OFC Pro League round four starts in Honiara

Local club Solomon Kings wants to treat their home fans to some exciting football when they compete in round four of the OFC Pro League, which will kick off in Honiara on Saturday.

They face league leaders Auckland FC in a replay of Auckland's only defeat of the season so far.

It will be the Kings' first chance to play in front of their home fans.

"We're looking forward to playing at home at the National Stadium. It's an amazing facility and should provide a great spectacle," head coach Ben Cahn said.

They sit third on the table, behind Auckland FC and South Melbourne, who defeated them 5-0 in Melbourne in round three.

The side will be missing captain and first-choice goalkeeper Phillip Mango through suspension.

"This is a long-term project whether we win or lose," Cahn said.

"We want to play in a way that inspires the younger generation, and the team are working hard daily to continue to improve."

Leaders Auckland's only defeat of the season so far came against Solomon Kings FC in the heat of Port Moresby.

Head coach Luke Casserly said they are excited.

"We're looking forward to what will be a great football experience here," he said.

"We'll be playing against a good team on a good surface, and we can't wait."

South Melbourne FC, the only undefeated team in the competition so far, have won five of their eight matches, and secured three draws.

Christchurch's South Island United, who did not win a game in round three, are working on ensuring all their players are ready to take the field when needed.

Head coach Rob Sherman emphasised the importance of squad depth prior to kick-off.

"Every player needs to have a decent amount of time on the pitch, so that it's not an initiation when they get called up," he said.

Tahiti United were another club to press their claims for a top four position during round three, claiming four points from three fixtures, and sit equal with Vanuatu United FC and Bula FC on nine points.

They've had to travel the furthest of the eight competing clubs in the competition so far, but head coach Samuel Garcia is happy with the routine his squad has developed.

"The team has adapted," Garcia said.

"The players have been able to spend time back home in Tahiti with family in-between rounds."

Tahiti United face Bula FC and PNG Hekari FC during their time in Honiara - two teams they've already defeated this season.

Inconsistency continues to plague Bula FC's campaign, who suffered two bruising defeats to Vanuatu United FC and Solomon Kings FC in round three.

"Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose," head coach Stephane Auvray said.

"There will be a time where results will become important, and that time is very close."

They face two crucial matches in Honiara against other clubs jostling for top-four positions - Tahiti United and South Island United.

Bottom-placed PNG Hekari FC have arrived in the Solomon Islands off the back of their most successful round of the season, claiming their first OFC Pro League victory in Melbourne.

They can make some headway if they can record more positive results against either South Island United or Tahiti United in Honiara.

"It's been a big challenge for us, but we are continuing to try and develop and improve," head coach Jerry Allen said.

"We are still building into the team we want to be."

Four teams have an extra game in hand due to postponed matches now rescheduled for next month - South Island United against Auckland FC and South Melbourne against Tahiti United.

This weekend's matches - all times NZT.

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