Victoria Park will host another thrilling round of matches in the 2024 Rarotonga Round Cup Competition, with Tupapa Maraerenga FC taking on Avatiu FC in pivotal encounters for both the Premier Men and Senior Women.

The youth divisions will also bring their share of excitement as teams aim to progress and secure top spot honours in this fiercely competitive tournament.

Meanwhile, at Teimurimotia Park, Titikaveka FC will host Matavera-Ngatangiia FC across multiple divisions, ensuring a packed day of football for local fans.

Today’s fixtures at both venues kick off at 11:15 am with the Under-15 Boys division, followed by the Under-15 Girls at 12.15pm, the Under-18 Men at 1:15 pm, Senior Women at 2:40pm, and the day ending with the Premier Men at 4:20pm.

Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs Avatiu FC

Tupapa Maraerenga currently leads the Premier division standings with 20 points, while Avatiu FC sits in fourth place with 12 points, just behind Puaikura.

Tupapa comes into this match after a 2-2 draw against Puaikura, while Avatiu is looking to rebound from a narrow 2-1 loss to Matavera. Both teams will be eager to strengthen their standings in the competition.

Tupapa has displayed dominance both in attack and defence throughout the season. Defensively, Avi Enoka has been pivotal in organising the backline, while Marcus Gibbens at left-back offers defensive stability and also contributes to the attack with his ability to penetrate down the wing, stretching opposition defenses. In midfield, Grover Harmon controls the tempo, linking play and creating opportunities for forwards Paavo Mustonen and Tuffy Ngametua, who have been clinical in front of goal. Tupapa’s combination of defensive resilience and attacking width makes them a formidable side on both ends of the pitch.

Avatiu, while currently fourth, has shown steady improvements in recent weeks. Their possession-based approach, led by midfielders Joseph Crocombe and Christopher Pita, focuses on quick transitions, especially through their fast-paced wingers. In defence, Paul Ngaroi and James Nand have worked to close down spaces and limit opposition chances, providing stability at the back. Up front, striker Tione Nand remains their main attacking threat and will look to capitalise on opportunities created by his midfield. Despite coming off a loss, Avatiu’s overall performances have been on the rise, and they will aim to continue that upward trend against league leaders Tupapa.

This matchup promises a competitive battle between two teams aiming to make their mark at this stage of the competition. With both sides excelling in key areas, it will be a test of whether Tupapa’s clinical possession play can outmatch Avatiu’s improved, high-tempo game.

In the Senior Women’s division, it’s a top-of-the-table clash as Avatiu, leading with 20 points, faces second-place Tupapa Maraerenga, close behind with 17 points.

Avatiu enters this match with momentum after last week’s win, while Tupapa, coming off a draw, will aim for a victory.

Avatiu’s game plan revolves around a high-pressing style, with the midfield playing a crucial role in winning back possession and creating opportunities for the forwards. Their aggressive approach looks to disrupt their opponents’ build-up play and force errors that can be turned into scoring chances. Captain Rima Browne will be key to driving this intensity and keeping the team organised both in attack and defense.

Tupapa, in contrast, is known for their possession-based football. Their midfield controls the tempo of the game, focusing on precise passing and ball retention to create attacking opportunities. They look to feed their striker through well-timed through balls, relying on clinical finishing to convert chances. Claudean Robati, Tupapa’s captain, will play a pivotal role in maintaining their composed style of play, while also leading the defensive efforts to prevent Avatiu from capitalising on the counter.

With both teams vying for top spot, this match is poised to be a tactical battle of possession versus pressure, where the captains will play critical roles in guiding their teams.

Titikaveka FC vs Matavera-Ngatangiia FC

Titikaveka FC will welcome Matavera-Ngatangiia FC to their home ground, with both sides standing on opposite ends of the league table. Matavera-Ngatangiia currently hold second place, boasting five wins, a draw, and two losses. Meanwhile, Titikaveka sit in fifth place with a challenging record of one win, one draw, and six losses.

Their first encounter this season was a tightly contested affair, with Matavera-Ngatangiia emerging victorious in a 3-2 thriller.

Titikaveka may be lower in the standings, but they are no strangers to defying the odds, particularly when playing on home turf. The dynamic duo of Bill Tangapiri and Nadave Tereapii will be pivotal in creating opportunities for forwards Tangi Akava and young talent Sisa Pickering to make an impact up front.

Matavera-Ngatangiia, on the other hand, enter the match with confidence and a clear goal – to secure the three points. Central defender Ronnie Sakai and Edward Brogan have been instrumental in maintaining defensive solidity. Further up the pitch, the midfield influence of Jayjay Osinamo and the attacking prowess of Alphy Ngire will be crucial as they look to break through Titikaveka’s defence.

In their last meeting in the Senior Women’s match,Titikaveka and Matavera-Ngatangiia played out a 1-1 draw in a hard-fought match. Both teams have shown great resilience throughout the season, but this upcoming clash is crucial as they both seek to improve their standings.

Titikaveka will rely on the leadership of captain Penina Katuke and the experienced Edwina Matenga-Piri, who have both been essential in guiding the team’s attack and defence. Their ability to control the tempo will be key to Titikaveka’s chances.

For Matavera-Ngatangiia, captain Tearoa Rouru and centreback Tanga Morris will play pivotal roles in keeping their team well-organised. Their strategy will likely focus on staying compact to prevent Titikaveka’s offensive moves, while quick counter-attacks could provide their forwards with the opportunities they need to strike.

In addition to the senior matches, the youth divisions will also be in full swing at both Victoria Park and Teimurimotia Park. From the Under-15 Boys and Girls to the Under-18 Men, young footballers will have their chance to shine as they strive to improve their standings and make their mark on the competition.

• CIFA Media

Fixtures

Victoria Park: Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs Avatiu FC – 11:15am U15 Boys (Ref: George George, AR1: Andrew Teena, AR2: Matilda Auua), 12:15pm U15 Girls (Ref: Robert Savage Jnr, AR1: Tuakeu Paerau, AR2: George George), 1:15pm U18 Boys (Ref: Rakesh Varman, AR1: Robert Savage Snr, AR2: Teina Savage, 4th: Jason Lindsay), 2:40pm        Senior Women (Ref: Te Upoko Tuariki, AR1: Mata Iroa, AR2: Tuakeu Paerau, 4th: Athylene Savage), 4:20pm Premier Men (Ref: Rakesh Varman, AR1: Te Upoko Tuariki, AR2: Robert Savage Snr, 4th: Mata Iroa).

Teimurimotia Park: Titikaveka FC vs Matavera-Ngatangiia FC – 11:15am U15 Boys (Ref: John Pareanga, AR1: Jubilee Jubilee, AR2: Tunui Matt), 12:15pm U15 Girls (Ref: Ua Savage, AR1: Prashant Mani, AR2: Raita Savage), 1:15pm U18 Boys (Ref: Penina Katuke, AR1: Prashant Mani, AR2: Raita Savage, 4th: Ua Savage), 2:40pm Senior Women (Ref: Lai Gukisuva, AR1: Teariki Piri, AR2: Prashant  Mani, 4th: Ua Savage), 4:20pm Premier Men (Ref: John Pareanga, AR1: Penina Katuke, AR2: Ranjeenta Singh, 4th: Ua Savage).