The soldiers in blue, Titikaveka, will take on the mighty black and white Tupapa Maraerenga in the feature premier men’s match this afternoon.

Seeing as in their last encounter, Titikaveka overcame Tupapa Maraerenga on their home grounds, today’s fixture will not be an easy one for Titikaveka as the Tupapa side will be hungry for redemption and a chance to keep at Nikao’s tail on the points table.

A side like Tupapa isn’t an easy team to surmount but Titikaveka have shown drive in their previous matches and will want another outcome like the last.

Titikaveka will need to bring a fearless midfield, their usual midfielders Akiona Tairi along with young Nuku Mokoroa, and the help of their backline, will need to create a tough environment disallowing any scoring opportunities from Tupapa’s midfielders to their strikers.

Titikaveka’s speedsters Rua Oti and Joseph Tuaputa will have to capitalise on any counterattack from their midfield players into their opponent’s goal.

On opposite ends, Tupapa without a doubt are a team of many strengths and will be certain to display these in their match today.

Tupapa will not enter the field underestimating their opponents, however with the Round Cup at arm’s reach, Tupapa’s midfield strongholds Paavo Mustonen, Grover Harmon and Anthony Samuela will look to dominate Titikaveka with ball possession and well-placed passes to their forwards to reach the back of the net.

However the Tupapa back-four will need to stand tall to avoid any attempts at their goal.

In the Islander Women’s competition, recently announced Round Cup winners Tupapa Maraerenga will take on Titikaveka.

Tupapa will enter the match as favourites but if Titikaveka show the same fighting qualities that they displayed against Nikao Sokattak last week, it will be a challenge for the champions.

Tupapa’s ball control and fitness skills have been their strength in getting results, and have brought them through the weekly competition on a high.

These two teams are sure to give it their all to come out victorious in today’s match.

Kicking off the day at CIFA will be the U15 Boys at 11.15am, while playing at Avatiu Field will be Puaikura FC and Avatiu FC, who will start their games with the  U15 Girls at 12.40pm.

- CIFA Media

Fixtures

CIFA complex, Matavera – 11.15am Under 15 Boys. Titikaveka FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC (Ref: Tehainnah Tatuava, Assist: Penina Katuke, Ava Wyllie), 12.15pm Under 15 Girls. Titikaveka FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC (Ref: Merian Noovao, Assist: Noovao Blake, Anzac Tapaitau), 1.15pm    Under 18 Men. Titikaveka FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC (Ref: Maara Kaukura, Assist: Tailei Blake, Kimberly Uini), 2.40pm Senior Women. Titikaveka FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC (Ref: Lai Gukisuva, Assist: Merian Noovao, Kimberly Uini), 4.15pm Premier Men. Titikaveka FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC (Ref: Tupou Brogan, Assist: Maara Kaukura, Lai Gukisuva). Avatiu Field – 12.40pm Under 15 Girls. Avatiu FC vs Puaikura FC (Ref: Kataraina Piri, Assist: Dallas Rongokea, Junior Savage), 1.40pm Under 15 Boys. Avatiu FC vs Puaikura FC (Ref: Ua Savage, Assist: Teupoko Tuariki, Theressa Kaukura), 2.40pm Senior Women Avatiu FC vs Puaikura FC (Ref: Robert Savage, Assist: Junior Savage, Poko Manuela), 4.15pm Premier Men. Avatiu FC vs Puaikura FC (Ref: John Pareanga, Assist: Kataraina Piri, Tahiri Elikana).