Pride, hard work, and unfinished business. It’s all on the line now for the national champions of Papua New Guinea and Aotearoa New Zealand; Hekari United and Auckland United, as they take on one another in the OFC Women’s Champions League 2024 final tomorrow afternoon (Saturday 23) in Honiara.
The teams are worthy finalists on all counts – scoring the most goals and conceding the fewest, both enduring heat and humidity-infused extra time in their semi-final matches.
Speaking at the National Stadium in Honiara the day before the final, captains and Head Coaches Marie Kaipu and Ericson Komeng from Hekari United, and Talisha Green and Ben Bate from Auckland United, reflected on the significance of the game for their clubs and communities.
Auckland United captain Green spoke of the honour her team felt being the first representatives from Aotearoa New Zealand at the tournament, and making the final at the first time of asking.
“There’s a big sense of pride around it,” Green said.
“It’s been a challenging process to get here, it’s been quite long, but we’re glad to be here. We are really excited and pumped for the final, and really want to give it our all.”
With every intention of stopping the newcomers, Hekari United are keen to go one better than last year, having finished runners-up in the 2023 tournament’s round-robin. While they were disappointed not to secure the inaugural title, last years’ experience has stood his side in good stead, Komeng says.
“To get here is a dream come true for the team. We were short last year, but to make it tomorrow against Auckland United is a dream come true for the team,” Komeng said.
“The round-robin [format from 2023], playing in groups last year was tough as you have to compete in all the games to be at the top. I think the experience that we got last year helped to push us this time.”
Coming up against an experienced Hekari United champing at the bit to go one better is an experience that Bate hopes will prepare his young side well ahead of tomorrow’s showpiece occasion.
“It’s about continually building for us. We’re trying to do the best to develop these young players,” he said.
“Development is a huge part of what we’re about, and with that obviously becomes these opportunities as well. There’s another final tomorrow, it’s another great opportunity to get our girls in front of the TV cameras and have that experience so that hopefully if they do go into qualifiers or professional environments, it’s not a new thing for them, they can adjust seamlessly and jump straight in.”
As the game ticks nearer, both teams are garnering strong support from back home, and know just how significant winning the OFC Women’s Champions League would be, both for the players themselves and for their communities in their respective nations.
“We’ve been working hard back in Papua New Guinea. To represent our country and our families, friends, and our loved ones is an honour,” Komeng said
“After the pool matches and the semi-final, we started to get a lot of positive comments and news back in Papua New Guina. That’s the thing that we wanted to hear, and it could help bring us over the line over the 90 minutes tomorrow.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by Green.
“It’s very inspiring seeing what’s happening back home and what the club are putting on for us in terms of support. It’s really cool to see your mum, dad, family, friends, everyone watching and supporting you,” Green said.
The Hekari United’s qualification for the final evolved after they became the Group A winners with a 2-0 defeat over Labasa Women FC at the extra time. Top goal scorer was given to Marie Kaipu with three goals.
Auckland United advanced to Final after winning the Group B. They then defeated Tafea FC with 2 points to 1 at extra time in the Semi Final. Top goalscorer for Auckland was awarded to Rene Wasi who scored three goals. – OFC
Caption: From left: Ericson Komeng (Hekari United Head Coach), Marie Kaipu (Hekari United captain), Talisha Green (Auckland United captain), Ben Bate (Auckland United Head Coach). Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek.
