Sokattak and Tupapa first clash of season

Nikao Sokattak and Tupapa Maraerenga square off at Nikao’s field today in their first soccer outing with both sides needing a win to boost their chances in the 2012 Lotto Premiership round cup competition.

Home advantage favours Nikao and this could be a significant factor as the dry, narrow and uneven Nikao playing surface will not suit either team.

Under the guidance of Alex Napa, Nikao Sokattak have proven to be very competitive in the past years and today’s contest is no different.

With several good players to choose from, Napa will have the opportunity to place the best players at the essential areas.

Tupapa will miss regular striker Paavo Mustonen and goal keeper Tony Jamieson who have transferred to Nikao Sokattak.

Nikao’s strike force of Teariki Mateariki and Basil Matapo will continue to cause problems for most defences.

For Tupapa Maraerenga, Mii Joseph will lead their defence while Grover Harmon and Rhys Ruka will be marshalling from the midfield area while Campbell Best up front should prove to be challenge for Nikao. An intriguing question will surround the effectiveness of each team’s strike force.

Titikaveka will be hosting Takuvaine in the other match today at the CIFA complex in Matavera.

In the CIPS Image & Copy Centre Women’s championship Nikao are looking forward to today’s contest against Tupapa on their home soil, while Takuvaine takes on Titikaveka.

Both these matches will commence at 2.30pm.

The first game will kick off at 1pm at both venues, Nikao field and at the CIFA complex in the under 14 girl’s division followed by the under 14 boys at 1.45pm. - CIFA Media

Referee appointments for today at the Nikao field Nikao Sokattak vs Tupapa – 1.00pm-Under 14 Girls, Ref: Melanie Wilson, Assist: Takuina Tararo & Murray Wilson, 1.45pm-Under 14 Boys, Ref: Mata Iroa, Assist: Louison Atetu & Murray Wilson, 2.30pm-Senior Women, Ref: Maara Kaukura, Assist: Lloyd Murare & Kimiora Makitae, 4.00pm-Premier Men, Ref: John Pareanga, Assist: Mata Iroa & Maara Kaukura.

Referee appointments for today at the CIFA complex Titikaveka vs Takuvaine – 1.00pm-Under 14 Girls, Ref: Lai Gukisuva, Assist: Vaka Nootai & Kimiora Makitae, 1.45pm-Under 14 Boys, Ref: Mike Mouauri, Assist: Ua Savage & Vaka Nootai, 2.30pm-Senior Women, Ref: Lai Gukisuva, Assist: Anabeth Tetauru & Ua Savage, 4.00pm-Premier Men, Ref: Mike Mouauri, Assist: Anabeth Tetauru & Lai Gukisuva.