Latest news with #Bate
Scoop
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Final Showdown: Auckland United And Hekari Womens FC Renew Rivalry In Title Rematch
The coaches and captains of Auckland United FC and Hekari Womens FC have faced off ahead of this weekend's final at the OFC Women's Champions League in Tahiti. The two sides will meet in the title decider for the second year running with defending champions Auckland United FC winning 1-0 in the final in Honiara, Solomon Islands last year. The New Zealand champions edged a competitive Group B match 2-1 last week, and the two sides are deserving finalists having been a class above their other opponents in the tournament. Both teams expect another closely fought encounter on Saturday Tahiti time. (Sunday in New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.) 'We are expecting the same again from Hekari, good energy, good pressure.' Auckland United coach Ben Bate said. ' We have seen what Hekari will bring in the first 20 minutes and we want to start well and get on the front foot early against them.' He added. Bate's counterpart at Hekari Womens FC Ericsson Komeng, says his players learned plenty from last year's final and are determined to go one better. 'With respect to Ben and his team we have to show up on the day and hopefully create more chances because they are the defending champions and a quality side and we just have to give our best.' Komeng said. Goal scoring hasn't been a problem for either side at the tournmaent with both teams winning by 6-1 margins in the semi-finals. Auckland United captain Talisha Green is confident her side can go back-to-back. 'Yeah, we're really excited. I think finals are what we play for, these big matches, so everyone's looking forward to it, pumped up. I think they're going to come out physical, they're going to come out strong and they're going to come out quick. That is their strength, and we need to do the best that we can to nullify that.' Her counterpart Marie Kaipu (7 goals) is in a race for the tournament's golden boot with Auckland United's Zoe Benson. (8 goals) But winning is all that matters for the Hekari Womens FC captain. 'Yes, we are all ready to go to the final. We have to score one or two more goals.' The winner of the tournament will compete in the inaugural FIFA Women's Champions Cup next year in a playoff against the AFC champions with the winners visiting the CAF champions in round two.
Scoop
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Final Showdown: Auckland United And Hekari Womens FC Renew Rivalry In Title Rematch
Press Release – OFC Bate's counterpart at Hekari Womens FC Ericsson Komeng, says his players learned plenty from last year's final and are determined to go one better. The coaches and captains of Auckland United FC and Hekari Womens FC have faced off ahead of this weekend's final at the OFC Women's Champions League in Tahiti. The two sides will meet in the title decider for the second year running with defending champions Auckland United FC winning 1-0 in the final in Honiara, Solomon Islands last year. The New Zealand champions edged a competitive Group B match 2-1 last week, and the two sides are deserving finalists having been a class above their other opponents in the tournament. Both teams expect another closely fought encounter on Saturday Tahiti time. (Sunday in New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.) 'We are expecting the same again from Hekari, good energy, good pressure.' Auckland United coach Ben Bate said. ' We have seen what Hekari will bring in the first 20 minutes and we want to start well and get on the front foot early against them.' He added. Bate's counterpart at Hekari Womens FC Ericsson Komeng, says his players learned plenty from last year's final and are determined to go one better. 'With respect to Ben and his team we have to show up on the day and hopefully create more chances because they are the defending champions and a quality side and we just have to give our best.' Komeng said. Goal scoring hasn't been a problem for either side at the tournmaent with both teams winning by 6-1 margins in the semi-finals. Auckland United captain Talisha Green is confident her side can go back-to-back. 'Yeah, we're really excited. I think finals are what we play for, these big matches, so everyone's looking forward to it, pumped up. I think they're going to come out physical, they're going to come out strong and they're going to come out quick. That is their strength, and we need to do the best that we can to nullify that.' Her counterpart Marie Kaipu (7 goals) is in a race for the tournament's golden boot with Auckland United's Zoe Benson. (8 goals) But winning is all that matters for the Hekari Womens FC captain. 'Yes, we are all ready to go to the final. We have to score one or two more goals.' The winner of the tournament will compete in the inaugural FIFA Women's Champions Cup next year in a playoff against the AFC champions with the winners visiting the CAF champions in round two.
Scoop
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Final Showdown: Auckland United And Hekari Womens FC Renew Rivalry In Title Rematch
The coaches and captains of Auckland United FC and Hekari Womens FC have faced off ahead of this weekend's final at the OFC Women's Champions League in Tahiti. The two sides will meet in the title decider for the second year running with defending champions Auckland United FC winning 1-0 in the final in Honiara, Solomon Islands last year. The New Zealand champions edged a competitive Group B match 2-1 last week, and the two sides are deserving finalists having been a class above their other opponents in the tournament. Both teams expect another closely fought encounter on Saturday Tahiti time. (Sunday in New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.) 'We are expecting the same again from Hekari, good energy, good pressure." Auckland United coach Ben Bate said. " We have seen what Hekari will bring in the first 20 minutes and we want to start well and get on the front foot early against them.' He added. Bate's counterpart at Hekari Womens FC Ericsson Komeng, says his players learned plenty from last year's final and are determined to go one better. 'With respect to Ben and his team we have to show up on the day and hopefully create more chances because they are the defending champions and a quality side and we just have to give our best." Komeng said. Goal scoring hasn't been a problem for either side at the tournmaent with both teams winning by 6-1 margins in the semi-finals. Auckland United captain Talisha Green is confident her side can go back-to-back. 'Yeah, we're really excited. I think finals are what we play for, these big matches, so everyone's looking forward to it, pumped up. I think they're going to come out physical, they're going to come out strong and they're going to come out quick. That is their strength, and we need to do the best that we can to nullify that.' Her counterpart Marie Kaipu (7 goals) is in a race for the tournament's golden boot with Auckland United's Zoe Benson. (8 goals) But winning is all that matters for the Hekari Womens FC captain. 'Yes, we are all ready to go to the final. We have to score one or two more goals.' The winner of the tournament will compete in the inaugural FIFA Women's Champions Cup next year in a playoff against the AFC champions with the winners visiting the CAF champions in round two. The match is LIVE and FREE on FIFA+ link here
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
OFC Women's Champions League 2025 Semi-Finals Preview: Coaches Share Thoughts
Press Release – Oceania Football Confederation The stage is set for two thrilling semi-final showdowns at the OFC Women's Champions League in Tahiti tomorrow. Holders Auckland United FC take on Henderson Eels FC after Ba Women FC and Hekari Womens FC meet in the first semi-final at Stade Pater in Papeete. Defending champions Auckland United FC head into their match with momentum from a strong group stage, but coach Ben Bate acknowledges there's still room for improvement. 'Our game against Hekari was a bit of a challenge,' Bate reflected. 'The energy and intensity they brought in the first half caught us off-guard. We made a few changes at halftime, and I think we really took control in the second period,' Bate added. With the Solomon Islands-based side known for its pace and spearheaded by the dangerous Ileen Pegi, Bate is approaching the match with caution and respect. 'We spent time in the Solomon Islands last year during the OFC Womens Champions League and got to know the Eels quite well. They're dangerous, especially with their quick transitions and pace up front — their front four are really bright and sharp,' Bate said. For Henderson Eels, their semi-final appearance marks a historic achievement, and head coach Priscilla Tariga is keeping the mood in camp calm and focused. 'It's history for us to reach the semi-finals,' Tariga said. 'Everyone is relaxed — there's no pressure. I've told the girls, 'We can do this.'' Facing the reigning champions is no easy task, but Tariga is determined her side will stick to their plan and give everything on the field. 'Auckland are the best team, as we know, but we will give it 100 percent. We'll keep our structure, manage our game plan, and play our game. Every minute must count.' While Auckland United are a strong favourite to progress to the Championship decider, the other semi-final has a more even look to it. Ba Women FC are making history of their own in their maiden OFC Women's Champions League campaign, and Charlene Lockington is proud of her team's journey as they prepare to face Hekari Women's FC. 'We're new to the competition, but we won't take it lightly,' Lockington stated. 'We respect Hekari — they're a tough side with two Fijians in their ranks — but we are looking forward to the challenge.' 'The girls are excited. We've already made history for our club by reaching the semis. We do have one injury we're managing, but a few fresh players will be brought in. Everyone is ready.' Ericsson Komeng is keeping his Hekari Womens FC squad focused on the task ahead as they prepare to face the determined Fijian outfit. 'The mood in the camp is positive,' Komeng said. 'After the win in the final Group match, the girls are looking forward to playing Ba. They are a strong team with quality players.' While a potential rematch with Auckland United looms in the final, Komeng is adamant the team's full focus remains on their semi-final battle. 'We can't look ahead. We don't go to the grand final unless we beat Ba. That's our only focus right now — to give Ba a good game and hopefully get the win.' Both matches can be watched LIVE and FREE on FIFA+.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
OFC Women's Champions League 2025 Semi-Finals Preview: Coaches Share Thoughts
Press Release – Oceania Football Confederation Defending champions Auckland United FC head into their match with momentum from a strong group stage, but coach Ben Bate acknowledges theres still room for improvement. The stage is set for two thrilling semi-final showdowns at the OFC Women's Champions League in Tahiti tomorrow. Holders Auckland United FC take on Henderson Eels FC after Ba Women FC and Hekari Womens FC meet in the first semi-final at Stade Pater in Papeete. Defending champions Auckland United FC head into their match with momentum from a strong group stage, but coach Ben Bate acknowledges there's still room for improvement. 'Our game against Hekari was a bit of a challenge,' Bate reflected. 'The energy and intensity they brought in the first half caught us off-guard. We made a few changes at halftime, and I think we really took control in the second period,' Bate added. With the Solomon Islands-based side known for its pace and spearheaded by the dangerous Ileen Pegi, Bate is approaching the match with caution and respect. 'We spent time in the Solomon Islands last year during the OFC Womens Champions League and got to know the Eels quite well. They're dangerous, especially with their quick transitions and pace up front — their front four are really bright and sharp,' Bate said. For Henderson Eels, their semi-final appearance marks a historic achievement, and head coach Priscilla Tariga is keeping the mood in camp calm and focused. 'It's history for us to reach the semi-finals,' Tariga said. 'Everyone is relaxed — there's no pressure. I've told the girls, 'We can do this.'' Facing the reigning champions is no easy task, but Tariga is determined her side will stick to their plan and give everything on the field. 'Auckland are the best team, as we know, but we will give it 100 percent. We'll keep our structure, manage our game plan, and play our game. Every minute must count.' While Auckland United are a strong favourite to progress to the Championship decider, the other semi-final has a more even look to it. Ba Women FC are making history of their own in their maiden OFC Women's Champions League campaign, and Charlene Lockington is proud of her team's journey as they prepare to face Hekari Women's FC. 'We're new to the competition, but we won't take it lightly,' Lockington stated. 'We respect Hekari — they're a tough side with two Fijians in their ranks — but we are looking forward to the challenge.' 'The girls are excited. We've already made history for our club by reaching the semis. We do have one injury we're managing, but a few fresh players will be brought in. Everyone is ready.' Ericsson Komeng is keeping his Hekari Womens FC squad focused on the task ahead as they prepare to face the determined Fijian outfit. 'The mood in the camp is positive,' Komeng said. 'After the win in the final Group match, the girls are looking forward to playing Ba. They are a strong team with quality players.' While a potential rematch with Auckland United looms in the final, Komeng is adamant the team's full focus remains on their semi-final battle. 'We can't look ahead. We don't go to the grand final unless we beat Ba. That's our only focus right now — to give Ba a good game and hopefully get the win.' Both matches can be watched LIVE and FREE on FIFA+.
