Things have changed rapidly for the Jetsetters: Solomon Islands’ defender Leon Kofana had agreed to terms with Nadi and was expected to stay in Fiji after playing in international friendly matches for his country. However, he made a late decision to return to Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands. Kofana is not anymore playing for Nadi, as confirmed per sources in Nadi FA’s board and as well into Solomon Islands national team.
Kofana is a well-known player in the Solomon Islands, having played for the Henderson Eels for most of his career. The youngster has also represented his country at the international level, earning caps for the Solomon Islands national team. His decision to return home and rejoin the Henderson Eels for the upcoming Telekom S-League season has come as a surprise to many as his deal with Nadi was taken by granted by Nadi FA’s representatives. “We have wasted time and money with this player, he agreed on terms and now decided not to play for us anymore“, said one Nadi’s board member.
It is not sure which are exactly the reasons of the decision made by Leon Kofana, although it known the player cited personal reasons for not make the move to play his trade in Fijian football in the current season of the Digicel Fiji Premier League. “We could have signed someone else in that window, now the team needs to wait until June to add more players to the squad“, said Nadi’s board member.
Kofana was part of the Solomon Islands national team squad that won all three international friendly matches played in Lautoka this month against Fiji U-20, Fiji National Team and Vanuatu. It was known the player would stay in the country after the matches to complete the deal with Nadi, but the situation changed rapidly and the defender decided to stay in his club back in his country.
Oceania Football Center 