Tupapa Maraerenga FC are ready to rise to the occasion at the OFC Women’s Champions League in Tahiti next month.
As newcomers to the tournament, Tupapa Maraerenga FC are determined to test their skills on the international stage and Head Coach Angela Wallbank says excitement is high ahead of their first match.
“There’s a lot of excitement within the team. We’ve done a lot to prepare and when we get there we’ll know what it’s all about.”
Tupapa Maraerenga FC sealed their place in the OFC Women’s Champions League, following their 2-1 victory against Avatiu FC in the Cook Islands Football Associations’ Knockout Cup.
Entering their first OFC Women’s Champions League, Wallbank says the team are focused on nailing the basics.
“Something we’ve been talking about from the beginning is that it is an unknown of how these teams can play and what we can expect.
“Having the key fundamentals and working together as a unit has been the key for us.”
The Cook Islands side will feature in the opening match of the tournament when they face Henderson Eels FC of the Solomon Islands.
Ready for their first outing at the OFC Champions League, Wallbank says the women are ready to showcase their competitiveness.
“[So,] let’s be as competitive as we can. On the day that might look different on each match, but our aim is to be competitive.”
Tupapa Maraerenga will compete in Group A, along with Ba Women’s FC (Fiji), Penama Tigers FC (Vanuatu), and Henderson Eels FC (Solomon Islands.)
Photo Credit: CIFA
Tupapa Maraerenga fixtures
Kick-off times local
v Henderson Eels FC
Sunday, May 4 | 10:00am
v Penama Tigers FC
Wednesday, May 7 | 10:00am
v Ba Women FC
Saturday, May 10 | 3:00pm