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17 August 2026
Offseason Round-up Pt. 3

OFC Pro League stars continue to make an impact at the OFC Men's Champions League, last season's champions prepare for their biggest test yet and South Melbourne FC look to extend their cup run in another week of offseason action.

As the countdown continues to 2027, we catch you up with all the Pro League-related happening from across Oceania and beyond.

Perhaps the most notable news item from the week was confirmation that all eight teams from 2026 have received approval for their 2027 Club Licence applications from the OFC Executive Committee.

You can read more on this story here


OFC Men's Champions League 

Three of the remaining four teams in the OFC Men's Champions League boast a number of Pro League players in their ranks.

On Wednesday, Fiji's Rewa FC will take on defending champions Auckland City FC in the opening semi-final. Rewa are led by player/coach Tevita Waranaivalu of Bula FC, whilst the New Zealanders include Auckland FC's Matt Ellis in their ranks - the forward scoring a dramatic late winner in their final group stage match against AS Venus.

Later that evening, Central Coast FC will take on Galaxy FC in the second semi-final. The Solomon Islands side clinched their place in the final four with a 2-0 win over AS Tiga Sport - the opening goal coming from their captain and Solomon Kings FC centre-back Javin Wae.

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Javin Wae celebrates scoring for Central Coast FC as they prepare for the semi-finals. Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek.

Up for the Cup

South Melbourne FC are preparing for their huge Australia Cup quarter-final next week, when they take on Preston Lions. The Pro League finalists overcame Freemantle City in a dramatic penalty shootout in the Round of 16.

Also readying themselves for knockout football are reigning Pro League champions Auckland FC. As well as lifting the trophy, the New Zealanders reward for their success in May is a place in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup™.

They take on Saudi Arabian giants Al-Ahli in Jeddah next week, with the winners going on to face South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria next month.

Auckland FC Trophy List Daniel Normann
The champions prepare to take on AFC's best next week. Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek.

Making an Impact

Those Pro League stars who headed out on loan during the offseason are continuing to enjoy their temporary homes.

Vanuatu United's Raymond Diho has been a regular for Peninsula Power in Australia, helping his side advance to the Queensland Cup final, where they take on Lions FC at Spencer Park on August 22.

Also in Australia, Scott Wara continues to impress at the heart of Maitland FC's defence. The Bula FC centre-back has helped his side to back-to-back wins in the league, including scoring in their recent 2-1 victory over Charlestown Azzurri FC in the NPL Men's Northern division.

South Island United forward Ryan Feutz has been boosting Bankstown City Lions' frontline in Australia. The striker scored 9 goals for the New Zealanders last season and started his current side's recent loss to Inter Lions FC in the Football NSW League 

Raymond Diho (1)
Raymond Diho will be hoping to lift some silverware with Peninsula Power this month. Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek.

The Rest

PNG Hekari FC have maintained their good recent form. The Papua New Guinea side secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Wawa FC at the weekend, leaving them top of the PNG Premier Soccer League having played seventeen games.

Last week Vanuatu United announced the signing of the U-16 national team captain Ala Leo Russel. The signing represents a milestone moment in football development in the country, with the youngster becoming the first player to graduate from the Vanuatu Football Federation National Academy to a fully professional environment. Congratulations Ala!