As the 2024 Rarotonga Football Season head into the fifth and final week of round one matches, the excitement builds as the competition wraps up its first phase.

After four intense rounds, all grassroots divisions have settled into their rhythm, with teams eager to hit the pitch today and showcase their skills.

This afternoon, the spotlight falls on the grassroots division, featuring the under 6 Mix, U8 Mix, U10 Mix, and U12 Mix teams. These young footballers have been bursting with energy and enthusiasm since their opening games, delivering consistent performances each week. The support from parents, coaches, and caregivers continues to create a lively atmosphere, bringing positive vibes and plenty of cheers.

In the earlier rounds, teams across the divisions have displayed remarkable improvement, with standout players showing skill and determination.

Titikaveka FC’s U8 team, for instance, has been dominant, sitting unbeaten on 12 points, with Avatiu FC trailing closely behind on 10 points. Meanwhile, Matavera-Ngatangiia’s U10s have shown impressive defensive organisation, remaining unbeaten on 12 points while Puaikura follows closely with 10 points.

The U12 division has witnessed some tight battles, especially between Avatiu and Tupapa Maraerenga. Avatiu, with four consecutive wins totalling 12 points, currently tops the table after edging out Tupapa last week. Tupapa remains close behind with nine points from three wins and one loss.

Today’s games kick off at 4:15pm at the CIFA Complex in Matavera. Wrapping up the afternoon will be an U18 men’s showdown between Nikao Sokattak FC and Tupapa Maraerenga FC at 4:50pm.

Tupapa, who went down 2-0 to Avatiu in last weekend’s match, will be looking to bounce back and secure three crucial points. They will need to capitalise on goal-scoring opportunities against their rivals, Nikao Sokattak.

On the other hand, Nikao comes into this match with momentum, following a convincing 6-0 win against Puaikura FC. They’ll be eager to pressure Tupapa early and find the back of the net, but Tupapa’s resilience and defensive strength could prove difficult to break down.

This match sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to round one, as both teams aim to finish strong and carry confidence into the second round.

• CIFA Media

Fixtures

CIFA Field 1: Under 6 Mix – 4:15pm Field 1 Tupapa Maraerenga vs Titikaveka (Ref: Natasha Dean), Field 2 Avatiu vs Puaikura (Ref: Raita Savage); Under 8 Mix – 4:15pm Field 1 Nikao Sokattak vs Tupapa Maraerenga (Ref: Jubilee Jubilee & Ranjeeta Singh), Field 2 Matavera-Ngatangiia vs Puaikura (Ref: Karl Federick), Field 3 Avatiu vs Titikaveka (Ref: Athylene Savage); Under 10 Mix – 4:15pm Field 1 Nikao Sokattak vs Tupapa Maraerenga (Ref: Andrew Teena), Field 2 Matavera-Ngatangiia vs Puaikura (Ref: Athena Napa-Nicholas), Field 3 Avatiu vs Titikaveka (Ref: Lai Gukisuva). CIFA Field 2: Under 12 Mix – 4:15pm Field 1 Nikao Sokattak vs Tupapa Maraerenga (Ref: Teupoko Tuariki), Field 2 Matavera-Ngatangiia vs Puaikura (Ref: Jaceline Pukerua), Field 3 Avatiu vs Titikaveka (Ref: Matilda Auua & Rakesh Varman). CIFA Field 1: Under 18 Men – 4:50pm Nikao Sokattak vs Tupapa Maraerenga (Ref: George George, AR1: Andrew Teena, AR2: Jaceline Pukerua, 4th: Rangeeta Singh).