Fijian champions Rewa FC will be looking to build upon an impressive showing at last year’s OFC Men’s Champions League in Tahiti when they begin their campaign on the opening day this Sunday.
A 2-2 draw in their first group match last year against Auckland City set the tone, with two subsequent wins clinching a semi-final place. A dramatic extra-time defeat to AS Pirae cost them the chance of a final appearance but confidence will be high as they return for another shot at Champions League glory.
They’ll be facing 2024 opponents Auckland City and AS Pirae again in Group A this year, with New Caledonia’s AS Tiga Sport completing what promises to be a challenging quartet.
The Nausori-based club were in imperious form domestically in 2024, winning the Digicel Premier League by an 11-point margin from their closest rivals, Labasa FC.
Preparations have been disrupted slightly due to the Fijian national team reaching the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifiers. With a number of players attending to international duty, the squad will not have had an opportunity to gather as one unit, until right before the tournament gets underway.
Rodeck Singh returns as head coach, having led Rewa in Tahiti last year and is positive that his side can make an improvement on that semi-final showing in 2024.
“Preparations have been good. We’ve been working with the players that we have available to us currently and everyone is showing positive signs.
“Our focus again is having a good outing – having strong performances overall and going one step further than last year,” the coach said.
Matching that semi-final appearance will certainly be a tough ask, with Group A including the defending champions and last year’s finalists, as well as the always strong AS Tiga Sport. It’s a challenge that Singh is aware of but is backing his squad to rise to it.
“We have very competitive teams in our group. Last year’s finalists are with us as well and we expect tough and quality games in all of our three group matches.
“It’s been challenging without the national players but again it has made our players to take responsibility and set up in training,” Singh explained.
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek
Rewa FC fixtures
Kick-off times local
v AS Tiga Sport
Sunday, March 30 | 12:00pm
v AS Pirae
Wednesday, April 2 | 12:00pm
v Auckland City FC
Saturday, April 5 | 3:00pm
