This weekend promises thrilling encounters as round two of the 2024 Rarotonga Football Season gets underway. Avatiu will host Puaikura at Aretere Park, while Nikao Sokattak takes on Matavera-Ngatangiia at the CIFA Complex.

The Premier Men’s main match at 4.20pm at Aretere Park will see Avatiu hosting Puaikura. Both teams are coming off impressive wins in their opening matches last week and will be eager to secure their second victory.

Avatiu, featuring a youthful squad with a majority of U18 players, saw standout performances from Tione Nand and Andrew Teena. Senior players Viiga Reupena and James Nand provided crucial leadership, guiding the team to success.

On the other side, Puaikura’s defence was anchored by Jarves Aperau, with newly acquired players Akiona Tairi and Daniel Taokia bolstering the team alongside seasoned player Dwayne Tiputoa. The blend of senior experience and young talent makes this match a must-watch.

In another exciting matchup, Nikao Sokattak will face Matavera-Ngatangiia at the CIFA Complex, also at 4.20pm. Both Nikao Sokattak and Matavera-Ngatangiia suffered defeats last weekend and are determined to claim three points this time around.

This match will be particularly intriguing as Matavera-Ngatangiia features several former Nikao Sokattak players, adding an extra layer of intensity and rivalry.

The Senior Women’s division will see Avatiu take on Puaikura at 2.40pm at Aretere Park. The 2023 champions, Avatiu, triumphed over Nikao in their last outing, with impressive performances from Paeru Ngaroi and Ngamaanga Taripo, who controlled the midfield together with striker Tashi Kopu capitalising on goal.

They will face a tenacious Puaikura midfield led by Teupoko Tuariki and Esther Potoru, while Tasha Dean’s leadership in defence will be crucial to keep Avatiu’s strikers at bay. Puaikura is coming off a convincing 4-1 win against Titikaveka and will be aiming for another strong performance.

At the same time at the CIFA Complex, Nikao Sokattak will clash with Matavera-Ngatangiia. Both teams are looking to bounce back from last week’s losses. This encounter will be pivotal for both Nikao Sokattak and Matavera-Ngatangiia as they strive to turn their loss around and secure their first win of the season.

The day’s proceedings will kick off with the U15 Boys matches at 11.15am at both venues, followed by the U15 Girls at 12.15pm, and the U18 Men at 1.15pm.

• CIFA Media

Fixtures

Aretere Park: Avatiu FC vs Puaikura FC – 11:15am U15 Boys (Ref: Robert Savage Sr, AR1: Matilda Auua, AR2: Athylene Brecious, 4th: Ua Savage), 12:15pm U15 Girls (Ref: Ua Savage, AR1: Raita Savage, AR2: Andrew Teena, 4th: Robert Savage Jnr), 1:15pm U18 Boys (Ref: John Pareanga, AR1: Teupoko Tuariki, AR2: Athylene Brecious, 4th: Robert Savage Snr), 2:40pm Senior Women (Ref: Robert Savage Snr, AR1: Jaceline Pukerua, AR2: Athylene Brecious, 4th: Ua Savage), 4:20pm Premier Men (Ref: John Pareanga, AR1: Teupoko Tuariki, AR2: Matilda Auua, 4th: Robert Savage Snr).  CIFA Complex: Nikao Sokattak FC vs Matavera-Ngatangiia FC –11:15am U15 Boys (Ref: Tupou Brogan, AR1: Mata Iroa, AR2: Lai Gukisuva, 4th: Rakesh Varman), 12:15pm U15 Girls (Ref: Lai Gukisuva, AR1: Athena Napa-Nicholas, AR2: Mata Iroa, 4th: Rakesh Varman), 1:15pm U18 Boys (Ref: Penina Katuke, AR1: Teina Savage, AR2: Tupou Brogan, 4th: Athena Napa-Nicholas), 2:40pm Senior Women (Ref: George George, AR1: Rangeeta Singh, AR2: Rakesh Varman, 4th: Athena Napa-Nicholas), 4:20pm Premier Men (Ref: Tupou Brogan, AR1: Penina Katuke, AR2: George George, 4th: Rakesh Varman).