Exciting battles are expected in the curtain raiser clashes between age group teams in lead up to the much-anticipated premier men’s and women’s Knockout Cup finals this Saturday.

Nikao Sokattak under-18 men’s side will be hoping to set the platform for their premier men’s team in this weekend’s Knockout Cup finals with a win against Tupapa Maraerenga at CIFA Complex in Matavera on Saturday.

The two age group teams will be battling it out for the Cup at 1.15pm before the senior women’s and premier men’s finals.

The two clubs – Nikao and Tupapa – will face each other in the premier men’s showdown.

Their U18 teams are full of hidden talents and they are expected to bring out their best to keep the fans entertained in the clash.

The Sokattak U18 have proven the team to beat this season, they are the holders of the Round Cup title and have had nine wins and three losses in the 2021 competition.

There will be no doubt these young men are going to bring the heat in their bid to claim the Knockout Cup title as well.

However their opponents Tupapa Maraerenga who finished second in the Round Cup competition after six wins, three draws and three losses showed promising form in their semi-final win against Avatiu last week. If they are able to replicate that form tomorrow, Tupapa can put a dent to Nikao’s title hopes.

In their last encounter, Tupapa came out victorious, winning 1-0 and will look to continue their winning form against Nikao.

In lead up to the U18 men’s final, the U15 boys and girls’ teams will be tussling for the titles.

In the U15 girls final, Puaikura, the holders of the Round Cup trophy, will take on Avatiu. Avatiu trail right behind them and will be determine to take home the Knockout Cup title.

With multiple, wins and a few losses, this Avatiu side has proven themselves to be a tough lot, but so has Puaikura.

Puaikura will be keen to finish the season with a clean sweep, and for that they need their lanky backline to stand tall and their quick forwards to find the back of the net.

Starting off the Knockout Cup finals tomorrow at 11.15am, before the U15 girls showdown at 12.15pm, will be the U15 boys division.

Neighbours Nikao Sokattak and Avatiu will take the field in the U15 boys final. Both teams possess speed and skills and have been evenly matched throughout the year.

Nikao are also this year’s 2021 Round Cup champions, and with their performance this year, they head into the final as the favourites. Avatiu, who finished second in the Round Cup competition, will be keen to finish a place better in the Knockout Cup final.