Oceania Football Center

Fijian youngster Josh Laqeretabua signs his first professional contract in England

Promising youngster Josh Laqeretabua has taken a significant step in his football career by signing his first professional contract with Charlton Athletic in England. The 17-year-old defender, who has been with the club since the Under-9 level, has demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication, earning recognition and the opportunity to continue his development at a higher level.

Laqeretabua’s signing comes on the back of his impressive performances for Charlton’s Under-18 team, which achieved title success in the 2022/23 season. His contributions on the field undoubtedly played a pivotal role in the team’s triumph, showcasing his skills, work ethic, and leadership qualities.

Notably, Laqeretabua has also had the privilege of representing his home country, Fiji, at the Under-20 World Cup held in Argentina. This international experience will have undoubtedly provided valuable exposure to different styles of play and enhanced his overall footballing acumen. In interview to Charlton’s media, Laqeretabua stated his desires: “I am really grateful for the opportunity and now I just can’t wait to get my career kickstarted. Hopefully I can get into the U21s team consistently next season and make a few first team appearances“, said the defender.

The young defender’s two-year professional contract with Charlton Athletic signifies the club’s faith in his potential. This commitment from the club provides Laqeretabua with a stable platform to further refine his abilities, gain valuable experience, and make strides in his career.

Under the guidance of the coaching staff at Charlton, Laqeretabua will have the opportunity to sharpen his defensive skills, improve his tactical understanding, and learn from experienced players and mentors. The professional environment and regular competitive matches will undoubtedly aid his growth as a player and offer him the chance to showcase his talent on a broader stage.

With his innate defensive abilities and determination, Laqeretabua has the potential to become a future star in the world of football. His natural athleticism, technical proficiency, and willingness to learn are qualities that will stand him in good stead as he embarks on this exciting professional journey.

As Laqeretabua continues to develop at Charlton Athletic, there will be high expectations and hopes for his progression. The club will undoubtedly provide him with the necessary support, nurturing his talent and helping him reach his full potential.

The signing of his first professional contract marks a significant milestone for Josh Laqeretabua, opening doors to new opportunities and possibilities in his footballing career. With hard work, dedication, and the right guidance, there is no doubt that this promising youngster has a bright future ahead of him.

Solomon Islands legend Henry Fa’arodo takes a new challenge in New Zealand

New Zealand’s Ngaruawahia United has made a significant signing by acquiring the services of Solomon Islands football legend Henry Fa’arodo. The experienced midfielder joins Ngaruawahia United from Lotto NRFL Northern Conference side Franklin United, where he had been plying his trade.

At the age of 40, Fa’arodo brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the team. Throughout his illustrious career, he has made a name for himself as one of the finest footballers to emerge from the Solomon Islands. With 64 international appearances under his belt, Fa’arodo has showcased his skills on the global stage, scoring an impressive 20 goals for his country.

Ngaruawahia United, currently positioned second in the Lotto NRFL Men’s Championship, has set their sights on promotion to the Northern Premier League in New Zealand. Recognizing the importance of bolstering their squad with seasoned players, the club has secured the services of Fa’arodo, whose reputation as a legend of Solomon Islands football precedes him.

Despite his age, Fa’arodo remains in remarkable physical condition. His dedication to fitness has allowed him to maintain a high level of performance and tackle tougher challenges even at this stage of his career. With his extensive experience and skillset, he is expected to bring invaluable leadership and guidance to the team, both on and off the pitch.

Fa’arodo’s arrival at Ngaruawahia United is not only a testament to his own abilities but also to the club’s ambition. By adding a player of his caliber, the team aims to strengthen their chances of securing promotion to the prestigious Northern Premier League. Fa’arodo’s presence in the squad will undoubtedly inspire and motivate his teammates, elevating their performance to new heights.

As Ngaruawahia United continues their quest for promotion, they can rely on Henry Fa’arodo to provide the necessary experience, skill, and determination needed to succeed. His signing represents a significant boost to the club’s aspirations, and football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the impact he will make in his new team colors.

Labasa records crucial win as Rewa loses its first match on Digicel Fiji Premier League

In a thrilling match that took place at the Subrail Park in Labasa today, the Labasa football team emerged victorious, ending Rewa’s undefeated run in the Digicel Fiji Premier League this season. With a 1-0 win in round 10 of the competition, Labasa secured a significant victory against the table-toppers.

The match was tightly contested from the beginning. However, it was Labasa who managed to break the deadlock and secure the win. The lone goal of the match came in the second half, courtesy of Christopher Wasasala, who confidently converted a penalty kick to put Labasa ahead.

The victory against Rewa, a team that had remained undefeated until this point in the season, is a remarkable achievement for Labasa. It not only showcases their capabilities as a team but also demonstrates their ability to compete against strong opponents and come out on top. The win will undoubtedly boost Labasa’s morale and confidence as they continue their journey in the Digicel Fiji Premier League.

Wasasala (right) scored the winner for Babasiga Lions – *Fiji FA Media*

Despite this defeat, Rewa still holds the top position in the league table. However, their lead has been reduced to a mere one point over the second-placed side, Lautoka. Labasa’s win has propelled them to the fourth position in the league standings, marking their presence as strong contenders in the competition.

The victory for Labasa against Rewa will likely have a significant impact on the overall dynamics of the league. It serves as a reminder that any team is capable of causing upsets and that the competition remains fiercely competitive. Fans and supporters can now look forward to even more thrilling matches in the coming rounds as teams continue to battle it out for the top spot.

Papua New Guinea: Lae City FC score two late goals to draw against Gulf Komara on its national league debut

Lae City FC,made their long-awaited debut in the PNG Premier Soccer League on Monday, 3rd July, against Gulf Komara in Port Moresby. The team’s participation in the league had been uncertain due to a tumultuous period caused by a late withdrawal of their long-term sponsorship. However, at the eleventh hour, Lae City FC managed to secure another sponsorship, allowing them to continue their journey in the competition.

With newfound stability, Lae City entered the match against Gulf Komara with determination and a point to prove. The hosts started strongly, quickly taking a two-goal lead thanks to the impressive performance of their 20-year-old striker, Santo Manu. Manu’s goals showcased his talent and hinted at a promising future for the young player.

However, the current national champions led by the experienced coach Bob Morris, were not ready to concede defeat. They rallied their forces and launched a spirited comeback in the latter stages of the match. The team’s resilience paid off as they managed to find the back of the net twice, equalising the scoreline.

The first goal for Lae City came courtesy of the young prodigy Bruce Tiampo. Tiampo’s contribution demonstrated the potential of the club’s youth development system and the faith placed in emerging talents. With the match now evenly poised, the experienced midfielder Obert Bika stepped up and delivered a crucial goal for Lae City. Bika’s experience and composure under pressure proved to be instrumental in securing the equalizer for his team.

Lae City players celebrate their late equalise – *KingPrins*

The match ended with a 2-2 draw, a result that reflected the fighting spirit of both Lae City FC and Gulf Komara. For Lae City, it was a testament to their resilience to overcome the obstacles they faced in the lead-up to the competition. Despite the turmoil that threatened their participation, they showed that they were capable of competing at the highest level.

As the PNG Premier Soccer League progresses, Lae City will aim to build on their debut performance and establish themselves as strong contenders. Under the guidance of coach Bob Morris and with a talented squad, they have the potential to make a significant impact in the league.

Solomon Islands international Atkin Kaua returns to action in Telekom S-League for Laugu United

Solomon Islands international Atkin Kaua has made a triumphant return to football action, rejoining his former club Laugu United in the Telekom S-League. After a brief stint with the Fijian side Rewa, Kaua decided to move back to his home country, where he has now become available to play for Laugu United once again.

Kaua had returned to his country few months ago, but he was unable to join any team due Telekom S-League regulations – as soon as the transfer window opened, the playmaker had the chance to finally return to action. His presence on the field proved to be crucial in the team’s recent 1-0 victory over Henderson Eels. In the match, Kaua proudly wore the jersey number 10, signifying his importance as a playmaker and key figure within the team.

Before his time in Fiji with Rewa, Kaua had already gained valuable experience abroad. He had a successful spell with the Australian outfit Wynnum Wolves in Queensland, where he showcased his skills and made a positive impact on the team. His performances there likely caught the attention of Rewa, who subsequently acquired his services for the current season.

Kaua’s return to Laugu United has undoubtedly boosted the team’s midfield, providing them with a player of immense talent and experience. As a midfielder, Kaua possesses excellent technical abilities and vision, which allows him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. His understanding of the game and ability to control the tempo will be invaluable to Laugu United as they compete in the Telekom S-League.

Fans and supporters of Laugu United will undoubtedly be thrilled to see Atkin Kaua back in action, as his return brings a renewed sense of excitement and optimism to the team. With his talent and dedication, Kaua has the potential to make a significant impact and contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming matches and seasons.

As Kaua continues his football journey with Laugu United, his experiences playing abroad and representing his national team for the Solomon Islands will undoubtedly serve as a source of inspiration and motivation. Football enthusiasts will be eager to witness Kaua’s continued development as he strives to reach new heights both individually and with his club.

Big loss for Kossa as Gagame Feni sustain serious knee injury; Pacific Games participation under risks

In a bittersweet victory for Kossa, their star striker, Gagame Feni, suffered a devastating knee injury during their recent match against FC Juniper Tree. Despite the team’s triumph with a convincing 5-0 win – with a goal from Feni – the celebration was overshadowed by the potential loss of their top-scorer for a significant period.

Gagame Feni had been an instrumental force for Kossa, showcasing his exceptional skills and scoring prowess throughout the season. With nine goals to his name, he had secured the title of top scorer in the highly competitive Telekom S-League. His contributions played a vital role in Kossa’s success, leading them to an impressive campaign, ending up as runners-up in the 2022/23 season.

Unfortunately, fate dealt a cruel blow to Feni as he sustained a severe knee injury during the match. The extent of the injury remains uncertain, but initial reports suggest that it could be a long road to recovery for the talented striker. Such an injury not only threatens his participation in upcoming matches but also raises concerns about his potential absence from the national team. Oceania Football Center talked to the player and he confirmed the injury is harsh and preventing him even from walking, needing support to move around.

As a regular starter for the Solomon Islands’ national team, Feni’s injury comes at a critical time. The Pacific Games, a significant sporting event for the region, is scheduled to be held later this year in Honiara, and Feni’s presence would have been crucial for the team’s success.

In the meantime, the Kossa team will have to adapt to the absence of their star striker. Other players will need to step up, such as the striker Alfie Aunga that is enjoying a goos season so far, filling the void left by Feni’s injury and striving to maintain the team’s performance levels. It will be a challenging task, but adversity often brings out the best in athletes, providing opportunities for new talents to emerge.

While the injury casts a shadow over Feni’s immediate future and the upcoming Pacific Games participation, it is essential to remain hopeful and support him throughout his recovery journey. A experienced player, the 30-year-old striker has what it takes to overcome the situation and continues his impressive football career.

Solomon Islands fall short to Futsalroos in second international friendly in Sydney

In an exhilarating second friendly match between Solomon Islands and Australia, which took place in Sydney on Monday, July 3rd, the Futsalroos emerged victorious with a 3-2 win. The match followed their previous encounter on Saturday, July 1st, which ended in a 1-1 draw. The thrilling contest was witnessed by a capacity crowd in Sydney’s North West.

The opening goal of the match came from Australia through a penalty kick. Jordan Gurreiro’s acrobatic effort struck the arm of a Solomon Islands defender, leading to a penalty for the Futsalroos. Daniel Fornito stepped up and blasted the ball into the net, giving Australia an early lead.

Australia continued to press forward, with Dom Cox forcing a save from Solomon Islands goalkeeper Anthony Talo. Soon after, Scott Rogan doubled the home side’s lead with a deflected shot that wrong-footed the Kurukuru’s goalkeeper. However, Solomon Islands quickly responded and pulled one back. A well-executed move resulted in Junior Mana finding the back of the net off his back, reducing the deficit to 2-1.

Both teams had further chances before halftime, but Rhys Buick and Grant Lynch failed to extend Australia’s advantage. As a result, the teams went into the halftime break with the Futsalroos leading 2-1.

Calvin Do’oro (left) battles for ball possesion – *FFA Media*

The second half began similarly to the first, with Solomon Islands pressing for an equalizer and Australia searching for another goal. Australia eventually found their third goal through Grant Lynch, who scored with a powerful left-footed strike.

Australia continued to create opportunities, but resilient defending from Solomon Islands denied them further goals. Jacob Basden came close to increasing the lead, hitting the post, and Daniel Fornito’s follow-up was saved from close range.

Despite Australia’s dominance, Solomon Islands refused to surrender and fought back. In the 29th minute, Charlie Otainao tested Australian goalkeeper Badolato, and just two minutes later, Otainao himself found the bottom corner of the net, making it 3-2 and setting the stage for an exciting finale.

In the closing stages of the match, both teams had chances to score. Adeli attempted an audacious outside-of-the-boot shot, and Owen Bunabo had a one-on-one opportunity, but the score remained 3-2 in favour of Australia. The home supporters rejoiced as Australia secured their first victory of the three-match series.

The action between Australia and Solomon Islands will conclude on Wednesday, July 5th, with another international match taking place at The Centre, Sydney. Fans eagerly anticipate the final encounter, hoping for another thrilling display of futsal skills.

Solomon Islands’ Michael Boso joins PN Marist in New Zealand

Former Solomon Islands international Michael Boso has recently made a significant move in his football career by signing for Palmerston North Marist, a team based in New Zealand. The club, coached by the experienced Juliano Schmeling, is known for its strong presence in the Central Federation League, a league that serves as a pathway for promotion to the Central League — part of the national league system in New Zealand.

Michael Boso, a seasoned 31-year-old defender, brings a wealth of experience to Palmerston North Marist. Having represented clubs such as Suva in Fiji and Team Wellington in New Zealand, Boso’s skills and expertise have been honed in different competitive environments. Boso’s international career has also been noteworthy, as he has proudly represented the Solomon Islands national team on 13 occasions.

Since joining Palmerston North Marist, Boso has wasted no time in making himself available for selection. He was ready to contribute to his new team’s recent match against Napier City Rovers II. The game proved to be a successful one for Palmerston North Marist, as they emerged victorious with a 1-0 scoreline.

Under the guidance of coach Juliano Schmeling, a Brazilian with experience coaching the Kurukuru and Marist FC, PN Marist can expect to benefit from his tactical acumen and strategic insights. Schmeling’s vast knowledge of the game and his ability to motivate players will likely provide the team with the necessary tools to progress further in their league campaign. Schmeling was the responsible for bringing Boso to PN Marist.

As Michael Boso continues his journey with Palmerston North Marist, the player expects to restart his football career on a high; the last official club of the central defender was Isabel United, in the Telekom S-League, two years ago.

Solomon Islands: coach Damon Shaw speaks on Kurukuru’s current development

The Kurukuru are in Sydney for a series of international matches to be played against the Futsalroos – the first of the three games was already played and Solomon Islands grabbed a historic result against the home team: 1-1.

Oceania Football Center had the opportunity to hear from Englishman Kurukuru‘s head coach Damon Shaw about his feelings after the first matchup against Australia. The experienced head coach that in the past already took part of Solomon Islands’ staff, stated the reasons behind the better performance against Australia in comparison to the last friendly matches against Vietnam – two 5-0 loses: “We upped the training since Vietnam and we have a couple of players back in the team. But overall we’re just a bit fitter since then and we know we can compete. Now we can do that a bit longer and can even get a result“, stated Shaw, that already coached in countries such as Malaysia and Sweden in his career.

The team seems ready for the remaining matches against Australia – the Futsalroos are ranked 15 positions above Solomon Islands in the FIFA Futsal Rankings. The exposure the team is getting is important for the preparations for the OFC Futsal Nations Cup, but as well for the professionalisation of the players: “This is good exposure, but the World Cup is where they can really get in the shop window. These games are all about being ready for that. I think most of this squad could play in top leagues around the world and we’d love to see that happen. I’ve had a few conversations with coaches in Europe about next season but for now we’re fully focused on October for the Nations Cup“, stated Shaw.

Solomon Islands took part of the last four editions of the FIFA Futsal World Cup; the Kurukuru are seen as the major force of the sport in the Oceania Football Confederation, but the competition is getting harder and harder in the past years. In the last OFC Nations Cup, back in 2019, Solomon Islands surpassed New Zealand only in the penalty shooutout. Last year the OFC Futsal Cup took place in Fiji, the tournament was not taken as the same of the OFC Nations Cup, although a red flag for Solomon Islands was raised as they lost the final match by 6-2 to New Zealand. “I expect a very tough competition. All the Oceania nations are improving and catching up. You see in the world, Spain and Brazil dominated for years, but even as they continued to grow, the gap closed and everything becomes more competitive. That’s happening in Oceania now“, said the English coach.

New Zealand, possibly the hardest opponent Solomon Islands may face in the OFC Nations Cup later this year, is ranked only three positions behind the Kurukuru in the FIFA Futsal Rankings. The gap is closer and the preparations are taken very seriously for Shaw and his players, as even historic results against stronger oppositions such Australia can state the strategies taken are definitely working currently.

Lae City’s late inclusion in PNG National Premier League changed Emmanuel Simon’s fate

Papua New Guinea football star, Emmanuel Simon, has found himself at the center of an unexpected twist in his career as he continues to play for Lae City FC. The club recently experienced a late change of sponsorship, allowing them to participate in the PNG National Premier League, which commenced over the weekend. As a result, Simon will have the opportunity to represent Lae City, the reigning champions of the national league.

Initially, Simon had already reached an agreement to represent Gulf Komara, a Port Moresby-based team, in the national league. However, due to an eleventh-hour change in sponsorship for Lae City, his long-term club where he had spent many successful years, Simon was released back to his former team. Consequently, he will make his debut in the national league for Lae City, ironically facing Gulf Komara this coming Monday (03rd July).

This highly anticipated encounter between Lae City and Gulf Komara will be the only remaining match of the first matchweek in the eight-team national league. The clash has taken on an added level of significance, not only due to the late change of sponsorship but also because it will see Simon face the team he initially intended to represent.

Simon in Lae City colours – *Lae City FC Media*

Emmanuel Simon is widely regarded as one of Papua New Guinea’s top football talents. His technical skills, versatility and creativity in the midfield ahave made him a key player for Lae City over the years. Despite the unexpected turn of events, Simon’s return to his former club is sure to be met with enthusiasm from both the fans and the team.

As Lae City aims to defend their title, the reinclusion of Simon in their squad for the national league will undoubtedly boost their chances. With his experience, leadership, and familiarity with the team, Simon is expected to play a pivotal role in their campaign – as well as the historical team captain.

Simon had thanked Gulf Komara’s boss David Aua in social media to release him back to Lae City after previously reaching an agreement with the club. Aua understood the odd situation with the midfielder and his former team and did not stand in the way to allow Simon to continue to represent his long-term club.