In the premier men’s division Tupapa Maraerenga will be returning to defend their 2012 title as they prepare for the OFC Champions League Preliminary scheduled for next month.
But they won’t be in for an easy ride with Nikao Sokattak, Titikaveka, Takuvaine, Avatiu and Puaikura all looking to best the title-holders this time around.
The CIFA competition committee revealed this season’s draw late last month which includes two rounds of matches ahead of the knock-out stages heading into the final.
CIFA secretary Mii Piri says this is shaping up to be another exciting and competitive season.
“We are looking forward to another eventful football year as the opening matches approach for this season,” Piri says.
Once again the winners of this year’s premier men’s division not only earn the title of champions of Cook Islands football, but will be in with a chance of competing against the region’s top club sides at the OFC Champions League, earning passage to the 2014 OFC Champions League Preliminary.
Tupapa Maraerenga earned that chance after winning the 2011 Lotto Premiership and came very close to the representing their country in the 2012 OFC Champions League but were knocked out by New Caledonia champions Mont Dore 3-1. They have a second chance to better that effort in next month’s preliminary tournament due to be held in American Samoa.
Also back for another season and looking to defend their titles in their respective divisions are women’s champions Puaikura, U-17 Men’s champions Tupapa Maraerenga, U-14 Boy’s champions Nikao Sokattak and U-14 Girl’s Tupapa Maraerenga.
For more on Cook Islands football go to www.cookislandsfootball.com

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