Eddie Marahare declines interim Head Coach position for Solomon Islands National Team to avoid conflict of interest

The experienced Eddie Marahare, the head coach of Kossa FC in the Telekom S-League, has declined the offer to serve as the interim head coach of the Solomon Islands national team for the upcoming OFC Nations Cup scheduled for June. The position will now be filled by Jacob Moli of Central Coast FC.

Marahare, who has been a prominent figure in Solomon Islands sports scene, took to social media to explain his decision. He expressed both his gratitude and the reasoning behind his choice, highlighting his commitment to maintaining the integrity of the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF).

“I am honoured and deeply appreciative of the offer to serve as the interim Head Coach of the Solomon Islands senior national soccer team. It is a role that I hold in high regard and one that would have allowed me to contribute directly to the development and success of our national team,” Marahare began in his statement.

Despite his passion and qualifications for the role, including his successful completion of the OFC Regional B License programme in 2018, Marahare made the difficult decision to decline the offer. He emphasized the importance of avoiding any potential conflicts of interest due to his familial ties within the SIFF.

“My brother currently serves as the President of the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF). Given this close familial relationship, I believe that accepting the position could potentially lead to a conflict of interest or, at the very least, create a perception of favouritism or bias,” he explained – Eddie is brother of the current SIFF president Donald Marahare, that was serving in the position since August, 2023.

Marahare underscored the necessity of maintaining trust and confidence in the decisions made within SIFF, ensuring they are beyond reproach. “It is paramount that the operations and decisions within SIFF remain beyond reproach and free from any suspicion of impropriety. By stepping aside, I hope to ensure that all decisions regarding the national team are made with the utmost objectivity and fairness, preserving the trust and confidence of our players, supporters, and stakeholders,” he stated.

Marahare remains committed to supporting the growth and success of football in the Solomon Islands in other capacities. He assured the soccer community of his continued dedication, saying, “I remain fully committed to supporting the Solomon Islands’ football community in other capacities and look forward to contributing to the sport’s growth and success in ways that do not pose ethical concerns.”

The Solomon Islands football community has responded positively to Marahare’s transparency and his dedication to ethical standards, even as they prepare to welcome Jacob Moli as the interim head coach for the OFC Nations Cup.

Moli’s appointment is seen as a strategic move, given his experience and familiarity with the national team setup. The upcoming OFC Nations Cup will be a crucial tournament for the Solomon Islands, and the nation looks forward to seeing their team perform under Moli’s guidance.

Marahare’s decision highlights the importance of ethical considerations in sports administration, setting a commendable example for others in similar positions. His commitment to the sport and his integrity in decision-making continue to earn him respect within the local community.