TBT #06 – Before Krishna, there was Totori

Roy Krishna is one of the best players ever produced in Pacific; the Fijian made history for his country in Olympic Games and especially at the New Zealand club Wellington Phoenix. The forward scored 51 times for the club what makes him the top goalscorer ever for the unique full-professional side in Oceania.

It is known that the countryman of Krishna – Esala Masi – also made success in Australian leagues in the past; Krishna and Masi currently are the 1st and 2nd players that most scored goals for their national team, but before the Fijian there was another Pacific Islander that signed a professional contract for Phoenix and turned himself the first islander to sign for the Kiwi club – only the second Solomon Islander to play in the Hyundai A-League, following the steps of Henry Fa’arodo that played for Perth Glory in the inaugural season of the Australian new top-tier league.

SEE ALSO
When the right knee prevented Benjamin Totori to make it big in America
Phoenix fans want Roy Krishna back

All the story started when Benjamin Totori represented his country at OFC Nations Cup in 2012 held in his home nation. The tournament that was won by Tahiti – after a shocking defeat of New Zealand in the semifinals against New Caledonia – was the key point for the historical signing of Totori with the Phoenix. In 2012 the New Zealand national team coach was Ricki Herbert that in the period was also the head coach of the Phoenix. With the defeat of the All-Whites they were forced to play the 3th/4th places match against the home side that lost to Tahiti in the other semifinal game.

Lawson Tama Stadium was the venue for the clash, where Totori shown all his class with a fantastic goal. His performance in the match was prolific – Herbert decided to sign the prospect for his team and Solomon Islander made himself the first Pacific Islander to sign with the Phoenix.

Benjamin Totori had also a non-succesful stint previously back in 2008 in the United States for the Portland Timbers – the striker played only three matches for the team. Totori was also the top goalscorer of 2006 OFC Champions League when player of New Zealand club YoungHeart Manawatu. During his years competing at OFC level, Totori turned himself as the historical top goalscorer of the OFC Champions League.

Four years later of his first chance at professional football in United States, Totori had another go in Wellington Phoenix. He played the 2012/2013 season for the club, appearing in 15 matches – but could not keep in the club in the next season. Totori played part of 2013 for the Australian NPL side Oakleigh Cannons and made the most of career in New Zealand, playing for clubs such as Waitakere United.