Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek
Fiji’s Rewa FC are the latest team in focus as part of our build-up to the OFC Men’s Champions League 2024, kicking off in Tahiti this month.
Last year Suva FC came within touching distance of delivering a very first OFC Men’s Champions League title to Fiji. The Digicel Premier League champions took Auckland City FC to extra time in the final in Port Vila before losing an absorbing contest 4-2.
They were unable to carry that form into their domestic campaign however and would eventually finish third, failing to qualify for this year’s National Playoff. That honour fell to champions Lautoka FC, who took on Rewa FC earlier this year.
Lautoka went into the two-legged contest as firm favourites, having won the Premier League by a convincing seven point margin. The first leg at Rewa’s home ground in Suva finished goalless, giving Lautoka a small advantage heading into the return fixture. However, Setareki Hughe’s heroics proved the difference, leading to a dramatic 3-2 victory for Rewa, sealing their place in the OFC Men’s Champions League.
Head Coach Rodeck Singh acknowledges his side will have to raise their game to a new level if they are to be competitive in Papeete.
“The OFC Champions League is a special tournament played by quality players, who fight hard throughout the season to get their teams to qualify and get the opportunity to compete with top teams in Oceania,” Singh said.
The Fijian side is in Group A and face defending champions Auckland City FC first up, before group games against Papua New Guinea champions Hekari United and the Solomon Warriors from Solomon Islands.
Player to Watch
Setareki Hughes was the difference maker in the playoff and will be crucial for Rewa’s chances in Tahiti. He represented Fiji at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2015 and the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, as well as being capped at senior level thirty-six times.
A disciplined and dedicated individual, Hughes has captained Rewa on a number of occasions and is a regular contributor of goals.