A month of fun on the sand in Tahiti

Jax Tran Van
August 3, 2020

An intense month of competition during Tahiti’s Beach Soccer Tour 2020 came to an entertaining conclusion on Friday as Tiki Tama took out the tile following a 5-2 victory over Green Warriors.

Tahiti senior international Ninauea Hioe showed her talents extend beyond the futsal court and football field by opening the scoring for Tiki Tama. Goals to Hinamoe Teihotu and Juliana Manzanal extended the side’s lead to 3-0 before Green Warriors hit back through Vaihei Samin.

Charlotte Rodriguez netted either side of a lone strike from Green Warriors Tahia Tamarii to secure a second-ever title for her side.

Charlotte Rodriguez, Tiki Tama, celebrates a goal. Credit; Christophe Fotozz

Tiki Tama had earlier ensured last year’s champions Mataiea wouldn’t have the opportunity to defend their title after seeing them off 5-0 in the semi-finals.

Green Warriors had been equally efficient in their semi-final with a 9-0 victory over Teva Import 1.

Five teams took part in this year’s competition, including two from burgeoning club Teva Import, which opened with a round-robin which saw each side meet twice before the play-off round.

The COVID-19 pandemic clearly had an impact on participation with Mataiea dropping to just one side and Tereone, who have taken part in the three previous editions, opting not to participate this time around.

While the conditions leading up to the event may not have been ideal, organiser and Tiki Toa coach Naea Bennett believed it to be another successful season of beach soccer.

“Globally, the level of the competition has climbed since the last edition,” Bennett said following the men’s and women’s finals.

2020 Beach Soccer Tour champions Tiki Tama. Credit: Christophe Fotozz

Tiki Tama stalwart Ninauea Hioe impressed over the course of the competition with her prowess on the sand, earning herself the trophy for best player.

Fellow international Tahia Tamarii of Green Warriors was the competition’s most prolific goal scorer and her 11 goals earned her the top scorer gong. Awarded best goalkeeper was Tevaite Tetopata of Teva Import, who recently earned her first call-up for a national team camp following an impressive season both on the sand and the football field.