The opener will be followed by an equally anticipated encounter between Western United of Solomon Islands, who are making their debut in this competition against 2014 OFC Champions League runners-up Amicale FC of Vanuatu.
Six-time Oceania champions Auckland City FC are in the hunt for a seventh regional title and taking the scalp of hosts Suva would be a great start. The defending champions have named a strong side for this year’s event, with a large majority having been part of the historic 2014 FIFA Club World Cup campaign in Morocco.
The experienced Ivan Vicelich is joined by defenders Angel Berlanga, Takuya Iwata, Marko Dordevich and Mario Bilen while in the attack the side isn’t lacking in experience either.
Strikers Joao Moreira, David Browne, Oscar Garcia, Ryan De Vries and Gustavo Souto – who returns for his second spell with the Navy Blues – lead a formidable front line, with OFC Champions League veterans Darren White, Andrew Milne, Adam McGeorge and Daewook Kim adding expertise of their own.
Despite his side’s history in this competition coach Ramon Tribulietx will be leaving nothing to chance.
Suva are first timers in this competition and their recruitment in the off-season leaves has them down as relative unknowns. However, having won the Fiji National League last year, ahead of Champions League frequenters Ba FC, they are sure to pose a threat.
Coach Gurjit Singh has brought in three key European signings he will be expecting strong performances from, including Adrian Medina and George Jermy from Spain, as well as goalkeeper Giacomo Ratto of Italy.
They are supplemented by some key domestic players including experienced OFC Champions League campaigners Maciu Dunadamu and midfielder Esava Naqaleca.
In the second Group B match between Western United and Amicale FC, which kicks off at 7pm, the story is a familiar one.
The Vanuatu side have been an almost constant presence in the knock-out phases of this competition in recent years, while the Solomon Islands
champions will be making their regional debut.
Despite the historical imbalance it’s sure to be a lively, hard fought encounter between two strong sides.
The Amicale that brought Auckland City to their limit in 2014 is a distant memory with a new coaching regime having recently been installed, led by Italian Marko Banchini.
New recruitments have been made with local players mixing with Serbians, Italians, Swiss and Argentinians to create a side, which on paper, appears quite formidable.
However they’re not the only team to look to the continent for support, with Western United’s team-list also boasting several European imports including John Agbo of Belgium and Fabrizio Prattico of Italy.
Like their opponents, Western United have also brought in an Italian coach with Ricardo De Vivo taking over the reins from Commins Menapi, who slots into an assistant role.
Extra information:
Auckland City FC v Suva FA
ANZ Stadium, Suva
Saturday 11 April, 2015
Kick-off: 16h30
AKLvSUV
Match Officials
Referee: Norbert HAUATA (TAH)
Assistant Referee 1: Tevita MAKASINI (TGA)
Assistant Referee 2: Paul AHUPU (TAH)
Fourth Official: Nelson SOGO (SOL)
Auckland City FC
The players: Having made over 30 appearances in this competition, captain Ivan Vicelich will be key to the side’s success. The speed of Ryan de Vries, David Browne and Joao Moriera in the front line will also prove the difference.
The vital statistics: Auckland City FC are chasing a record seventh OFC Champions League title, and their fifth consecutive.
Coach quote: “They’re playing in front of their home crowd and will want to prove they’re a good team of footballers. They’ll be motivated, so that will make them a very dangerous rival and we’re weary of that and are very respectful, and will try to compete well. Fiji is a good place to play football and no matter where it is, Fiji is a good place to play football. It’s definitely the biggest trophy in Oceania and we’re very humble with our chances but very motivated still.”
Squad list: 1. Tamati WILLIAMS (GK), 2. Marko DORDEVICH, 3. Takuya IWATA, 4. Mario BILEN, 5. Angel BERLANGA, 8. Anthony HOBBS, 9. Darren WHITE, 10. Ryan DE VRIES, 11. Cam LINDSAY, 12. Adam MCGEORGE, 13. Ivan CARRIL, 14. Colin MURPHY, 15. Ivan VICELICH, 16. Daewook KIM, 17. Joao MORIERA, 18. Danyon DRAKE (GK), 19. David BROWNE, 20. Gustavo SOUTO, 21. Oscar GARCIA, 22. Andrew MILNE, 23. Sam BURFOOT, 24. Jacob SPOONLEY (GK), 25. Michael DEN HEIJER
Coach: Ramon TRIBULIETX (ESP)
Suva FA
The players: Spaniards George Jermy and Adrian Medina have been around the blocks playing in the Spanish league, and will be bringing a style of their own to the capital. Pita Rabo returned to Fiji after nine years plying his trade in New Zealand’s domestic league and no doubt that experience, combined with the familiarity of the Champions League players like Esava Naqeleca and Maciu Dunadamu possess, will prove helpful.
The vital statistics: Jale Dreole captained the Fiji U-20 to their first regional title, and a berth in the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in this same stadium just under a year ago.
Coach Quote: “We have been talking about this OFC Champions League in the last few weeks and today we are here to play. We understand the differences between this tournament and the TVL Premier League and hopefully we will be able to reach another level of intensity. It’s going to be a great match against the Solomon Islands champion club, but my boys are ready for the battle.”
Squad list: 1. Ulaiasi TAMANISAU (GK), 2. Dave RADRIGAI, 3. Noa TUIWAINIKAI, 4. Jale DREOLA, 5. Adrian MEDINA, 6. Nickel CHAND, 7. Pita RABO, 8. Inia BOKO, 9. Esava NAQELECA, 10. Abdulwali AMAN, 11. Maciu DUNADAMU, 12. Tomasi UCULOA, 13. Poasa BAINIVALU, 14. Rusiate MATAREREGA, 15. Waisake NAVUNIGASAU, 16. Shahil DAVE, 17. Kolinio SIVOKI, 18. Al-taaf SAHIB, 19. George JERMY, 20. Leone DAMUDAMU, 21. Sakaraia NAISUA, 22. Emori RAGATA (GK), 23. Giacomo RATTO
Coach: Gurjit SINGH (FIJ)
Western United v Amicale FC
Saturday 11 April, 2015
Kick-off: 19h00
WESvAMI
Match Officials
Referee: Salesh CHAND (FIJ)
Assistant Referee 1: Terry PIRI (COK)
Assistant Referee 2: Avinesh NARAYAN (FIJ)
Fourth Official: Ravitesh BEHARI (FIJ)
The players: Solomon Island locals are a key part of this squad, even if head coach Ricardo De Vivo has elected to bring in some exports. Dual football/futsal international Jack Wetney knows the pressure-cooker that is the Champions League very well, having turned out for a number of sides over the years, including runners-up Amicale FC in 2014. Also bringing a wealth of talent and experience are James Naka and captain Benjamin Totori.
The vital statistics: Benjamin Totori’s haul of 20 goals in 35 games has led to him securing the position of top goalscorer of all time in the OFC Champions League . James Naka hasn’t fared so badly either, with 10 goals from 16 appearances.
Assistant Coach Quote: “We’ve been preparing for six weeks so I think the time has come where you just can’t wait to get the competition underway. Twelve months after Amicale made the final, they’ve changed the manager, brought in a few new players and it could go one of two ways; it could bring the balance up and make them a better team, or it could break their balance. But it’s the same with us, they’ve brought me in and a few players and it could go either way.”
Squad list: 1. Fabrizio PRATTICO (GK), 2. Tome FAISI, 3. George KAKAI, 4. George STEVENSON, 5. Freddie KINI, 6. Euan MURRAY, 7. Jack WETNEY, 8. Lenson BISILI, 9. Benjamin TOTORI, 10. Rashid KAMARA, 11. John AGBO, 12. Djibril SIBIDI, 13. James NAKA, 14. Abraham INIGA, 15. Lon GARABA, 16. Gagame FENI, 17. Abraham MAEZAMA, 18. Navusu KITU (GK), 19. Jeffery BULE, 20. Phillip MANGO (GK), 21. Ch
arlie OTAINAO, 22. Aleck WICKHAM, 23. Joses NAWO
Coach: Commins MENAPI (SOL)
Assistant Coach: Riccardo DE VIVO (ITA)
Amicale FC
The players: Little remains of the squad we saw in 2014 under Nathan Hall, but that doesn’t necessarily diminish the team. Talented striker Fenedy Masauvakalo remains, as does Kensi Tangis and Dominique Fred, both of whom proved their worth during last year’s campaign. Micah Lea’alafa has shown off his prowess in both futsal and football and will be a difficult player to predict, and shut-down.
The vital statistics: Powerhouse striker Fenedy Masauvakalo has made an impressive 28 appearances in this competition, and has netted 12 goals during that time. Defender Nelson Sale, and Osea Vakatalesau are also racking up the appearances with 27 and 25 apiece. Amicale are two-time runners up, in 2011 and 2014.
Coach Quote: “We have been talking about this OFC Champions League in the last few weeks and today we are here to play. We understand the differences between this tournament and the TVL Premier League and hopefully we will be able to reach another level of intensity. It’s going to be a great match against the Solomon Islands champion club, but my boys are ready for the battle.”
Squad list: 1. Marko MILIVOJEVIC (GK), 2. Samuela KAUTOGA, 3. Nelson SALE, 4. Marcomattia NASALI, 5. Francesco PERRONE, 6. Rijat SHALA, 7. Gaspar LEZCANO, 8. Micah LEA’ALAFA, 9. Dominique FRED, 10. Fenedy MASAUVAKALO, 11. Miguel MAGNONI, 12. Alphonse BONGNAIM, 14. Sailas NAMATAK, 15. Osea VAKATALESAU, 16. Nicola PRINCIVALLI, 17. Chanel OBED, 18. Massimiliano LIONETTI, 19. Brian KALTACK, 20. Mauro BOERCHIO (GK), 21. Laitia TUILAU, 22. Carlo POLLI, 23. Chikau MANSALE (GK), 24. Kensi TANGIS
Coach: Marko BANCHINI (ITA)
OFC and UNICEF join forces on the Pacific Cyclone Appeal
Tropical Cyclone Pam, a Category 5 cyclone has affected over 166,000 people on 22 islands, including 82,000 children. Schools, hospitals and care facilities have all been affected, leaving children vulnerable and without many basic services.
UNICEF currently has about 65 per cent of the funds required to deliver life-saving aid to thousands of children and their families in Vanuatu and other affected countries. An additional US$2 million is needed to provide access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene, lifesaving health and nutrition interventions, education and protection until the end of 2015.
To donate please visit: www.supportunicef.org/cyclonedonate .
For more information on the appeal please contact: Alice Clements at [email protected]
Sponsors
The OFC would like to acknowledge its sponsors Fiji Airways and Vodafone Fiji.