Following the opening round in Auckland, the OFC Pro League shifts to Papua New Guinea this weekend for the second round of fixtures, with conditions set to be as much a challenge as the opposition.

South Melbourne FC will put their perfect start to the tournament on the line on Sunday when they face South Island United on matchday two.

Despite having one of their opening-round fixtures postponed, the Victorian club sits second on the ladder behind Auckland FC after winning both of their completed matches.

Head coach Sinisa Cohadzic said the early success has lifted belief within the squad but warned against any sense of complacency as the competition moves into a new and demanding environment.

“We know confidence and performance are very important, but we also respect all our opponents,” Cohadzic said.

Like Auckland FC, South Melbourne arrive in Papua New Guinea without prior experience of the hot and humid island conditions, which are expected to test players’ fitness and preparation.

The club has taken steps to prepare for the climate, staging a warm-up match in extreme heat earlier this week.

“We got to play a friendly game in 40 degrees heat a couple of days ago, so some of the players now have experience,” Cohadzic said. “But it will still be a challenge, and just like everybody else, we have to deal with it and adjust.”

With momentum on their side and the league entering a crucial phase, South Melbourne will be aiming to maintain their unbeaten run and keep pace with Auckland at the top of the table as the OFC Pro League continues its Pacific journey.