Only weeks after George Lea’i helped Solomon Islands qualify for their second FIFA U-17 World Cup, the youngster has already been given an opportunity to experience the next level of international football — alongside his older brother Raphael Lea’i. The two brothers trained together with the Solomon Islands senior national team in Honiara, providing aContinue reading “From U-17 World Cup qualification to the senior team: Lea’i brothers share Solomon Islands training ground”
Author Archives: Rafael Saltori
From BOG disappointment to national duty: Gabriele Matanisiga turns focus to Fiji’s MSG Cup challenge
Gabriele Matanisiga is already looking ahead. Only days after the disappointment of Rewa’s defeat in the Battle of the Giants final, the defender has shifted his attention to a new responsibility: representing Fiji at the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup on home soil. The timing creates an interesting contrast. Matanisiga arrives in the national campContinue reading “From BOG disappointment to national duty: Gabriele Matanisiga turns focus to Fiji’s MSG Cup challenge”
Danford Fiumae’s rapid rise continues as Solomon Islands teenager targets MSG breakthrough and professional future
Danford Fiumae has travelled a long way in a short time. From playing football on the streets and grass fields of Auki, the young midfielder has progressed through Solomon Islands futsal and youth football, earned his first senior national-team call-up and is now preparing for the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup with another ambition inContinue reading “Danford Fiumae’s rapid rise continues as Solomon Islands teenager targets MSG breakthrough and professional future”
“It’s hard to remain a champion”: Etonia Dogalau on Ba’s treble, Fiji omission and what comes next
Ba have returned to the top of Fijian football in emphatic fashion in 2026, and Etonia Dogalau has been one of the players directly involved in a season that has restored the Men in Black’s status as the country’s dominant domestic force. With the Fiji FACT, Extra Premier League and Battle of the Giants alreadyContinue reading ““It’s hard to remain a champion”: Etonia Dogalau on Ba’s treble, Fiji omission and what comes next”
John Orobulu breaks silence after Solomon Islands omission: “I respect the coach’s decision”
John Orobulu has spoken to Oceania Football Center about his absence from the Solomon Islands squad for the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, responding calmly after his omission became one of the main talking points among supporters following Ben Cahn’s selection. The Ba striker was not included in the 20-man squad that travelled to FijiContinue reading “John Orobulu breaks silence after Solomon Islands omission: “I respect the coach’s decision””
Perth Glory hand Matt Ellis A-League opportunity after Auckland City and OFC Pro League journey
New Zealand winger Matt Ellis has taken another major step in his career after joining Perth Glory’s A-League Men squad, adding another Kiwi to the Australian top flight ahead of the 2026/27 season. The 25-year-old arrives in Western Australia with considerable experience in New Zealand and Oceania football, most notably through his time with AucklandContinue reading “Perth Glory hand Matt Ellis A-League opportunity after Auckland City and OFC Pro League journey”
Patrick Joseph omission sparks questions after strong BOG campaign as Fiji turn to MSG Cup
Patrick Joseph has emerged as one of the most discussed omissions from Stéphane Auvray’s Fiji squad for the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, with a number of local supporters questioning why the Ba midfielder was left out after a strong Battle of the Giants campaign. Fiji confirmed a 20-man squad for the tournament this week,Continue reading “Patrick Joseph omission sparks questions after strong BOG campaign as Fiji turn to MSG Cup”
Squad complete, identity clearer: how Wellington Phoenix are shaping up for their 20th A-League season
After a long off-season rebuild, the Wellington Phoenix finally have something close to a complete picture of what Chris Greenacre’s first full season in charge will look like. The deadline-day additions of American attacking midfielder Bryce Duke and Australian defender Walter Scott have taken the Phoenix to a 21-player contracted squad for the 2026/27 A-LeagueContinue reading “Squad complete, identity clearer: how Wellington Phoenix are shaping up for their 20th A-League season”
Seaqaqa make history with first-ever promotion to Fiji’s Premier League
Seaqaqa have achieved one of the biggest milestones in the district’s football history, securing promotion to Fiji’s Extra Premier League for the first time after defeating Tavua 7-6 on penalties at Govind Park in Ba. The dramatic Extra Senior League play-off finished 2-2 after regulation time, with Seaqaqa recovering from a difficult first half beforeContinue reading “Seaqaqa make history with first-ever promotion to Fiji’s Premier League”
All Whites name first post-World Cup squad for four-match Asian programme
New Zealand have announced their first All Whites squad since the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Darren Bazeley selecting 23 players for matches against Palestine, China PR and Panama before a final Kirin Cup fixture against either Japan or Ecuador. Sixteen members of New Zealand’s World Cup squad return, including captain Chris Wood and WorldContinue reading “All Whites name first post-World Cup squad for four-match Asian programme”
