Solomon Islands name 20-man squad for MSG Prime Minister’s Cup as Cahn begins first competitive test

Solomon Islands have officially named their 20-man squad for the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Fiji, with head coach Ben Cahn combining experienced internationals, Solomon Kings regulars, domestic standouts and emerging players as the Bonitos prepare for the first competitive tournament of his tenure.

The tournament will be Cahn’s first official competition since taking permanent charge of the senior national team. He previously led Solomon Islands on an interim basis during the FIFA Series friendlies in Indonesia earlier this year, but the MSG Cup now represents the first competitive step of a much broader project aimed at building towards the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking to the Island Sun before the final squad was announced, Cahn made clear that the long-term vision does not reduce the immediate expectations in Fiji.

“We go to the MSG Cup and the aim is to win. This competition is our first step towards our national team project and it is something we take seriously,” he said.

Captain Phillip Mango is among the experienced names selected, alongside established internationals such as Javin Wae, Gordon Iro, David Supa, Atkin Kaua, Raphael Lea’i, Bobby Leslie, Don Keana and Fordney Junior.

The influence of Solomon Kings FC is significant, but several players also remain strongly connected to their domestic or current clubs outside the professional setup. Junior David, Javin Wae, Raphael Lea’i, Fordney Junior and Bobby Leslie are all Solomon Kings players who also represent Central Coast FC domestically, while others return from clubs across the S-League and Fiji.

That dual context is important in understanding the squad. Solomon Kings has become an important professional platform for many of Solomon Islands’ leading players, but the country’s domestic clubs continue to provide the foundation from which much of the national-team talent emerges.

David Supa arrives from Ba FC in Fiji, while Don Keana is with Rewa FC and William Komasi represents Navua FC. Gordon Iro, Rooney Riuqaemai and Ali Mekawir are all connected to Green Shield FC, while Atkin Kaua and Calvin Ohasio are with Malaita Kingz. Michael Laulae is with Galaxy FC.

Rovu Boyers provides another different pathway. The midfielder represented South Island United in the inaugural OFC Pro League before joining Christchurch United on loan, giving him recent exposure to the New Zealand domestic game.

The squad also reflects Cahn’s intention to broaden the national-team pool rather than relying solely on established names.

Danford Fiumae remains part of the senior setup after earning his first opportunities earlier this year, while Jayroll Patty steps directly into the senior group after captaining Solomon Islands at the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Samoa.

Patty was one of Solomon Islands’ standout performers at the youth tournament and scored a hat-trick against New Caledonia. His inclusion provides another example of the pathway Cahn is trying to create between youth football, domestic football, Solomon Kings and the senior national team.

Before announcing the final group, Cahn and his staff assessed almost 40 players in an extended camp.

“The first purpose was to have a big training camp. We had nearly 40 players, so we could have a look and try to bring the level up,” Cahn told the Island Sun.

For the final 20, however, immediate readiness was decisive.

“For the final squad, we go to the MSG Cup, the aim is to win, so we have to take the players that are most ready at the moment,” he said.

Cahn also confirmed that several new players had impressed during preparations and stressed that places in the national team will not be guaranteed by reputation.

“We’re watching. No one gets the shirt because of a name, they have to earn that,” he told the Island Sun.

That competition for places is expected to become even stronger. Cahn wants to develop a pool of around 50 to 60 players capable of representing Solomon Islands over the next three to four years, drawing from the S-League, overseas football, futsal and the country’s national age-group teams.

The immediate focus, however, remains the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup.

Solomon Islands will begin their campaign against hosts Fiji at HFC Bank Stadium on September 18. Defending champions Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia complete the five-team competition, which runs until October 3 in Suva.

For Cahn, the tournament is the first competitive checkpoint on the road towards 2030. For the Bonitos themselves, the objective is much closer: win the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup.

Solomon Islands squad — club affiliations

Goalkeepers: Phillip Mango (Solomon Kings FC), Michael Laulae (Galaxy FC), Junior Petua (Solomon Kings FC).

Defenders: Junior David (Solomon Kings FC/Central Coast FC), Javin Wae (Solomon Kings FC/Central Coast FC), Gordon Iro (Solomon Kings FC/Green Shield FC), Clivert Sam, Calvin Ohasio (Malaita Kingz), David Supa (Ba FC).

Midfielders: William Komasi (Navua FC), Atkin Kaua (Solomon Kings FC/Malaita Kingz), Danford Fiumae, Rovu Boyers (South Island United/Christchurch United), Don Keana (Solomon Kings FC/Rewa FC).

Forwards: Raphael Lea’i (Solomon Kings FC/Central Coast FC), Fordney Junior (Solomon Kings FC/Central Coast FC), Bobby Leslie (Solomon Kings FC/Central Coast FC), Jayroll Patty (Solomon Kings FC), Rooney Riuqaemai (Green Shield FC), Ali Mekawir (Green Shield FC).