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11 August 2026
Offseason Round-up Pt. 2

The OFC Pro League's biggest and brightest names continue to strut their stuff across Oceania and beyond during the offseason, as domestic and continental competitions roll on.

The OFC Men's Champions League kicked off at the weekend, with a number of Pro League players on display, with others using their loan opportunities to stay sharp ahead of 2027.

We also have some domestic highlights from the region, including South Melbourne FC's dream cup run staying alive.

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Tevita Waranaivalu donning the red of Rewa FC. Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek

OFC Men's Champions League

Oceania's oldest club competition began for another year in Fiji this past weekend, with New Zealanders Auckland City FC out to try and retain their crown.

The defending champions got off to a winning start, with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Solomon Islands' Central Coast FC. They were aided by the additions of Matthew Foord, Fergus Gillion (both Bula FC), Nathan Lobo, Matt Ellis (both Auckland FC) and Christian Gray (South Island United) to their squad.

Despite the defeat, Solomon Kings FC forward Rafa Le'ai picked up the Player of the Match award following an impressive display, with his Kings teammate Javin Wae captaining the side.

Host side Rewa FC boasted a number of Pro League players in their match day squad, but were unable to avoid defeat to Vanuatu's Galaxy FC. Bula FC's Gabiriele Matanisiga scoring a consolation goal in a 4-1 defeat.

Tahiti's AS Venus also suffered an opening day defeat, losing 1-0 to AS Tiga Sport. Venus were captained by Tahiti United's Roonui Tehau - one of six Tahiti United representatives in the starting eleven.

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Alex Saniel gets on the scoresheet for Caroline Springs George Cross FC. Photo Credit: Caroline Springs GC FC media.

Loan Stars

A number of Pro League players have continued to make an impact whilst out on loan.

2026's top scorer Alex Saniel found the net in Caroline Springs George Cross FC's 1-1 draw with Altona Magic SC.

Also in Australia, Raymond Diho picked up the Player of the Match award for an impressive display following Peninsula Power's 2-2 draw with Gold Coast Knights.

Azariah Soromon is enjoying his loan spell with Western Strikers. The powerful forward hit a hat-trick as his side beat Adelaide Hills Hawks 7-3 to confirm a place in the finals of the State League 2 South division.

In New Zealand, Kiwi pair Owen Smith and Otto Ingham carried on their fine form. Smith scoring a double for Miramar Rangers as they beat FC Western 12-0, whilst Ingham started for Auckland United in their 3-0 victory over Tauranga City at the weekend.

South Melbourne FC Cup Win
South Melbourne celebrate their dramatic victory over Freemantle City in the Australia Cup Round of 16. Photo Credit: South Melbourne FC media.

Domestic Highlights

South Melbourne FC's dream run in the Australia Cup continues, as they secured a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Freemantle City FC to book a place in the quarter-finals.

A back-and-forth contest ended 3-3 after 120 minutes, with South Melbourne goalkeeper Jack Charlston the hero, saving three penalties in the shootout to secure passage to the last eight.

Congratulations to Ba FC, who secured their first Fiji Premier League title since 2019 with an emphatic 6-0 victory over Tailevu Naitasiri. 

The title winning team included Bula FC pair Nabil Begg and Ryan Naresh, as well as PNG Hekari FC's John Alick and Solomon Kings FC's David Supa.

PNG Hekari FC secured another crucial three points in the Premier Soccer League with a 4-1 victory over Kula FC. Pro League captain Ati Kepo scoring once as his side kept their title dreams alive.