John Orobulu’s transfer saga has become a notable case in the footballing circles of the Solomon Islands and Fiji. The 23-year-old forward, previously with Southern United in the Telekom S-League, made headlines when he carved a move to Fijian giants Rewa FC, despite initially indicating he would stay in the Solomon Islands to complete the season.
Orobulu had informed his former team president, Baddley Alaha, of his intention to remain with Southern United. However, transfer rumors began circulating when the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) and local media in Fiji reported that Orobulu was cleared to move from Southern United to Rewa. To clarify the situation, Oceania Football Center reached out to Mr. Alaha, the most important figure in Southern United FC’s management. After several days of discussions, Alaha confirmed that Orobulu would not be moving, stating that the player had assured him of his decision to stay – Oceania Football Center posted the news on 29th June, 2024.
In a surprising turn of events, Orobulu did not show up for his commitments with Southern United and did not respond to Alaha’s calls. Instead, he left for Fiji and signed with Rewa, where he has already played two matches. According to Mr. Alaha, the governing football body of the Solomon Islands issued the necessary paperwork for Orobulu’s transfer without his consent. SIFF argued that there was no need for additional documentation, as it was a free transfer.
Mr. Alaha expressed his disappointment and frustration with the situation, stating: “The news is from himself, John Orobulu. While I respect his right as a player, he is not honest with me“, said Southern’s president. “We have not signed any ITC. As a president, I have not signed or approached on this matter. SIFF registered John Orobulu without my consent as a president of Southern United FC. They argue that there is no document to sign and it’s a free transfer. I’m the president, but they don’t even have the courtesy to contact me“, he added – “I respect players’ decisions if they want to move on. But in John’s case, he is not speaking the truth to us. He did not know we supported him to where he is now. That’s my disappointment“.
John Orobulu in Rewa outfit – Nazeel Buksh
Oceania Football Center had no reason to doubt Mr. Alaha’s statement when reporting Orobulu’s decision to stay, as it was confirmed by Southern United’s management. The unexpected move by Orobulu and the subsequent revelation left the platform and fans alike surprised and disappointed – on July 8th, Oceania Football Center wrote a new article stating the player ‘had changed his mind’ and stated that would seek for further explanations on why the situation developed that way, culminating in this present article. This unique situation highlights the complexities and unexpected turns that can occur in the football, especially in Oceania, where the game is not taken professionally.
There are still conversations about the situation ongoing in the background between the staffs of Rewa and Southern United, although no new significant events came to light to this date.
John Orobulu is one of the hottest prospects in Southern Pacific football, having been the top scorer in the last edition of the Pacific Games with eight goals and showing impressive form over the past two seasons for Southern United in the Telekom S-League. His move to Rewa, the current leaders of the Digicel Fiji Premier League, has certainly added drama and controversy to his rising career.
Solomon Warriors have secured a significant addition to their striking force with the signing of Barrie Limoki for the upcoming second part of the Telekom S-League season. The youth Solomon Islands international, who has previously won the national league with Central Coast, comes as a key reinforcement for the current title holders of the top-flight league in Solomon Islands.
Limoki, 20, has an impressive football journey. Most recently, he played for Nadroga in Fiji and also had a stint with Nadi in the same country. Additionally, he played for Kossa in the Solomon Islands Telekom S-League. He was also part of the Solomon Islands squad that participated in the U17 FIFA World Cup held in Brazil in 2017, marking the only FIFA football tournament the Solomon Islands has taken part in so far.
Barrie Limoki
Solomon Warriors have faced the loss of key players in attack, such as Tigi Molea, Jaygray Sipakana, and Gagame Feni. Limoki’s arrival is set to fill this gap alongside the recent signing of young rising star James Laena. Another notable addition upfront is Kennedy Watemae, former Henderson Eels player. Despite his young age, Limoki brings valuable experience and potential to the team.
Opting not to return to Fiji, Limoki has been training with Solomon Warriors for the past few weeks and is now included in the final 25-player list for the remainder of the season. His inclusion is expected to bolster the team’s offensive capabilities as they aim to defend their title.
Gabriele Matanisiga, the 29-year-old Fijian defender currently playing for Wellington Olympic in New Zealand, shared his thoughts with Oceania Football Center on his journey, his performance in the OFC Nations Cup, and his experience in New Zealand.
Matanisiga expressed immense pride in his role during the OFC Nations Cup, where Fiji secured a 4th place finish. He particularly highlighted the honor of wearing the captain’s armband for the national team.
“To give my best if I get a chance to play, I wasn’t expecting that captain thing, but it was God’s plan. Only God knows my struggles starting my journey. Before I started shining, my dream was to be one of the best soccer players,” he recalled. Matanisiga had the chance to captain Fiji during the 3rd place-match contest where team captain Roy Krishna started off the bench.
Reflecting on his early struggles, Matanisiga shared a vivid account of his daily routine, which involved rigorous training and helping his family.
“I used to do my road run every morning before I helped my dad cut sugar cane. Before lunch, I would do another 3 to 4 km run, then go for lunch. After that, I’d rest and then go back to cut cane to help my family. Before going to shower in the afternoon, I had to do my last road run. That was my timetable from Monday to Friday before I was called for the Fiji Under-20 for the World Cup for the first time. That’s where I started knocking on doors for the district clubs. Maybe my struggle back then is why I’m still achieving my dreams now, and there’s still more to come.”
Gabriele Matanisiga (white) wearing the armband against Tahiti – OFC Media
Regarding Fiji’s performance in the OFC Nations Cup, Matanisiga acknowledged the team’s efforts but emphasized the need for more aggression and discipline: “The performance was good, but we need to be more aggressive to win, and mostly, discipline on and off the pitch is very important. I believe if we keep our discipline on and off the pitch, we can make it. With God, nothing is impossible,” he stated, looking ahead to the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Transitioning to his current stint in New Zealand, Matanisiga spoke about his goals and ambitions with Wellington Olympic: “I came here to expose myself and to do my best for the team, to win my first Central League and also play my first National League. I am looking forward to this,” he shared.
Matanisiga’s journey from cutting sugar cane in Fiji to leading his national team and playing abroad is a testament to his dedication and resilience. His story continues to inspire many aspiring footballers in Fiji and beyond.
In an exciting transfer, Joe Moses, the talented 22-year-old forward from Vanuatu, has moved from Galaxy FC in Vanuatu to Suva FC in Fiji. The young player has already landed in the Fijian capital and is set to make his debut for his new team soon. Oceania Football Center had the opportunity to talk to Moses about his move and his recent performance with the Vanuatu national team at the OFC Nations Cup, where they finished second after a defeat in the final against New Zealand.
Reflecting on his journey, Moses shared his happiness about this significant milestone in his career: “I’m very happy that my dreams have come true. I want to say thank you to my teammates back in Galaxy FC, my friends, and family.”
Moses expressed his ambitions with Suva FC, aiming to contribute significantly to the team’s success: “My aim is to help Suva FC win as many trophies as possible.”
Talking about the OFC Nations Cup, Moses highlighted the excitement and the strong performance of his team: “The OFC Nations Cup was a very exciting tournament for me in my career. We have a very good team and a few experienced players. I am very happy with our team’s performance.”
Joe Moses – VFF Media
When asked about his decision to join Suva FC, Moses explained: “I accepted the deal because I want to gather more experience in Fiji so when I come back, I can help my nation for the World Cup qualifiers. I know they have a very strong league and I want to experience that league in Fiji.”
Moses concluded the interview with a heartfelt message: “I would like to thank my nation and fans from Vanuatu and Suva. God bless you all.”
Joe Moses’ move to Suva FC marks a promising new chapter in his career, and fans are eagerly anticipating his contributions to the team.
Atkin Kaua, the seasoned midfielder of the Solomon Islands national team, has made the decision to stay in his home country, rejecting a finalized offer from Labasa FC in Fiji. Kaua, who recently showcased his skills at the OFC Nations Cup in Vanuatu, was expected to join Labasa alongside his compatriots Junior Fordney and Tigi Molea. While Fordney and Molea have already made their debut for Labasa, Kaua has opted out of the move for personal reasons.
Despite the negotiations being complete, Kaua chose to remain in the Solomon Islands, citing personal reasons for his decision. The 28-year-old midfielder will rejoin his boyhood club, Laugu United, for the remainder of the Telekom S-League season. Kaua has a long-standing history with Laugu United, having represented the club on numerous occasions in the past.
Atkin Kaua – OFC Media
Kaua’s decision to stay underscores his commitment to both his personal and professional life within the Solomon Islands. As a senior member of the national team, his presence in the domestic league will undoubtedly bolster Laugu United’s campaign in the Telekom S-League.
The Solomon Islands football community will be eager to see Kaua continue his impressive form on home soil, bringing his experience and skill to Laugu United as they aim for success in the league.
The highly anticipated Tri-Nations friendly tournament is set to take place in Fiji, featuring the host nation, Hong Kong, and Solomon Islands. This event provides an excellent opportunity for both South Pacific nations to test their capabilities against a stronger Asian side. Matches will be played at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva and Churchill Park in Lautoka.
“The Football Association of Hong Kong, China is delighted to announce that an agreement has been made with the Fiji Football Association, of which the Hong Kong, China Representative Team (HKRT) will participate in a Tri-Nations Football Tournament in Fiji from 2 – 8 September 2024, participating teams include HKRT, Fiji, and Solomon Islands,” states the Hong Kong Football Federation on their official website.
Fiji, Hong Kong and Solomon Islands will play the Tri-Nations held in Fiji
For Fiji, this marks their first encounter with a non-OFC opposition since 2019 when they faced Mauritius at Churchill Park and secured a 1-0 victory courtesy of a goal by Roy Krishna. On the other hand, Solomon Islands had two friendly matches in 2023, drawing 1-1 against Singapore and losing 4-1 to Malaysia.
The Tri-Nations tournament promises to be an exciting event, offering valuable international experience for all participating teams and thrilling football action for fans.
The most intense title race in the history of the Telekom S-League so far is only heating up even further as five of the league’s total 12 sides are in serious contention to lay claim to the TSL championship trophy. Known powerhouses Central Coast and Solomon Warriors, perennial contenders Laugu and Waneagu United, and most surprisingly, a resurgent and young Real Kakamora are all vying for the top spot as play resumes on 20th July. In arguably the greatest and most publicized year of the competition’s existence, who will win the championship—and more importantly, earn qualification to the next edition of the OFC Champions League?
The league’s newfound popularity, spurred in part by the worldwide online success of Real Kakamora following a historically inept winless season and their ensuing rejuvenation, will begin streaming matches on FIFA+ following the restoration of electricity to Lawson Tama Stadium by the Honiara City Council and Solomon Power—and many supporters from around the world, including the United States, England, and Australia, are also anticipating the return of the league, giving the contest a more international appeal than ever before, with online views of the TSL surpassing every other league in the OFC—combined!
The country’s most dominant domestic force and eight-time champions, Solomon Warriors, are looking markedly different from when play last stopped before the TSL’s mid-season break. Notably losing key offensive pieces Tigi Molea, Gagame Feni, and Jaygray Sipakana to Labasa and Suva FC in Fiji’s Digicel Premier League, Warriors have considerably less depth up front on the attack but have announced the transfer of Solomon U19 standout striker and wonderkid James Laena of Western Province.
If Laena can develop to the potential he displayed in Samoa this past month, he can serve as a long-term replacement for Tigi, who leaves Solomon Warriors as the all time club leader in TSL goals, assists, and appearances since his debut in 2010. Warriors finished the first half of the season on a 2-2 draw to surging Waneagu, but due to previous match cancellations motivated of having players on international duty, they have only played six matches with an unbeaten 5-1-0 start, and sit only two points behind league leaders Real Kakamora. In response to the club’s notable veteran losses, Warriors remain optimistic they can capture their third straight league championship and ninth overall, and resume play against Kossa on 21th July. Sitting in second place with a favorable position in regards to games played, Warriors may have the easiest path to the title if they are able to continue their run of form despite losing many of their star players.
Central Coast, also sitting at six games played due to having the maximum amount of international players on duty overseas during the OFC Nations Cup, have jumped out to a similarly impressive 4-2-0 unbeaten start with dominant margins of victory, defeating bottom feeders SOSA and Juniper by scores of 6-1 and 5-0 to start the season, which was followed up by a 4-0 win to Kossa and a five-star performance over league leaders Real Kakamora, closing out the first half of the season with a 5-1 victory. Led by the powerful Bobby Leslie and Hudyn Irodao, who have scored 14 combined goals so far, Central Coast also lost top marksman and national team player Junior Fordney over the international transfer window to Labasa FC of Fiji, but look poised to continue their scorching run of form when they resume play on 20 July against Spencer Vaeo and mid-table Honiara City.
Laugu United currently sit third in the Telekom S-League table, sitting at 16 points along with Warriors and Waneagu, and made it a priority to bolster an already strong squad featuring internationals Chris Ha’atarau and Ben Fox over the course of the transfer window. Dickson Maggie and the Solomon Islands national team star Atkin Kaua also joined Laugu during the current transfer window. From Fiji, Laugu added Jared Rongosulia of Navua FC to improve an already strong midfield, Laugu narrowly lost to league leaders Real Kakamora on a second half strike from midfielder Michael Lalo in addition to suffering a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Warriors earlier in the season, but have the benefit of playing struggling SOSA FC to re-open the season on 20th July. Does Laugu have the firepower to push for the league championship after a disappointing mid-table finish last season?
Real Kakamora, Solomon Warriors and Central Coast are the top-contenders of the current season of Telekom S-League – TSL Media
Last season and 2021/22’s league bronze medalists, the developing powerhouse Waneagu United, got off to a relatively weak start to their 2024/25 campaign with no wins in their first four matches, although three were draws, including a pulsating 2-2 affair with Central Coast. Since that point, Waneagu have been 4-1-0 in their last five—with the only draw coming to Solomon Warriors in a match that saw Waneagu jump to a quick 2-0 lead before surrendering the equalizer just before halftime to John Alick in a match that ended even at two-goals a side. Waneagu face arguably their biggest test yet as they resume their season against league leaders Kakamora on 21th July, hoping to prove that their strong end to the first half of the season will carry over into the second round.
Last but not least, league leaders Real Kakamora have shattered the shackles of defeat that once confined them to their status as ‘the worst football club in the world’, reversing a dubious 0-0-22 finish into a commanding 6-0-3 start in nine matches that have gained them the top spot of the table through the first half of the season!
After gaining global attention online in recent months as a result of their previous seasons, Kakamora has risen and became the most followed football club in social meida of the entire OFC region, with supporters from all around the world celebrating in delight as RKFC has turned their fortunes around.
With the help of its superstar and fan favorite U19 player Paul Francis, who currently leads the league in goals scored and is coming off a hattrick in the second half of the OFC U19 Championship third-place game against Fiji, fellow U19 defender Gordon Iro, who also scored a goal of his own and even won a Man of the Match award in the Solomon Islands’ opening match of the tournament, in addition to fellow young talents Michael Lalo, Isaac Kieran, to veteran Jeffery Bule and national team backup goalkeeper Harold Nauania, Kakamora (with the help of former HFA side Green Shield FC, which has managed the club this year along with the Makira-Ulawa Football Association) looks to continue their fairytale run and maintain their top of the league spot with a high stakes contest against Waneagu when the season resumes on 21th July. Notably, 22-year old defender and Solomon international Leon Kofana has also been reported to have signed with the club according to sources close to management, which would make for an incredible back line already consisting of Gordon Iro. Will Kakamora delight their supporters both within the country and around the globe with their first TSL championship? They certainly have the young talent to accomplish such a feat, so only time will tell if they can follow through on their torrid start.
The Oceania Preliminary Qualifying draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ has taken place at FIFA HQ in Zurich, Switzerland. In an unprecedented development for the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), the region has been guaranteed a qualifying spot in the World Cup, with a further place available via the FIFA Intercontinental Play-off Tournament. This marks a historic opportunity for OFC nations, ensuring that the winner of the qualifiers will directly participate in the World Cup without the need for any intercontinental playoffs.
The draw, conducted by France’s FIFA World Cup 1998 winner and FIFA Legend Christian Karembeu, who hails from New Caledonia, along with Dame Sarai Bareman, FIFA’s Chief Women’s Football Officer, took place at the Home of FIFA in Zurich.
The road to Canada, Mexico, and the United States will commence for four Oceania nations with the first and second match days set to be held in Samoa in September. OFC’s 11 full member nations now have a clear path that could lead to one of them being among the 48 teams at the most inclusive FIFA World Cup™ ever.
Based on the men’s FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking™ of July 2024, the four lowest-ranked teams – Samoa, Cook Islands, American Samoa, and Tonga – will compete in round one’s knockout-match format in Apia, Samoa, to decide which of the quartet will join the seven highest-ranked sides in the second round.
In this initial round, the 8th ranked Cook Islands will face the 11th ranked Tonga, while the 9th ranked American Samoa will play the 10th ranked Samoa. The winners of these matches will meet three days later to determine which team progresses to the group stage for match days three, four, and five.
Karembau and Bareman pictured during the draw – FIFA Media
New Zealand, the only OFC nation to have previously represented the region at the FIFA World Cup™ in 1982 and 2010, has been drawn in Group B alongside Tahiti, Vanuatu, and the winner of round one. The Solomon Islands, the top-ranked team in Group A, will play against Fiji, New Caledonia, and Papua New Guinea.
Each country will play every opponent in their group once in matches staged in October and November. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-final ties in March 2025. The winners of Group A will face the runners-up of Group B, and the winners of Group B will play the runners-up of Group A. The victors of these matches will then go head-to-head for the first-ever guaranteed ticket to the FIFA World Cup™ for an OFC nation.
Moreover, the runner-up in the final contest will advance to the FIFA Intercontinental Play-off Tournament, offering Oceania a historic chance to have a second representative at the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States in 2026.
The host venues for match days three, four, five, six, and seven, along with the match schedule, will be announced in due course.
This groundbreaking development ensures that the OFC winner will secure a spot in the most prestigious football tournament without facing intercontinental playoffs. Additionally, the runners-up will also have a chance to qualify through the intercontinental playoffs, marking a significant milestone for Oceania football.
The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) has announced a 42-man extended training squad for the senior national team, aiming to prepare for crucial competitions in the latter half of 2024. The highlight of this announcement is the inclusion of national football icon Micah Lea’alafa. At 33 years old, Lea’alafa’s return to the national fold is a significant moment, as he had been absent from international duty since the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara.
Lea’alafa, who currently plays for Northern Demons in State League 3 South Australia, has also recently been a part of FK Beograd in the NPL. His experience and skill will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to the squad as they gear up for the Fiji Tri-Nations tournament in September and the FIFA World Cup 2026 – Oceania Qualifiers in October.
The SIFF Technical Department has confirmed the squad’s participation in these upcoming tournaments, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation. “The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Technical Department has unveiled a 42-man extended training squad for the senior national team in preparation for key competitions throughout the remainder of 2024,” the federation stated.
Lea’alafa during the 2023 Pacific Games – XVII Sol2023 Media
The squad announcement also sees the inclusion of several new faces. U19 sensation, that recently joined Solomon Warriors, James Laena has received his first senior call-up, joined by captain Billy Afi. Tailevu FC’s Carlos Liomasia, Henderson Eels forward Junior Anii, and Navua FC’s Jack Wale are also notable inclusions, marking their first opportunity with the senior team.
Training for the extended squad is set to commence on Tuesday, July 23rd, at 9:00 AM at the SIFF Headquarters. Caretaker coach Moses Toata will lead the training sessions until a new head coach is announced at the end of July. “The Technical Department has confirmed that the national side will participate in Fiji’s Tri-Nations tournament in September, alongside several training camps leading up to the FIFA World Cup 2026 – Oceania Qualifiers in October,” the SIFF noted.
Lea’alafa’s return brings a renewed sense of optimism and excitement among fans and players alike. His presence is expected to inspire both the seasoned players and the new additions to the squad. As the team prepares for the challenges ahead, the Solomon Islands will be looking to their iconic playmaker to lead them to success on the international stage.
Mauriki FC’s talented striker, Loloa Miller, has emerged as the top scorer of the Vanuatu’s Port Vila Premier League for the 2023/2024 season. With a remarkable tally of 11 goals in 11 matches, Miller’s exceptional performance has been a key highlight of the league.
Despite Mauriki FC finishing third in the standings, behind champions Ifira Black Bird and second-placed Galaxy FC, Miller’s consistent goal-scoring prowess has set him apart. His 11 goals underscore his importance to the team and his ability to deliver when it matters most.
Loloa Miller – PVFA Media
Ifira Black Bird’s George Chichirua finished as the second-highest scorer of the season, netting nine goals. Following closely was Nalihi Ehnarua of Naka FC, who scored eight goals.
Oceania Football Center 