Nikao Sokattak and Titikaveka will be out to break their winless streaks while Matavera-Ngatangiia takes on Avatiu in round three 2024 Rarotonga Football Season this afternoon.

The third round of the 2024 Rarotonga Football Season began on Wednesday with grassroots followed by the U18 men’s match kicking off the midweek fixtures between Puaikura and Tupapa Maraerenga.

Thursday saw the U15 Boys and Senior Women taking the field, while Friday wrapped up their encounters with the U15 Girls and Premier Men.

The excitement continues today with two key fixtures: Matavera-Ngatangiia hosting Avatiu at Takitumu School Field and Nikao Sokattak facing Titikaveka at Nikao Sports Field.

The Matavera-Ngatangiia versus Avatiu Premier Men’s clash will kick off at 4:20pm at Takitumu School Field.

Both Matavera-Ngatangiia and Avatiu head into this clash with identical records – one win and one loss apiece.

Matavera, after a rocky start, found their footing with an impressive bounce-back victory last week, while Avatiu starting the season with a solid victory, they faced a setback in their second game.

Avatiu’s Premier Men’s squad, with a balanced squad that blends youthful energy and experienced leadership, will be aiming to capitalise on their strengths and build on their recent success.

They’ll need to tighten up defensively and avoid being drawn into one-on-one duels against Matavera’s rapid and technically proficient attackers. With both teams searching for consistency, today’s match promises to be a pivotal encounter that could set the tone for their respective campaigns.

The Senior Women’s Division clash between the two clubs at 2:40pm will be a perfect curtain raiser for the men’s battle.

Matavera-Ngatangiia and Avatiu women are equally poised to make their mark. Matavera, riding high from last week’s victory after an earlier defeat, will be looking to build momentum. Avatiu, meanwhile, displayed grit and determination by securing a hard-fought draw against Puaikura last week, following an opening win. With both sides eager to claim all three points, this matchup is set to be fiercely contested.

Before the senior battles take centrestage, the youth divisions will ignite the action. The U15 Boys will kick off at 11:15 am, followed by the U15 Girls at 12:15 pm, and the U18 Men at 1:15 pm.

These matches promise no shortage of intensity, as young talents from both sides are not just looking to impress – they’re out to dominate.

In the other Premier Men’s clash, Nikao Sokattak will host Titikaveka at Nikao Sports Field.

Nikao Sokattak and Titikaveka are both desperate to break their winless streaks. With neither team yet to register a victory, today’s match presents a golden opportunity for one of them to kick-start their season.

Nikao will be banking on their home-field advantage, while Titikaveka is eager to iron out the kinks from their earlier performances and turn the tide in their favour.

In the Senior Women’s Division, Nikao Sokattak and Titikaveka also find themselves in search of their first win.

Titikaveka showed signs of life in their last outing and will be aiming to build on that momentum.

Meanwhile, Nikao will be pushing for a breakout performance in front of their home crowd. This fixture is set to be a tight affair, with both teams leaving it all on the pitch in pursuit of a crucial three points.

The youth divisions will once again take the spotlight early in the day, with the U15 Boys kicking off at 11:15 am, followed by the U15 Girls at 12:15 pm, and the U18 Men at 1:15 pm.

These fixtures are more than just a curtain-raiser – they are full-fledged battles where young players are out to prove their mettle. Expect end-to-end action as these squads fiercely compete, each team determined to outclass their opponents in what promises to be a thrilling showcase of youthful talent.

• CIFA MEDIA

Fixtures

Today at Takitumu School Field: Matavera-Ngatangiia vs Avatiu FC – 11:15am U15 Boys (Ref: Te Upoko Tauriki, AR1: Matilda Auua, AR2: Athylene Savage), 12:15pm U15 Girls (Ref: Jaceline Pukera, AR1: Tuakeu Paerau, AR2: Raita Saavge),

1:15pm U18 Boys (Ref: John Pareanga, AR1: Robert Savage Snr, AR2: Raita Savage, 4th: Jaceline Pukerua), 2:40pm Senior Women (Ref: Te Upoko Tuariki, AR1: Matilda Auua, AR2: Mata Iroa ), 4:20pm Premier Men, Ref: John Pareanga (AR1: Teina Savage, AR2: Te Upoko Tuariki, 4th: Matilda Auua). At Nikao Sports Field: Nikao Sokattak FC vs Titikaveka FC – 11:15am       U15 Boys (Ref: Tupou Brogan, AR1: Lai  Gukisuva, AR2: Rakesh Varman), 12:15pm        U15 Girls (Ref: Penina Katuke, AR1: Jubilee Jubilee, AR2: George George), 1:15pm U18 Boys (Ref: George George, AR1: Ranjeeta Singh, AR2: Tupou Brogan, 4th: Lai Gukisuva), 2:40pm Senior Women (Ref: Lai Gukisuva, AR1: George George, AR2: Ranjeeta Singh), 4:20pm Premier Men (Ref: Tupou Brogan, AR1: George George, AR2: Penina Katuke, 4th: Lai Gukisuva).