Improved weather conditions are expected to allow Friday’s round of OFC Pro League matches to proceed as scheduled at North Harbour Stadium, following a complete washout on Tuesday.
South Island United will head into their afternoon clash refreshed, after their midweek fixture against Fiji’s Bula FC was postponed due to poor weather. They are set to face Vanuatu United FC at 3.00pm, with both sides looking to build momentum in the competition.
Vanuatu United forward Jordy Tasip, who found the back of the net in his team’s 3–1 loss to Auckland FC on Tuesday night, will come up against several familiar faces. Tasip previously played alongside a number of South Island United players during his stint with Christchurch United in last season’s New Zealand National League.
“They're good friends to me, so tomorrow is a special game for me,” Tasip said, as he prepares to reunite with Steven van Dijk, Ollie van Rijssel, Riley Grover, Charlie Beale, and injured forward Josh Rogerson.
South Island United vice-captain Ollie van Rijssel welcomed the reunion, praising his former teammate.
“He's a legend, isn’t he,” van Rijssel said. “I think he enjoyed his time with us, apart from the cold weather maybe. He’s a worker and he’ll just get stuck in.”
Vanuatu United head coach Lars Hopp indicated he is likely to rotate his squad, with Friday’s match marking the team’s third game in six days.
In the evening fixture, Auckland FC will aim to maintain their perfect start to the tournament when they take on Bula FC at 7.00pm. Luke Casserly’s side has recorded two wins from two matches so far.
“We’re really looking forward to the game,” Casserly said. “We’re two from two, so there’s a good feeling within the group, and the players are excited to be running out again on Friday night.
“Everyone wants to play, which is a great position to be in as a coach, but we also need to respect the situation. Bula FC will be well rested after their midweek match was called off, and they looked dangerous against Vanuatu.”
Bula FC head coach Stephane Auvray said his team is ready for a strong contest.
“We will have some good players with fresh legs, and hopefully the result will be ours,” Auvray said.
Friday’s fixtures are expected to play a key role in shaping the early standings of the OFC Pro League as teams take advantage of improved conditions to resume competition.
