Tevita Waranivalu key for Rewa FC in OFC Champions League semifinals

Tevita Waranivalu, player and coach for Rewa FC, is poised to play a pivotal role in the OFC Men's Champions League semifinals. Waranivalu, who has participated in all four of Rewa's previous OFC Champions League campaigns, is one of the few players who featured in their sole previous semi-final appearance in 2024 against AS Pirae.

He is expected to anchor the midfield against Auckland City. However, Rewa FC will be without the influential Tahiti United teammate and New Caledonian international Joseph Athale, who is suspended. This absence places a considerable onus on Waranivalu to control the midfield and secure possession for the Fijian club.

Waranivalu is in strong form, having earned player-of-the-match honors in Rewa's recent 2-1 victory over Lae City. His ability to disrupt Auckland City's possession-based game and win crucial balls will be vital for Rewa's chances of advancing.

The match also features other notable players, including Matt Ellis of Auckland City, known for his pace and attacking threat, as well as Willian Dos Santos Medina of Galaxy FC and Bobby Leslie from Central Coast FC. Rewa faces Auckland City at 3 p.m., followed by the Galaxy and Central Coast match at 7 p.m. in Ba.