At the CIFA Complex, Nikao Sokattak FC will square off against Tupapa-Maraerenga FC in the 2024 Rarotonga Round Cup, while across town at Teimurimotia Park, Titikaveka FC will host Avatiu FC.

Both matches will feature key battles in the Premier Men’s and Senior Women’s divisions, while the youth teams will also compete kicking off at 11:15am., leading to the highly anticipated senior fixtures in the afternoon.

At Teimurimotia Park, all eyes will be on the Premier Men’s match between Titikaveka FC and Avatiu FC. Avatiu comes into this game sitting in a strong 3rd place in the league, while Titikaveka, positioned 6th, will be eager to climb the standings with a much-needed win.

Avatiu enters the match with a confident spring in their step after a 5-0 loss against Tupapa-Maraerenga in their last outing.

The team’s attacking form has been clinical, with Joseph Crocombe and Tione Nand leading the charge in recent weeks. Avatiu’s strong midfield, paired with their solid defense, makes them a tough opponent for any side.

In contrast, Titikaveka FC is still in the process of finding its rhythm this season, but the team has shown resilience despite their lower position in the table.

The Senior Women’s fixture promises another exciting encounter, as Avatiu FC takes on Titikaveka FC in what is shaping up to be a tactical battle.

Avatiu will look to build up from their recent loss over Tupapa-Maraerenga, with their midfield set to play a crucial role in controlling possession and launching attacks.

Titikaveka Senior Womens will rely heavily on the leadership and work rate of Edwina Matenga, whose vision and passing can spark attacks from deep in midfield. 

Across at the CIFA Complex, the Premier Men’s match between Nikao Sokattak FC and Tupapa-Maraerenga FC will be equally captivating.

Nikao Sokattak FC is coming off a 1-1 draw to Puaikura FC, but they are a team with plenty of resilience.

Despite the equaliser, Nikao Sokattak has shown moments of defensive strength and attacking flair throughout the season.

Both teams are coming into this fixture with something to prove, making this a crucial game for their ambitions in the league.

The Senior Women’s match at the CIFA Complex is another tactical contest, as Nikao Sokattak FC meets Tupapa-Maraerenga FC.

Tupapa’s midfield will be pivotal in dictating the game’s tempo, looking to maintain possession and exploit any gaps in Nikao’s defense.

Nikao Sokattak Senior Women will rely on the counter-attacking abilities of Jennifer Akavi, who will anchor the defense, and Shannon Van Eijk, who can exploit spaces left open by Puaikura’s forward movement. Eitiare Watson, Nikao’s goalkeeper, will have a crucial role to play, as she will need to remain alert to keep Puaikura’s attacking threats at bay.

The senior matches feature the future stars of Cook Islands football, with youth teams from the Under-15 Boys and Girls and Under-18 Men divisions all set to showcase their talent. These matches will provide a platform for the next generation of footballers to make their mark and demonstrate the skill and passion that will help shape the future of the sport in the Cook Islands. CIFA Media

Fixtures: CIFA Complex: Nikao Sokattak vs Tupapa Maraerenga-11:15am U15 Boys; 12:15pm U15 Girls; 1:15pm U18 Men

2:40pm Senior Women; 4:20pm Premier Men

At Teimurimotia Park, Titikaveka vs Avatiu-11:15am U15 Boys; 12:15pm U15 Girls; 1:15pm U18 Men; 2:40pm Senior Women; 4:20pm Premier Men.