter-attacking offences. Avatiu will lean on their organised defence to frustrate Puaikura’s attack, while Puaikura looks to leverage their offensive firepower to secure another important win.

Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs Titikaveka FC

Tupapa Maraerenga will go into their match against Titikaveka with confidence, backed by solid performances from key players like Shane Tuteru and Henry McKenzie.

In defence, Avi Enoka and Teina Savage have been crucial in maintaining a strong backline, ensuring their team remains tough to break down. With these players in form, Tupapa will aim to dominate the game and solidify their position at the top of the league table.

Titikaveka, however, is not to be underestimated. Navin Reddy, Bill Tangapiri, and Tangi Akava have been pivotal in their campaign, while Temarii Jubilee has added defensive stability. Titikaveka will look to disrupt Tupapa’s rhythm and capitalise on set-piece opportunities, seeking a result that can boost their season and climb the standings.

Tupapa’s women’s team features a well-rounded squad, with Tia Strickland and Kayleena Kermode leading the defensive efforts, while Jan Taia and Abrihana McBirney will be looking to provide the offensive spark up front. Their balanced approach will be crucial as they face a determined Titikaveka side.

For Titikaveka, Edwina Matenga-Piri and Penina Katuke will be key in the middle of the park, providing the much-needed structure, while Giselle Rea will aim to lead the attack and unlock Tupapa’s defence. This match promises to be a tactical battle, with both teams vying for crucial points in the standings.

The day’s fixtures will start with the U15 Boys at 11.15am, followed by the U15 Girls at 12.15pm, and the U18 Men at 1.15pm.

As the competition progresses, each match becomes increasingly significant, adding to the excitement of the title race.

With an exciting lineup of senior and youth matches at both venues, round seven of the Rarotonga Football Season promises a day full of competitive and entertaining football as teams will be eager to claim valuable points as the competition intensifies.

• CIFA Media

Fixtures

Today: CIFA Complex: Avatiu FC vs Puaikura FC – 11:15am U15 Boys (Ref: Tuakeu Paerau, AR1: Andrew Teena, AR2: Raita Savage), 12:15pm U15 Girls (Ref: Tuakeu Paerau, AR1: Athylene Savage,  AR2: Matilda Auua), 1:15pm U18 Boys (Ref: Rakesh Varman, AR1: Ranjeenta Singh, AR2: Ioane Brogan, 4th: Raita Savage), 2:40pm Senior Women (Ref: Robert Savage Snr, AR1: Kataraina Piri, AR2: Athylene Savage, 4th: Ioane Brogan), 4:20pm Premier Men (Ref: Rakesh Varman, AR1: Matilda Auua, AR2: Kataraina Piri, 4th Robert Savage Snr).

Victoria Park: Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs Titikaveka FC – 11:15am U15 Boys (Ref: Jaceline Pukerua, AR1: Jubilee Jubilee, AR2: John Pareanga), 12:15pm U15 Girls (Ref: Penina Katuke, AR1: Mata Iroa, AR2: Teina Savage), 1:15pm U18 Boys (Ref: John Pareanga, AR1: Jaceline Pukerua, AR2: Mata Iroa,  4th: Teina Savage), 2:40pm Senior Women (Ref: George George, AR1: Teina Savage, AR2: Courtney Napa, 4th: Mata Iroa), 4:20pm Premier Men (Ref: John Pareanga, AR1: Penina Katuke, AR2: Courtney Napa, 4th: George George).