Solomon Islands announce 23-men list for upcoming international friendly matches

The Spaniard Felipe Vega-Arango announced his final call-up for the upcoming friendly matches of Solomon Islands national team; the Bonitos will be participating at the Tri-Nations to be played in Lautoka, Fiji, against the hosts and Vanuatu national team.

The biggest misses of the squad are the young star Raphael Lea’i that is focused on his development in his new club in Europe and the experienced Micah Lea’alafa that just moved to Australian’s National Premier League. Although, five overseas-based players were called up by Vega-Arango: Ian Kalu, that recently moved to New Zealand, and UAE’s based striker and former Waneagu United striker Ali Mekawir; added to the foreign-based players’ list there are Suva’s Marlon Tahioa and Rewa’s duo Alvin Hou and Atkin Kaua – all based in Fiji, where the matches will take place. You can see the complete list by clicking here.

Mango, Kanahanimae, Mekawir and Kaua featured

Some well-known Solomon Islands’ based players were called-up, such as the experienced goalkeeper Phillip Mango and Telekom S-League top-scorer Gagame Feni. Common names to the national team squad were also mentioned such as Joses Nawo, Leon Kofana, Ian Kalu, Adrian Mara and Javin Wae.

New names are also seen in the squad as Vega-Arango, that will be assisted by head former national team player Stanley Waita and Kossa’s head coach Eddie Marahare, looks to prepare new players for the future: Central Coast’s Alick Stanton is included as well as Laugu’s goalkeeper James Do’oro; Laugu has also Dickson Magi in the call up. Kossa’s Innocent Sinahanua that impressed in the last edition of the Telekom S-League also receives a chance by the Spanish head coach.

The Tri-Nations friendly is set to start on 20th March and will have its last matches on 26th March – all games will take place at Churchill Park, in Lautoka.

Fiji: Labasa has nightmares as football season starts

Labasa, one of the most traditional football districts of Fiji, is off to a terrible start in the current season of the Digicel Fiji Premier League. After playing three matches, they are currently ranked at the bottom of the league table with only one point to their name. This is not new to Labasa, in the last season of the national league the Babasiga Lions managed to get their first win of the season only after seven matches played.

Labasa’s new season began with a disappointing 3-0 loss to Lautoka, which set the tone for their struggles. In the following week, they managed to hold a 0-0 draw against Suva, but they were beaten once again in their last game to Nadi by 1-0 – and Labasa’s opponent had only 10-players for a long period of the game. To make matters worse, they are yet to register their first goal of the season, which is a major concern for the team and its fans.

Labasa players before the match against Suva – Labasa FC Media

The new head coach Johan Leewai is having difficulties making his team efficient both upfront and in the backline, as they have already conceded four goals in three games. Many local fans have voiced their disappointment with the team’s poor performances and urged them to improve.

As one of the most traditional football districts of Fiji, Labasa needs to improve quickly if they want to do better than in the previous edition of the national league – as they recovered in the mid-season but still managed to only finish at 6th, with six wins from 18 matches played. The team needs to work harder to represent well the Vanua Levu fans and take back the glories from the past.

Solomon Islands: Telekom S-League confirms participating clubs for next two editions

The Telekom S-League board has confirmed the twelve teams that will take part in the national football league of Solomon Islands for the next cycle from 2023 to 2025. The board screened applicants from both old and new teams and finally selected twelve teams that meet the league’s requirements. The current champions, Solomon Warriors FC, will participate once again to defend their title, along with eleven other teams.

The twelve teams that will be taking part in the upcoming edition of the Telekom S-League are Solomon Warriors FC, Kossa FC, Central Coast FC, Henderson Eels FC, Laugu United FC, Marist FC, Honiara City FC, Southern United FC, Waneagu United FC, Real Kakamora FC, SOSA FC, and FC Juniper. The inclusion of two new teams, SOSA FC and FC Juniper, brings fresh talent and excitement to the league.

Warriors and Kossa players battle for the ball; both sides ended as winners and runners-up respectively in the last edition TSL – TSL Media

The S-League board approved the applications of SOSA FC and FC Juniper based on their history in sports and football, compliance with the league’s requirements, and their financial capabilities. Both teams were required to have a youth team, qualified coaches with a minimum qualification of OFC C License, a major sponsor, and the financial support to pay their registration fees in full.

The inclusion of these two new teams highlights the league’s commitment to promoting football and developing young talent in Solomon Islands. The Telekom S-League has become an important platform for local players to showcase their skills and compete at a high level.

The confirmation of the twelve teams for the next cycle of the Telekom S-League from 2023 to 2025 is sure to generate excitement among fans and players alike. The league promises to be highly competitive, with each team vying for the title and aiming to put on their best performances on the field. The S-League board’s decision to include SOSA FC and FC Juniper indicates that the league is growing and evolving, and fans can expect to see more new and exciting developments in the future.

Azariah Soromon sidelined due injury; Suva and Vanuatu to miss key striker

Azariah Soromon, the talented striker from Vanuatu, has been ruled out of action for four weeks due to injury. This unfortunate news has come as a blow to both his club Suva in Fiji and his national team, who will miss his services in the upcoming Tri-Nations series to be played in Lautoka, Fiji.

Soromon, who has been in good form for Suva, played a key role in their recent qualification for the OFC Champions League group stage. His absence will be sorely felt by the club, as well as by the Vanuatu national team, who will face Fiji and Solomon Islands in the friendly tournament.

Soromon in international duties – OFC Media

Vanuatu, who are looking to build a strong team for future competitions, were hoping to rely on Soromon’s skills and experience in the Tri-Nations series. His injury comes as a setback for the team, who will have to regroup and find a way to cope without him.

Despite his absence, Vanuatu will be hoping to put on a strong performance in the Tri-Nations series, and make a statement in South Paficic football. All teams involved in the friendly tournament are looking to get ready for the Pacific Games to be played this year in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands’ Raphael Lea’i to be cleared for professional debut this week

Raphael Lea’i, the 19-year-old Solomon Islands superstar, has generated a lot of buzz since his move to Velež Mostar in Bosnia’s top-tier league, the m:tel Premier League, earlier this year. He is widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in Oceania football, and fans and pundits alike are eagerly anticipating his professional debut for the Bosnian outfit.

However, Lea’i has been held back by paperwork issues that have prevented him from making his debut for the club. But according to club officials, the young player is set to be cleared next Saturday, March 18th, and could make his professional debut for Velež Mostar against HŠK Posušje – “On Wednesday(8th March) Raphael went to Belgrade and handed over the visa documentation to the BiH embassy, on Monday (13th March) he is going to get his passport stamped, on Wednesday (15th March) he will receive his work permit and on Saturday (18th March) he will have the right to perform“, said Adnan Dizdarevič to The Solomons Football Post.

Lea’i’s arrival at Velež Mostar has been met with great enthusiasm from fans and the club’s coaching staff alike. He is known for his speed, technical ability, and goal-scoring prowess, and many believe that he has the potential to become one of the best players in the m:tel Premier League.

Raphael Lea’i in action for Solomon Islands

The young Solomon Islands international has already made a name for himself in his home country and has attracted attention from top clubs across the globe. His move to Velež Mostar is seen as a stepping stone towards greater success and recognition, and fans are excited to see what he can do on the European stage.

If Lea’i is cleared to play next Saturday, his professional debut will be eagerly watched by fans and football enthusiasts worldwide. It will be an exciting moment for the player and a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. The Bosnian top-tier league is known for its competitiveness, and Lea’i’s performances will be closely watched by scouts and clubs from around the world.

All in all, Raphael Lea’i’s possible professional debut for Velež Mostar is an exciting moment for football fans all over Oceania. The 19-year-old has high potential and his debut will be a significant step towards realizing his ambitions and opening the path for more Pacific Islander to play in European football.

Digicel Fiji Premier League: Rewa and Lautoka still on top despite setbacks in the weekend

The third matchweek of the Digicel Fiji Premier League saw some exciting matches as teams looked to gain an edge in the league standings. Suva managed to record their first win of the season after a convincing 4-0 victory over Tailevu Naitasiri. Suva just took the lead in the late stages of the first half thanks to a goal scored by Samuela Drudru – the home team added three more in the second half.

Labasa, on the other hand, continued their poor start to the season with a 1-0 defeat to Nadi. Patrick Ralulu scored the only goal of the game in the first half, and despite some late pressure from Labasa, Nadi held on to secure the win.

The current title holders Rewa suffered a setback in their match against Navua away from home. Navua took the lead early on through the Solomon Islander Jared Rongosulia, but Rewa’s captain Setareki Hughes managed to equalize. However, Navua held on for the rest of the game to secure a hard-fought 1-1 draw.

Rewa FC before the match against Navua – Rewa FC Media

The match between Ba and Lautoka ended in a goalless draw, with both teams failing to capitalize on their chances. Meanwhile, Nadroga managed to register their first win of the season in a thrilling match against Tavua. The match was played at Lawaqa Park, and Nadroga managed to come out on top with a 3-2 victory.

At the standings, Rewa and Lautoka continue at the top tired with seven points; Tavua and Labasa are now at the bottom as both sides collected just one point from their three games so far in the league. You can see the full table by clicking here.

Roy Krishna to play his third Indian Super League final as Bengaluru beats Mumbai after penalty-kicks

Fijian football superstar Roy Krishna has reached his third final of the Indian Super League as his team Bengaluru FC defeated Mumbai City in the semifinals after a thrilling match that ended in a penalty shootout. Krishna played a key role in the victory, having scored crucial goals throughout the season.

In the first leg, Bengaluru FC managed to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Mumbai City. However, Mumbai City came back stronger in the second leg, winning 2-1 in extra time. Krishna had a chance to score a goal, but was stopped by the Mumbai City goalkeeper. Despite the setback, Bengaluru FC managed to hold on and played very well in the extra-time, but could not find a winner.

The shootout was a tense affair, but teams managed to convert all their penalties untill Mehtab Singh missed the crucial penalty for Mumbai City, saved by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, allowing Bengaluru FC to secure a 3-2 victory and book their place in the final thanks to the strike of defender Sandesh Jhingan.

Krishna was instrumental in Bengaluru victory,. This is the fourth season that Krishna has played in India, and he has now reached three finals and finished in the semifinals once. Krishna scored important goals for BFC‘s improvement of the season that saw them in a 10-winning streak in the regular seasn.

Bengaluru FC will now face either Hyderabad or Krishna’s former side ATK Mohun Bagan in the final. With Krishna in top form, Bengaluru FC will be hoping to lift the trophy and add to their impressive record in the Indian Super League. Krishna’s success in India has made him a popular figure among football fans in the country, and he continues to inspire young players with his performances on the pitch – both in India and also in his homecountry.

Solomon Islands: SIFF announces new Kurukuru’s head coach

The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) has announced the appointment of a new head coach for the national futsal team, Damon Shaw from England. Shaw will lead the team in the upcoming FIFA Futsal World Cup Qualifiers, and the SIFF is confident that he will bring his expertise and experience to the team.

Shaw is a professional futsal coach with a UEFA ‘A’ coaching license that he studied for in Spain. He started his coaching career at the age of 21 and has gained valuable experience over the last 17 years coaching in various countries, including England, Spain, Malta, Malaysia, Poland, and Sweden. He has also coached in the UEFA Futsal Champions League and the FIFA Futsal World Cup.

Shaw (center)

Shaw is not new to the Solomon Islands team, having been a technical analyst for the Kurukuru during their European camp in 2021 and the last FIFA Futsal World Cup in Lithuania. He is familiar with the team’s playing style and is well-equipped to lead them in the upcoming qualifiers.

The SIFF believes that Shaw’s appointment will provide the team with the right direction and guidance to succeed in the qualifiers. The team has had previous success in international competitions. With Shaw’s expertise, they hope to qualify for the 2024 Futsal World Cup and make a strong impression at the tournament.

Wellington Olympic and Auckland City start the contest for the final berth for OFC Champions League group stage

New Zealand football fans are on the edge of their seats as Wellington Olympic and Auckland City fight for the final berth in the OFC Champions League 2023 group stage. Both teams finished in the top two spots of the NZ National League last season, with Auckland City emerging as champions. However, only one team can represent New Zealand in the regional tournament, and both sides are eager to claim that honor.

The current O-League winners, Auckland City has a rich footballing history, having won ten OFC Champions League titles, while Wellington Olympic is looking to make its first appearance in the OFC Champions League. The first leg of the battle was played in Wellington at Martin Luckie Park, and it was a thrilling encounter from start to finish.

Wellington Olympic’s Hamish Watson battle for the ball – Wellington Olympic Media

In the first half, Wellington Olympic dominated play and created a number of chances. The talented Joel Stevens scored for the hosts at the 37th minute to give them the lead, sending the home crowd into raptures. However, Auckland City regrouped and made their best efforts to find an equaliser in the second half. Finally, in the 79th minute, defender Christian Gray headed the ball into the net to equalize for Auckland City, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

The second leg of the battle will take place next Saturday, March 18th, at Kiwitea Street in Auckland. This match will decide which of the two sides will travel to Vanuatu for the OFC Champions League group stage. It’s a crucial match for both teams, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The first leg was part of the OFC Champions League national play-off, and the second leg promises to be another exciting contest between two of New Zealand’s best football teams.

Ifira Black Bird returns Port Vila victorious as they sealed OFC Champions League spot

The people of Port Vila, the capital city of Vanuatu, were thrilled to welcome back their football heroes, Ifira Black Bird, after the club’s triumph in the OFC Champions League play-offs against Siaraga from Luganville. Ifira Black Bird secured their spot in the regional tournament after winning both matches against Siaraga, first with a 3-0 victory in Port Vila, and then with a 1-0 win in Luganville. The club also recently won the VFF Champions League after beating the same Siaraga in the final.

The club returned to Port Vila this week, but their journey was not without its challenges.The fans greeted the team with open arms, and celebrations erupted across the city. The country had been hit by two cyclones, which not only affected the football in Vanuatu but also delayed the return of the victorious team. The PVFA Premier League was put on hold for a week due to the cyclones, but it is set to restart soon.

Ifira Black Bird returning to Port Vila – Nok Nok

The success of Ifira Black Bird is a testament to the passion and dedication of the players, coaches, and fans. The fans greeted the team with open arms, and celebrations erupted across the city.

Ifira Black Bird is set to be the host of the competition as the OFC Champions League group stage will be held in Vanuatu – being the one group in Luganville and another in Port Vila. It is likley the Port Vila’s group will have Ifira as one of the four teams of its.