Solomon Islands’ Charles Mani successful in trials in New Zealand club

The 18-year-old forward Charles Mani was undergoing trials in NRFL2 Division side in New Zealand Hibiscus Coast AFC – the Solomon Islands youth international was succesful in the trainings and made the final-cut for the team that will represent the side in New Zealand winter league – precisely in second-tier of the NRFL Division system. The competition is set to start this month.

Mani talked to Oceania Football Center and stated he sustained a minor injury that made him to be away from the pitches for around one week, but he is already recovered and set to continue his trainings with his new club: “I am recovered now, I will continuie training and looking forward for the season to start. I am also ready to play some of the remaining friendly games before we focus for the league“, stated the talented player.

Mani captainted Solomon Islands U16 team in 2018 to qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup. The forward and his teammates took part in the first ever FIFA football tournament played by Solomon Islands in 2019 when Solomon Islands U17 national team played Italy, Paraguay and Mexico at the U17 World Cup held in Brazil.

The 18-year-old Solomon Islands also spent his last year in New Zealand playing college football in a scholarship program. The player is set to continue his study commitments in New Zealand, while playing for Hibiscus Coast and representing his school in college tournaments around the country. Mani also played the 2nd round of Telekom S-League in Solomon Islands for Kossa in 2019 in his school break before departing back to New Zealand in the start of the new year.