Knock-out football kicks off today

Nikao Sokattak will take on football round cup champions Puaikura in the first game of the knock-out cup finals at the CIFA complex in Matavera today.

The match kicks off at 5pm and promises to be a tense encounter between two teams who are desperate for the 2013 Knock-out Cup.

Both sides have won one game each when they faced each other during the round cup competition.

No doubt today’s clash will provide an intriguing attention-grabbing match with pivotal players placed in crucial positions for Puaikura and Nikao Sokattak.

For their part, Puaikura’s ‘village pride’ will ensure that they will not ‘lay down’ for their illustrious opponents.

On the contrary, they have been a difficult opponent to beat and have played with tenacity and pride with the inclusion of budding youngsters Pekay Edwards on the wing while Kimi Samuel and Dwyane Tiputoa control their mid-field area.

Without a doubt both teams will be on equal footing prior to the kick-off of today’s knock-out finals match.

Coach Alex Napa will ensure that his players are in the correct frame of mind for this important encounter and Nikao should possess many ‘big guns’ for Puaikura. With the talent and speed of Sokattak’s Mark Leito in the forwards, this will give Puaikura defensive problems and could be the edge in determining the outcome of the match.

Draw and referee appointment for today at the CIFA complex – 5.00pm Under 17 Men Puaikura vs Nikao Sokattak, Ref-Tupou Patia, Assisted by Jerrica Matapuku and Terry Piri.