Round 8 of the 2024 Rarotonga Football Season kicks off with Avatiu hosting Matavera-Ngatangiia for two consecutive days of exciting football action at Aretere Park.

Both clubs, determined to move up the standings, are coming off mixed results from last weekend, and these matches offer them an opportunity to sharpen their form as the season progresses.

U15 Boys
The U15 Boys will get the action underway with Avatiu looking to maintain their impressive form after last week’s emphatic 6-0 win over Puaikura. Matavera-Ngatangiia, eager to bounce back from their 5-0 loss to Nikao Sokattak, will be keen to regroup and put up a strong defensive showing, while also trying to make their mark offensively.

Senior Women
This matchup promises to be a hard-fought encounter. Avatiu’s Senior Women come into this game buoyed by their 1-0 victory over Puaikura, a result that highlighted their ability to grind out results in tight contests. Their defence has been solid, and they’ll be looking to carry that form into this game while also being mindful of creating more scoring opportunities upfront.

Matavera-Ngatangiia, following their 4-0 win over Nikao Sokattak, will be looking to build on that result as they face Avatiu. They will aim to carry forward some of their attacking momentum while being mindful of Avatiu’s well-organised defence. Both teams will likely focus on controlling the midfield and setting the pace of the game. With both sides eager to avoid giving any ground, this match has the potential to be closely contested.

U15 Girls
The U15 Girls’ match kicks off Friday’s action, with Avatiu aiming to build on their 1-0 win last week. They’ve shown resilience throughout the season, and their ability to hold tight defensively has been a major asset. Matavera-Ngatangiia, still searching for consistency in their performances, will look to push forward and test Avatiu’s backline. Both teams will be eager to showcase their skills.

Premier Men
The Premier Men’s clash between Avatiu and Matavera-Ngatangiia will be an important match for both sides. Avatiu, coming off a narrow 2-1 win over Puaikura, are steadily gaining confidence as their younger players gain valuable experience each week. They’ll look to maintain a solid defensive structure while using their pace up front to challenge Matavera-Ngatangiia’s defence.

Matavera-Ngatangiia, following a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Nikao Sokattak, will aim to continue their attacking efforts, having shown good moments in breaking through defences. Their focus will likely be on maintaining that offensive edge while tightening up their defence, especially against an Avatiu side that can be threatening on the counter.

• CIFA Media

Fixtures

Thursday, 12th September 2024 at Aretere Park, Avatiu – 4pm U15 Boys
Avatiu vs Matavera-Ngatangiia (Ref: Teupoko Tuariki, R1: Rajeenta Singh, AR2: Athylene Savage), 5pm Senior Women Avatiu vs Matavera-Ngatangiia (Ref: Penina Katuke, AR1: Matilda Auua, AR2: Teupoko Tuariki, 4th: Robert Savage Snr). Friday, 6th September 2024 at Arertere Park, Avatiu – 4pm U15 Girls Avatiu vs Matavera-Ngatangiia (Ref: Teupoko Tuariki, AR1: Ranjeeta Singh, AR2: Raita Savage), 5pm Premier Men Avatiu vs Matavera-Ngatangiia (Ref: Robert Savage Snr, AR1: John Pareanga, AR2: Teina Savage, 4th: Teupoko Tuariki).