FK Beograd’s head coach on Micah Lea’alafa signing: “It was a no brainer to add his quality on the books”

Recently, it was announced the move of Solomon Islands’ international Micah Lea’alafa to Australian football; the 31-year-old joined FK Beograd in Adelaide. The former Auckland City star is going to be a key addition to the team coached by former Vanuatu Football Federation technical director and advisor Joshua Smith. Oceania Football Center talked to new head coach of Lea’alafa about the move of the player and on his expecations for the season alongside his new signing.

“Micah’s been a player I’ve known for many years since he came to Australia to play futsal at Dural Warriors”, said Smith, “I’ve been following his career for many years and when the opportunity came up to sign him it was a no brainer for the club to add his quality on the books” added the Beograd’s head coach.

One of the main reasons Smith decided to pick Micah for the NPL’s South Australia top-tier side was his experience; the striker had played previously in professional environment and also got exposed to FIFA Futsal World Cup four times and also represented New Zealand powerhouse Auckland City at FIFA Club World Cup: “We have a very young and upcoming squad at Beograd this season and I believe Micah’s experience can really help our younger players develop into top footballers“, said the coach.

“We believe we can achieve something special this year; Micah coming into the squad gives us another quality player that can provide goals and assists for the group. The supporters want to be entertained and I believe Micah is the type of player who can do this“, said a hopeful Smith expecting a great season ahead for his side.

The Adeialde-based side was able to recruit important players in the recent seasons, mentions Smith: “Beograd is top environment, it just shows from the quality of players we’ve been able to recruit this season. Brian Kaltak joined us last season and then was signed by the Mariners“. When asked about Beograd being a possible pathway for Pacific Islands’ players to Australian football system, Smith explained: “Having the connection to Vanuatu and the Pacific Islands has definitely help me recruit them, I’m hoping we can keep the pathway going and attract more of the Pacific’s top prospects to South Australia and help them progress further“.

Lea’alafa can make his debut this coming Saturday (25th Feb) against MetroStars; the Solmon Islands’ captain new club started their season with a 1-1 draw last weekend and will hope to add his firepower to record their first season win.