Before Ben Cahn began working in Solomon Islands football, he was told there was a style that simply would not work: possession football. The argument was that island players might possess individual flair, speed and attacking talent, but building a team capable of controlling matches consistently through the ball was another matter. A full seasonContinue reading “Ben Cahn: “You can play possession-based football with islands players” — the plan to reshape Solomon Islands”
Author Archives: Rafael Saltori
McCowatt makes a positive first impression as champions AGF search for a way out of trouble
Callum McCowatt’s first weeks as an AGF player have offered encouraging signs for both the club and New Zealand supporters. The All Whites attacker has settled quickly after his transfer from Silkeborg IF, showing the attacking quality that made him one of the Danish Superliga’s most effective players. But while McCowatt’s individual start has beenContinue reading “McCowatt makes a positive first impression as champions AGF search for a way out of trouble”
Vanuatu United officially sign Claude Aru as midfield rebuild continues
Vanuatu United have officially announced the signing of Vanuatu international midfielder Claude Aru, adding another experienced and technically capable player to their growing squad ahead of the next OFC Pro League season. Aru, 29, arrives after being part of the Galaxy FC group that competed in the 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League. He had alreadyContinue reading “Vanuatu United officially sign Claude Aru as midfield rebuild continues”
All Whites goalkeeper Jamie Searle signs for Eastleigh
New Zealand international goalkeeper Jamie Searle has joined English National League club Eastleigh on a short-term deal, giving the All Whites shot-stopper a fresh opportunity in the English game. The 25-year-old has been registered with squad number 20 at the Silverlake Stadium, where he will join fellow goalkeepers Nick Townsend and Josh Jeffries in theContinue reading “All Whites goalkeeper Jamie Searle signs for Eastleigh”
IDC pools confirmed as Fiji’s biggest domestic tournament takes shape
The pools for the 2026 FMF Inter-District Championship have been confirmed, setting up a packed week of football as Fiji’s biggest domestic tournament returns to HFC Bank Stadium in Suva from October 6 to 11. The Super Premier division draw has produced two competitive groups. Group A brings together Labasa, Rewa, Suva and Nasinu, whileContinue reading “IDC pools confirmed as Fiji’s biggest domestic tournament takes shape”
Vanuatu United officially sign international defender Jeffrey Tasso
Vanuatu United have officially added Vanuatu international defender Jeffrey Tasso to their squad, strengthening their defensive options with a player who brings senior international experience and a varied football background. Tasso, 28, is a centre-back who can also operate in defensive midfield or at left-back. His versatility is likely to be a major asset forContinue reading “Vanuatu United officially sign international defender Jeffrey Tasso”
Bill Kaltack’s composed finish gives Vanuatu vital MSG Cup win over Fiji
Vanuatu recovered from their opening-day disappointment to claim a crucial 1-0 victory over hosts Fiji in the second men’s matchday of the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Bill Kaltack scored the only goal of the game during the second half, finishing an excellent Vanuatu attacking move inside Fiji’s penaltyContinue reading “Bill Kaltack’s composed finish gives Vanuatu vital MSG Cup win over Fiji”
Raphael Lea’i inspires Solomon Islands to important victory over New Caledonia
Solomon Islands collected their first victory of the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup after defeating New Caledonia 2-0 at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Both goals arrived during the second half after New Caledonia had resisted the Bonitos throughout a goalless opening 45 minutes. Raphael Lea’i was among the scorers, delivering another important contribution forContinue reading “Raphael Lea’i inspires Solomon Islands to important victory over New Caledonia”
Vanuatu selected to host 2027 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup
Vanuatu has been selected to host the 2027 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, bringing one of Melanesian football’s most important international events back to the country. The decision gives Vanuatu another opportunity to welcome Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia for a tournament that has become an important platform for regional rivalry, national-teamContinue reading “Vanuatu selected to host 2027 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup”
Bill Tuiloma earns All Whites recall after Nando Pijnaker injury
Bill Tuiloma is back with the New Zealand national team, with the experienced defender added to the All Whites squad for the upcoming international window following an injury to Nando Pijnaker. The 31-year-old Wellington Phoenix centre-back had initially been left out of Darren Bazeley’s first squad since the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but Pijnaker’s withdrawalContinue reading “Bill Tuiloma earns All Whites recall after Nando Pijnaker injury”
