Tupapa FC takes on challenge

A regional battle awaits when Cook Islands champions Tupapa Maraerenga FC when they face Rewa FC in next week’s OFC Men’s Champions League campaign.

Tupapa FC arrived in the country on Thursday night brimming with confidence and knowing their opening Group B encounter against the Fiji champions will be an early test for them.

But the Cook Islands side is not coming to make up the numbers.

Midfielder Kima Webb said Tupapa FC respected Rewa’s strength but believes his team have the quality to compete against the best in Oceania.

“We know that Rewa is a good team, and we know that we’re a good team as well, so we hope we have a good game together,” Webb said.

The Cook Islands champions have been drawn in a challenging Group B alongside Rewa, Vanuatu’s ABM Galaxy FC and Papua New Guinea’s Lae City FC.

Webb told SUNsports that they are taking on the challenge.

“We are really excited. It’s a men’s competition, and the level is much higher, so we know that we have to perform better,” he said.

With players based between New Zealand and Rarotonga, Tupapa FC’s preparation has required building connections across distances. Webb said that process had helped create a united squad heading into the tournament.

“The New Zealand boys and I have been playing games and training together, so we know each other pretty well. It’s pretty easy for us to gel together,” he added.

Meanwhile, Tahiti champions AS Venus have also arrived with ambitions of winning the tournament.

Striker Haewegene Germain said the side’s target was clear.

“We are here to win the tournament. We will try our best to go as far as we can. We are here for the final. We have been training well, so we are good for the tournament. We are very happy to be in Fiji and excited to play,” Germain said.

With champions arriving from across the region, the stage is set for a tournament where every match could shape the road to glory.

Feedback: katherine.naidu@fijisun.com.fj