The team coached by former Cook Islands international Tuka Tisam won the CIFA Round Cup last season without losing a match but they have no experience of what awaits them in Apia.
“We are really excited as this is the first time in history that we have made it this far in the tournament.The boys are excited, hyped up and pumped. We are looking forward to the tournament,” Tisam says.
The Puaikura line-up has received a major boost with the signing of former Rangers player, Stu Kelly.
Tisam says the addition of the well-travelled Scot has lifted morale already with the move organised via Facebook.
“I was told about him through a friend and connected with him via Social Media. Stu has a great football background playing for Auckland City and will be a great addition to the team. He will make the team complete,” Tisam says.
By contrast, rivals Tupapa Maraerenga have blazed a trail in three past editions of Oceania’s premier club competition, winning one match over Pansa of American Samoa in 2001, before taking out the Preliminary competition in 2012-13.
That campaign proved a sore one for the Cook Islands champions who faced a sudden death playoff with New Caledonia’s AS Mont Dore. Tupapa lost that match 3-1, a result that ended their dreams of a return to the top flight for the first time in 11 years.
Last season’s campaign yielded more heartache for Tupapa after they won two of their three matches before losing to eventual champions Kiwi FC 3-0.
Tupapa’s reputation as the OFC Champions League’s nearly-men has not been without its positive side with the club ranked 12th in the OFC Champions League All Time league table out of 46 teams.
Nevertheless, the Cook Island outfit sits top of the pile for all clubs that have participated in the OFC Champions League Preliminary with a record of five wins, one draw and five defeats. They’ve scored 31 goals and conceded 29.
Their nearest rivals are Kiwi FC of Samoa Lotoa’hapai United of Tonga, who sit in 21st position. Puaikura and fellow newcomers SK Baptist Church FC and Lupe Ole Soaga are as yet unranked.
Puaikura’s domestic record suggests that while they have climbed to the top of the sport in the Cook Islands, their ascent is recent.
But Tisam’s target for the OFC Champions League Preliminary remains as focused and positive as ever.
“Our objective for our young team is to win and qualify for Fiji next year and to enjoy the experience of the tournament,” he says.
Last season they reached the final of the CIFA Cup competition losing 2-1 to Tupapa, while last season’s CIFA National League championship victory was the club’s first since records began in 1950.