Charles Mani: I am able to play for a senior team in New Zealand

It was recently reported by Oceania Football Center that Solomon Islands forward Charles Mani is getting ready for the winter season of New Zealander football. He recently returned to New Zealand after playing 2019-20 Telekom S-League for Kossa in Solomon Islands.

It is going to be Mani’s second year in the country. He arrived there last year to study at Long Bay College while he had the opportunity to train with Glenfield Rovers’ squad by that time – “Last year I was studying at Long Bay College and training with Glenfield Rovers but I could not play for Rovers because I was under aged. But now I am 18 so I am able to play for a senior team in New Zealand,” said Mani who turned 18 earlier this month.

The Solomon Islander was a key player for Long Bay College last year. He was named the team’s MVP in the Rex Dawkins Tournament, a traditional youth tournament in New Zealand.

He did not stop studying and now he is back for one more year at College. However he is currently training with another team that plays Lotto NRFL football league system – “I am still studying at Long Bay College and I will also represent them in the School Futsal and School Football League… But I am also training with Hibiscus Coast AFC,” he stated.

Mani is still on trial with Hibiscus Coast but he is optimistic about his situation. It has been one week since he started training with the team and he will have the opportunity to represent them this Saturday – “It is a friendly so the coach can select players for the final squad for Winter League […] Two trials were already done and the number of players in the trainings has reduced,” pointed Mani – “Everything is good here but I need to familiarize myself with my teammates. Things are going to be fine as time goes by,” he added.

Charlie keeps focused on studying but he also puts lots of dedication on his football career. He represented Solomon Islands in the U17 FIFA World Cup last year and it would not be a surprise if we see him climbing the stairs to reach higher football leagues soon.