Thrilling semifinals are set for the 2023 Championship at Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA and Takitumu School Grounds today.

The CIFA Complex and the Takitumu School Grounds in Matavera will be buzzing with excitement today as football enthusiasts gather in large numbers to witness the semifinals in various categories, featuring some of the most talented teams on the island.

At the CIFA Complex, the fixtures begin at 11:15am with the Under 15 Boys category, where Avatiu FC will battle it out with Puaikura FC. The match will be officiated by Tahiri Elikana, Kimberly Uini, and Matilda Auua. Following this match, the Under 15 Girls of Tupapa Maraerenga FC and Matavera-Ngatangiia FC will take the field at 12:15pm, displaying their skills under the watchful eyes of Penina Katuke, Jaceleine Pakerua, and Matilda Auua.

The afternoon will showcase the Under 18 men’s teams of Tupapa Maraerenga FC and Nikao Sokattak FC facing off at 1:15pm. This closely fought match will be overseen by Rakesh Varman, Mata Iroa, Penina Katuke, and Tahiri Elikana. At 2:40pm, the Senior Women’s teams of Avatiu FC and Matavera-Ngatangiia FC will battle it out under the supervision of Tahiri Elikana, Penina Katuke, Mata Iroa, and Ua Savage. The day at CIFA Complex will conclude with a high-octane match between the Premier Men’s teams of Tupapa Maraerenga FC and Titikaveka FC at 4:20pm, refereed by Terry Piri, Kimberly Uini, Tahiri Elikana, and Ua Savage.

Simultaneously, at the Takitumu School Grounds, equally thrilling matches will kick off keeping supporters and spectators on edge. The Under 15 Boys’ teams of Matavera-Ngatangiia FC and Titikaveka FC will get the ball rolling at 11:15am under the stewardship of Lai Gukisuva, Tuakeu Paerau, and John Pareanga. The match will be followed by the Under 15 Girls’ teams of Nikao Sokattak FC and Titikaveka FC, who will display their prowess at 12:15pm. This match will be refereed by Teupoko Tuariki, Junior Paniani, and Poko Tangata.

The Under 18 men’s teams of Avatiu FC and Titikaveka FC will lock horns at 1:15pm, with the match officiated by John Pareanga, Lai Gukisuva, Ioane Brogan and Robert Sr. The Senior Women’s teams of Tupapa Maraerenga FC and Puaikura FC will battle it out at 2:40pm, with Rakesh Varman, Tuakeu Paerau, Robert Savage Jr, and Ioane Brogan officiating the match. The day at Takitumu School Grounds will conclude with a nail-biting match between the Premier Men’s teams of Nikao Sokattak FC and Puaikura FC at 4:20pm, with John Pareanga, Teupoko Tuariki, Tupou Brogan, and Robert Sr serving as match officials.

Today’s semifinals will undoubtedly set the stage for an exciting final next week. The level of competition and skill displayed by all teams promises an exhilarating final round.

• CIFA Media