After the recent news on Raphael Lea’i possible departure of his club in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s top-tier, Velež Mostar, a number of fans had questioned the reasons behind the player’s decision. The still 19-year-old Solomon Islands’ football star did not have enough game time as expected, allegated homesickness as stated by Bosnian media outlets and was granted permission to come home as recently informed by Mr. Adnan Dizdarević to Oceania Football Center and local football insiders: “In agreement with the president of the club, he was given permission to play for the Solomon Islands U23 national team. Also his desire is to return home because he misses his family, and the club will respect that because it is important to us that Raphael is happy“, said the Mostar-based side staff member – “The situation is clear, this is only Raphael’s decision, the club respects it and did not want to cause any problems. We respect and appreciate him“, he added.
Currently, the Solympics are vying for a spot at Paris 2024 Men’s Football Olympic Tournament. The Solomon Islands squad is currently in Auckland and had won its first two matches in the pool and is set for a semifinal encounter – which is very likely to be against Fiji. Recently, as confirmed by Solympics‘ head coach Eddie Marahare, Lea’i is included in the team squad for the tournament and he is eligible to join the team at any stage of the competition. As Raphael Lea’i is cleared by his club in Europe, the 19-year-old can be a gold reinforcement for the Solympics. According to close people to the player, it is uncertain whether he will be able to travel to New Zealand to join the squad in time for the upcoming matches due visa issues, although the hope is still there. With the inclusion of the star player, certainly the chances for Solomon Islands to grab an upset against the favourites to win the tournament, New Zealand, get increased.
In recent interview to local media source AW Inf4rmation Centre – where you can check the full interview -, Lea’i further stressed “that it has been seven months now with some expectation from him to be having more footballing time and opportunity but the club has not lived up to what he thought they have presented” and also added to the local media as follows: “I believe I was given hope by the club to me seven months ago in regards to my football opportunity and it has not unveiled accordingly. I also experience struggling in my life with so little finance earned out of this opportunity too and I have not been able to have something or any form of financial benefit to show for my efforts, my time here and I think this is not healthy. Given all of this it took a toll on me too and honestly, it is not an easy situation. I felt returning home to gain support from family and also to play and enjoy national football duty will be some form of relief for me“.
In the words of Lea’i it is clear to see frustration, contributing to missing his good times back in Solomon Islands closer to his relatives. Although, as also mentioned by the player, national team duties and family support can be the relief needed to re engage in his professional career activities – in Bosnia or elsewhere: “I am optimistic for my football career despite this situation and I always believe in how I approach everything by putting God first, being committed and work hard in everything is what I do always“, stated Lea’i in the interview.
Regarding his contractual terms, the situation is clear: “His contract has not been terminated, he can return after playing for the national team, and if he decides otherwise, then the other club should contact Velež and pay compensation, this is quite normal in football because he has a valid contract until 30th May, 2024“, stated Adnan Dizdarević – the same was stated in Raphael Lea’i’s interview: “Any interest from other clubs, they will have to communicate directly with the FK Velež Monster club to meet certain requirements before releasing the player“.
It is expected Lea’i arrives back in Honiara in the coming days; the player has already sorted his flight tickets, soon the star player might hit the shores of Solomon Islands again. Hopefully he will be able to contribute to the Solympics in the knockout stage of the OFC Olympic Qualifiers and also return to professional football action very soon.
Oceania Football Center 
Good that it is a joint decision making and allowing him to get some healing at home. Going back to Europe refreshed can boost his career.
Though wonder if this is the David Browne effect. Disillusioned.wiyj football and leaving. It is not an easy career, any sport.
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