The year is 2018 and Solomon Islands are ready to host the U16 OFC Championship at its main venue, the Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara. The expectations of the local team are high: would it be possible for the Solomon Islands boys to qualify for their country for the first football FIFA tournament ever? TheContinue reading “U17 National Team makes Solomon Islands proud”
Author Archives: Rafael Saltori
Claude Aru: an underrated talent of Vanuatu football
In the South Pacific region, football is a highly valued sport; the countries fight hard to develop their games to achieve results to make their people proud. We see a lot of talent in the region, coming from all the islands. Vanuatu is one of those nations that have already produced top-class players for OceaniaContinue reading “Claude Aru: an underrated talent of Vanuatu football”
Fiji: IDC, BOG and Fiji FACT schedules released
After a lot of speculation around the major tournaments of Fiji football season, the Fijian Football Association informed the dates when the three traditional competitions will take place. According to local sources, the Inter-Disctrict Championship will be played from 6th to 11th October at the ANZ Stadium in Suva; the group matches of the BattleContinue reading “Fiji: IDC, BOG and Fiji FACT schedules released”
Lae City: Defense vs. Attack
The reigning national champions of Papua New Guinea have recently been involved in a series of incidents that have drastically changed the team’s structure and history: Lae City achieved success through the leadership of head coach Peter Gunemba, who counted on players such as Nigel Dabinyaba, Ronald Warisan and Raymond Gunemba – Lae City wonContinue reading “Lae City: Defense vs. Attack”
Lea’alafa and Le’ai: present and future of Solomon Islands National Team attack
Football has been played around the world for around a century; the game is changing and evolving from generation to generation, and new characteristics are being introduced by new players, coaches and all those involved in the creation of the sport. It is a must to always prepare the younger generations to perform more andContinue reading “Lea’alafa and Le’ai: present and future of Solomon Islands National Team attack”
Salesh Kumar: Fijian football must move forward
One of Fiji’s most famous footballers has given his views on his career and the development of football in his country – it is always very important to hear the experiences of those who have been successful in the sport. Salesh Kumar, a Fijian international who has played in New Zealand for most of hisContinue reading “Salesh Kumar: Fijian football must move forward”
New Zealand: football is back to North Island as NRFL starts
After the start of Central League season in Wellington region, football is finally totally back to North Island in New Zealand as the Northern Regional Football League is back to action. The three top-divisions had a very good start in the past weekened as the current season is likely to be one of the bestContinue reading “New Zealand: football is back to North Island as NRFL starts”
Avinesh Suwamy to lead Nadi back to contention
After 15 years playing for Ba, Fijian football star Avinesh Suwamy moved to Nadi at the beginning of the 2020 season. The now 34-year-old midfielder showed what he is capable of even before the national league’s forced break due to the COVID-19 pandemic; Suwamy scored four goals against Nasinu and helped his side to anContinue reading “Avinesh Suwamy to lead Nadi back to contention”
Leon Kofana: ready for a professional contract
One of Solomon Islands’ most promising footballers seems ready for a full professional opportunity abroad, the strong defender Leon Kofana just celebrated his 18th birthday and, alongside other key players such as Raphael Lea’i and Charles Mani, Kofana seems to belong to a golden generation of footballers who will come to the football-mad Solomon Islands.Continue reading “Leon Kofana: ready for a professional contract”
Seasonal working: a tough reality for football players from Vanuatu
Oceania is diverse – many cultures, languages and traditions are shaped by the environment of the 14 members and associate members of the Oceania Football Confederation. Football is a passion throughout the region, even if it is not as successful as the American and European countries are. Vanuatu is one of the most football-loving nationsContinue reading “Seasonal working: a tough reality for football players from Vanuatu”
Oceania Football Center 