Champions return as seven OFC Women’s Champions League teams settle in Honiara
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The full line-up for the OFC Women’s Champions League 2026 is now assembled in Honiara, with all seven participating teams settled in the capital ahead of Saturday’s tournament kick-off.
The arrival of defending champions Auckland United FC of New Zealand, New Caledonia’s Drehu Athletico FC, Fiji’s Ba Women’s FC and Cook Islands club Puaikura FC at Henderson International Airport yesterday afternoon completed the arrival of the competing teams.
Their arrival followed the earlier landing of Vanuatu’s Tafea FC on Monday and Papua New Guinea powerhouse Hekari Women’s FC on Tuesday, while host nation Solomon Islands representatives Henderson Eels FC complete the seven-team field.
The arrival of the regional clubs has officially set the stage for what promises to be another exciting chapter in Oceania women’s football, with Honiara preparing to welcome the best women’s club teams from across the Pacific.
For defending champions Auckland United FC, returning to Honiara brings back memories of their historic success after winning the first OFC Women’s Champions League title.
Auckland United captain Talisha Green said the team was excited to return to the place where they created history.
“Yeah, definitely. I think, you know, it’s a bit of history here for us. We’ve just counted that there are seven of us that were here for that first tournament,” Green said.
“So, it’s really good to see players staying on and returning for another year here.”
Green said the squad understands the challenges that come with competing in Honiara but believes they are ready for the conditions.
“We know what the conditions are like here. We know it’s going to be tough. We know it’s going to be challenging, but we’re up for it definitely. And we’re prepared really well.”
The defending champions arrive as one of the tournament favourites, but Green said the expectation that comes with being title holders is something the team embraces.
“It does, a little bit — extra pressure. But we think that pressure is good. We love a bit of pressure. It helps us to perform, definitely.”
While Auckland United returns with experience, New Caledonia’s Drehu Athletico FC arrives in Honiara ready to make its mark in its first-ever OFC Women’s Champions League appearance.
The New Caledonian team are hoping to follow the footsteps of AS Academy Feminine, who became the first-ever winners of the competition in 2023.
Drehu Athletico player Jaelle Sinyeue said the team was feeling positive despite the long journey to Honiara.
“We’re feeling good. We’re a little bit tired because of the travel, but we’re feeling good,” she said.
Drehu Athletico faces a major opening challenge after being drawn against defending champions Auckland United in their first match.
“Yes, it’s a big match and we don’t say anything because we’re going to see afterwards,” Sinyeue said.
Meanwhile, Fiji’s Ba Women’s FC returns to the competition with unfinished business after reaching last year’s semi-finals.
Experienced striker Koleta Likuculacula said the team has arrived with a different mindset and believes the changes made to the squad can help them go further this year.
“It’s good to be back here in Solomon’s once again. This is my second time here. It’s amazing to be here and it’s amazing to be part of this amazing team,” Likuculacula said.
“Unfortunately last year we just reached the semi-finals, but we came here with a different mindset and a different team.”
She said the inclusion of new players and returning squad members has strengthened Ba’s preparations.
“Just the girls. A few girls have come in this year. Our old players, the ones that didn’t make it last year. I think it’s going to be a good team. Hopefully we get a better score.”
Likuculacula identified PNG side Hekari Women’s FC as one of the toughest opponents after their semi-final meeting last year.
“I think it will be Hekari. We fell short in the semi-finals last year against Hekari. They are a very good team, always giving us a good run.”
Cook Islands qualifying winners Puaikura FC are also embracing their opportunity to compete on the regional stage.
Co-captain Victoria Fatiaki said the team is excited to test itself against the best clubs in Oceania.
“We’re all very excited. Just grateful for this opportunity. There are a few debutants in the team and we’re looking forward to playing against our opponents.”
Fatiaki said winning the qualifying tournament on home soil earlier this year gave the team valuable confidence heading into the Champions League.
“It was actually a great feeling. Our preparation at the start wasn’t that great. We were low on numbers. We managed to gather everyone at the end.”
The Puaikura co-captain said the team’s focus is also on building unity throughout the tournament.
“Just to bond, keep the team spirit together and hopefully come out with a good outcome.”
With all seven teams now in Honiara, attention turns to final preparations before the opening matches on Saturday.
The OFC Women’s Champions League 2026 brings together champions and leading representatives from across Oceania, with teams from New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Cook Islands and host Solomon Islands competing for regional honours.
Honiara will once again provide the stage for the growth of women’s football in the Pacific as the region’s best clubs battle for continental glory.
Photo credit: Richard Menanopo
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
