Solomon Islands’ football community shocked by Western Province’s star player Arnold Neboth death

Arnold Neboth, the standout striker for Western Tomoko during their triumphant 2020 Solomon Cup campaign, has passed away. His death has been met with an outpouring of grief from the Solomon Islands football community. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.

Neboth was a pivotal figure in the 2020 Solomon Cup, a tournament that saw unprecedented viewership, amassing over a thousands of views on Facebook and YouTube. His partnership with Jaygray Sipakana was instrumental in Western Tomoko’s success, as the duo scored crucial goals throughout the competition.

One of Neboth’s most memorable moments came during the 2020 Solomon Cup semifinal, where his last-minute freekick against Lauru Kuvojo secured Western Tomoko a crucial spot in the finals. The goal, described as a “screamer,” is considered one of the best in the tournament’s history.

Despite his talents and the opportunity to play for top Telekom S-League (TSL) clubs, Neboth chose to remain in his home province, continuing to play football at a local level. His loyalty and dedication to his home region have been widely admired.

Following the news of his passing, several notable players from across the Solomon Islands took to social media to express their condolences. Among them was Jaygray Sipakana, now a striker for the Solomon Warriors, who paid tribute to his former teammate and friend.

Neboth’s death is a significant loss to the local football community, and he will be remembered for his remarkable contributions to Western Tomoko’s historic 2020 Solomon Cup campaign and his unwavering commitment to his home province.