The disappointment of losing the greatest opportunity to grace the Oceania football arena has taken a drastic toll on Uncles FC. That is the word coming out of Fishing Village. Uncles FC has disintegrated with the likelihood of its most desirable stars leaving the club. Leading the exodus would be mercurial striker, Benjamin Totori, whose football career must be resurrected. Seeing Roy Krishna head off to the A-League must have been a real disappointment, therefore, any hopes of keeping himself relevant lies in his consistency and appearance at the highest level possible. The Solomon Star reported that Commins Menapi has resigned with Marist FC and Benjamin Totori has made an appearance with Marist FC strongly signaling that he is on the verge of signing with the club. Marist FC will be Solomon Islands representative at the O-League and this gives Totori the chance to maintain his place as one of Oceania's more recognizable strikers. Other reports reaching our news desk indicate that Judd Molea will be signed by Zome Mars; now a big spending club with the backing of prominent businessmen in Honiara. He will join beach wonder boy James Naka and this may just produce one of the best 1-2 punches in football in Honiara. Most other lesser known players who were all integral parts of the club will also leave the club. Hekari FC of Papua New Guinea will almost certainly sign other players left behind. Joining this exodus of players is James Naka who is currently signed with Navua FC of Fiji. Jack Whitney, Solomon Islands sensation at the Futsal Qualifiers is also with Navua. Totori may also soon join the club if he fails to sign with Marist FC. Joe Luwi, Naka's compatriot has also played with Navua in the Fiji FACT but may not feature in the upcoming BOG tournament. I applaud the initiatives taken by these players to make a living from the sport they love but what is happening now is simply nothing more than football mercenary; hired sportsmen brought specially to win tournaments and this will not help clubs develop and it may impede the development of football. Manchester United is successful because it focuses on building a club that consistently performs by recruiting wisely and then spending money to develop a wholesome product. Not employ one shot wonders who will beonly there for short periods of times and for specific tournaments. The disintegration of such a well organized club like Uncles FC has only fueled the market for football mercenaries and takes away from football a great deal more than a win in FACT, in O-League or the Super 8 in Honiara. In this regard, respective football administrations must strengthen laws to encourage clubs to concentrate on developing a pool of great players rather than hiring and firing for short term gains. Mercenary has no place in football development.

Honiara, Solomon Islands; The finals of the Super 8 Challenge ended last night as Uncles and Koloale battled for first place. It was initially a fiery contest until tired legs and ill-discipline turned it into a lethargic game that fizzled out as the game progressed. However, at the end of the day Koloale reigned supreme as it capitalized on defensive errors and a short-handed Uncles team to win 2-1 in extra time.

Earlier in the day both Makuru and Marist ran rampant scoring 9 goals in total and Makuru consolidating the third position with a 6-3 demolition of a young but inexperienced Marist side lacking the services of Benjamin Mela, Abraham Iniga and Jack Samani. Alick Maemae returned to the Makuru line-up and scored within 7 minutes to start the goal scoring spree. Marist was still in the game until veterens Batram Suri, Maemae and Lui ensured that Makuru had a four goal cushion in the second half. Marist scored a consolation goal to finish the game 6-3.

Finals | Uncles vs Koloale

The finals was a well contested game. Koloale was resolute in defense and clearly dominated possession. Uncles for all its flair and energy could not create clear chances for its lethal combination of Judd Molea and Junior Billy to score. It was Koloale who broke the deadlock in the first half when Richard Anisua pounced on a rebound to score the easiest of goals. It was perfect timing and with the Uncles defense in disarray. To compound their misery, Uncles captain George Kwanae's crude tackle early in the second half earnt himself an early shower. A revamped defense was immediately put in place as Tas was brought in and Bata Furai was shifted to anchor the defense. It worked well as Uncles was able to hold off the pacy Lency Saeni and Oscar Sara at bay. In what seemed like a cruel twist of fate, second half substitute Brian Feni earned Uncles a penalty in injury time when Koloale appeared certain to win 1-0. Judd Molea's well taken penalty beat Ramoni and the scores were level.

In injury time, the pace slowed but still both sides persisted. Another crunching tackle and red card for Bata late in injury time was perhaps the final straw. The Uncles defense crumbled and Koloale with a 2 men advantage, the Uncle's defense was a gaping hole. A well constructed build up saw Lency Saeni unmarked outside the penalty area. He was quick to launch a perfect lob over the oncoming keeper and sealed the win for Koloale.

It was a disappointing game for Uncles but they need to work on discipline and composure. Their midfield was not functioning as it should and so Molea and Billy were starved off possession. Congratulations to Koloale, they maintained control and created more scoring opportunities and shots on goal. The U-F-C chant was silent and many disappointed Uncles fans will point to the red cards as the ultimate let down.

Bring on the National Club Championships.

NCC Updates

It is reported that Honiara has been awarded 4 slots in the championships with an additional reserved spot for Kossa. Requests by Malaita, Guadalcanal and Western Provinces were denied on the basis that extra teams from provinces will dilute the competition. The NCC should have 10 or 12 spots available and with only 5 provinces confirmed, it may be reasonable to conclude that the 5 teams from Honiara will make up the numbers for the competition.

Honiara, Solomon Islands:  The Super 8 Championship started with a bang and last night, football fans were not disappointed as Honiara was treated to another scintillating display of football.  It was semi-finals night with Makuru taking on Koloale and Uncles against Marist. Two former O-League representatives against the rough, young and rugged outfits of Koloale and Uncles.  It was the Uncles fans who turned out in numbers, trumpets, a chant and all. 

The atmosphere was slightly dampened when the first semi-finals between Makuru and Kola'ale went into extra time, both teams locked at 2 all and eventually to the spot kicks.  To add to the fanfare, the floodlights suddenly went off and the whole stadium was cast into darkness.  The fans never seemed to let the mood die as flashlights went on, mobiles started ringing, cameras flashing and a fervent "power, we want power" chant broke the silence.

Makuru vs Koloale

Makuru went into the breather with a goal advantage.  Veteren Batram Suri scoring from a free-kick.  Koloale returned in the second half determined to get a goal and were rewarded with a penalty when John Iani was cited by the referee for handball in the area.  Richard Anisua drew the teams level with a well taken penalty.  Makuru appeared all out of sorts as it tried to regain its advantage only to fall behind when it failed to clear and Henry Koto laid off a brilliant header to Oscar Sara who made no mistake from a tight position.  Then the hunting fray began, Makuru for an equaliser, Koloale falling back on defense and countering.  Time and time again, Makuru persisted and finally found an equaliser in injury time when a perfect cross found George Lui in the area.  His window of opportunity closed fast so he passed off to Reginald Afia who made no mistake from close range.  In extra time, both teams missed opportunities that would have won the game, none more so then Paul Kakai and George Lui who both misfired in front of goal. 

By the time Makuru's Nelson Sale stumbled and missed his penalty, Makuru knew they were losing their grip on a trip to the final.  And as Shadrack Ramoni had done all afternoon, his brilliant save from a Ben Kunua penalty sealed Makuru's fate.

Afterthought

It would be of no surprise that Kossa dominated and won against Makuru in the pool games as the team that showed up on Monday was porous in defense, disjointed in midfield and ever reliant on veteren Batram Suri's tired legs.  Having said that Kolo'ale brought younger players who have matured through their ranks and played a significant role in the win.

Uncles vs Marist

This was the game, fans had flocked to watch.  After waiting for 3 hours, the first half was a disappointment as nerves were unsettled and tempers flared.  A quick succession of cautions from referee Andrew Moli was enough to quell the situation and Marist were quickest to settle in.  Daring runs by Michael Misitana and the constant threat from Joachim Rande was always problematic for George Kwanae and Eddie Ngaitini.  George was especially guilty, giving away easy balls and missing crucial challenges.  The first half ended goalless.

Much of the same pace and style of football was shown early in the second half.  Uncles were desperately losing control in the midfield and Judd Molea's attempts were always met with a flurry of desperate attacks.  Junior Billy had the best chance early on in the half as he collected a through pass and misfired over the cross bar.  It would appear as the game would be headed to extra time when Michael Misitana was crudely brought down in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot.  Misitana stood up to take the spot kick but a well-timed save by the keeper kept the game safe for Uncles.

The real drama began in extra time when Uncles midfielder Michael was brought down in the area.  Judd Molea coolly slot the penalty past Fred Hale and Uncles were suddenly brought to life.  Brian Feni entered in place of injured Temoa and immediately changed the pace of the game.  Uncles began a series of onslaught which finally saw them dominate the game.  With the ever present Iannie and his silky moves, Uncles were always threatening.  Within a span of 5 minutes left in extra time, Uncles went 3-0 ahead.  Both goals were results of brilliant work and classic Uncles football.  Shot passes, straight running and well taken shots from Gibson Daudau & Loea Aaron sealed the victory for Uncles FC.

Post Mortem | Looking ahead

If Uncles wants to win the finals, it must impose itself early in the game.  They were let off the hook by a Marist side lacking experience and composure.   Koloale is a seasoned campaigner with experience from Marlon Houkawara, Henry Koto and the brilliant Shadrack Ramoni in goal.  Lency Saeni will be quick in the flanks and Richard Anisua has scored brilliant goals of late.  Uncles must learn to play a cohesive game and dominate the midfield with Fulton Temoa and a rejuvenated Brian Feni relishing a chance to be back in the starting lineup.  Judd Molea had a 'off-day' by his standards but Junior Billy is quick and has finally shown good instincts and confidence to score goals.  Their combination with Iannie will be devastating if the midfield can consistently create space and chances for Billy, Molea and Iannie.  Defense will be a problem if George Kwanae and Eddie Ngaitini cannot communicate.

Of course the questions being asked now is, is Makuru eligible for the National Club Championship? Will Kossa be given the fourth and final spot HFA is applying for.  Either way look for a champion as the finals are played later today.  The chants "Give me a U - Uncles, Give me a F - Football, Give me a C - Champion" just might echo the loudest today.

Honiara, Solomon Islands;  It was a fitting finale to a classic show by Kossa FC's James Naka as he scored Kossa's third and final goal of the afternoon.  Kossa FC now heads to New Zealand on a 2 goal cushion needing only a draw to complete its dream run to the FIFA World Club Championship in 2008.  90 minutes away and with one hand firmly on the championship, one man may hold the key to Kossa's dream; James Naka.

By this morning, Naka was still the talk of the town and everyone who could get their hands on the dailies were poring over the pictures and stories, reliving those moments.  To a certain degree, Naka's brilliance on that day overshadowed Benjamin Totori's momumental move to the US League.  Joe Luwi may have been credited with the two initial goals but Naka had a hand in both goals before sending the crowd delirious with his own personal goal of the game.

While Waitakere's frontline sputtered and misfired, Kossa FC's dynamic triplets; Reginald Davani, James Naka and Joe Luwi were in scintillating form as they dominated midfield possession and utilized every chance that came their way.

Waitakere's departing star, Benjamin Totori did show some class of individual brilliance but admittedly, it was James Naka's moment as he put on a show football fans in Honiara will remember for a long time.  OFC Media commentators have already predicted a bright future for this young man, expressing hope that the Beach Soccer World Cup in Marsaille, France may just be Naka's route to individual stardom.

Earlier in the day, Naka's thunderous left shot ricocheted off the crossbar and as a stunned Richard Gillespie watched helplessly , Joe Luwi was quickest to react to score Kossa's first goal.  Joe Luwi's predatory instincts were again on display when Gillespie spilled a Davani shot to put Kossa FC 2 goals ahead.

Returning from the break, Kossa FC conceded an early corner and as it had done all evening, Kossa's defense left Aefi isolated and Jonathan Perry climbed highest to nod home a vital away goal.  A goal down and with the heat taking its toll, the game tapered off into a grinding halt.  As time drew to an end it would seem like Waitakere were resigned to heading home to finish the job.  However, a clearance by Aefi was collected by Naka and in one moment of brilliance he threaded his ways past 2 defenders and laid off a pass to Reginald Davani.  Davani's through pass was timed to perfection as Naka burst past another 3 defenders to coolly collect the return and put the ball past Gillespie.

LOOKING AHEAD FOR THE RETURN LEG
Waitakere United FC impressed in how it was able to maintain its form in 90 minutes of football.  Their passes were crisp and they controlled the game well but lacked finishing.  One of those brilliant chances was initiated by Totori as he left Seni Ngava in his wake but his cross beat everyone including the incoming Commins Menapi and Allan Pearce.  A notable omission was the absence of a holding midfielder forcing Menapi and Totori to play deeper than they normally would.  It was also apparant that it is difficult to play Totori and Menapi in the same game as both as adept to being central strikers.  To compensate Coach Milicich opted to give Totori free-reign and handing Menapi the central holding strikers position. But with Kossa's swarming defense, chances were few and far between.  With captain Danny Hay returning from injury, Waitakere will bolster its defense and most probably focus on shutting Naka, Luwi and Davani down.   Kossa should be prepared to face an entirely different Waitakere at home in a harsh cold evening in Auckland.  Coach Milicich declaring "we will win 2-0" and with a million dollar payday beckoning, you would think that Waitakere will come armed to the teeth to defend its place as Oceania's best club.

There is enough talent with a deep substitute bench to keep momentum and win games.  However, Kossa must improve defending against set pieces.  Too many times Menapi, Sykes, Emblen and Perry were left unmarked with almost all set pieces resulting in an attempt at goal.  The weather will also play a pivotal role in the game.  It will be cold and lining up against a wounded opponent on its home turf is going to be very difficult.  Defense now becomes priority so Gideon and Takayama must impose leadership and communication to direct the team.  Luwi must impose himself in the game because if Waitakere will continue to exploit the flanks to attack, Luwi's role and vision from the center of the park will be vital on the counter.  Davani must avoid going at it alone; instead he should be first reciever and then feeding of breakdowns by Luwi and Naka.  Committing himself into the fray will only clog the lane and frustrate Naka.  Tome Faisi and Seni Ngava have done well in defense and negating any threat from Totori and Pearce at the very first instance should be priority.

NOTABLE PLAYERS
Allan Pierce stood out as Waitakere's best performer of the day.  Whilst Jason Haynes brought some spark into the game, it was Pearce who was consistent, defended well and provide vital breaks and crosses.
For Kossa FC, James Naka undoubtedly worked hardest and was clearly determined to win and he walked away a winner in every regard.  There was ample support from Davani and Luwi and their combination with Naka will prove vital in the return leg in New Zealand on 11th May.

The first leg of the OFC O-League 2008 final is already generating an atmosphere of tense anticipation for the clash between Oceania's two best clubs, Waitakere United of New Zealand and Kossa FC of Solomon Islands. Solomon Islands has been starved off quality football games and so the hype surrounding this clash is understandable. Officially some 9,000 tickets have been printed but judging from past experience. Lawson Tama could easily surpass and double that number with another 10 thousand squinting through the fence while others will be listening to the live broadcast on national radio.

Solomon Islands football fans will be deeply divided between its home grown talents gracing the Kossa line-up and its own stars in Commins Menapi and Benjamin Totori who have led Waitakere all season long. Driving to work this morning I noticed a spray painted sign a fair way past Fishing Village, "Waitakere Bust Kossa", a clear indication of who the folks in Totori's home village will be supporting. Thousands of fans will be in attendance and although the rivalry will be intense I am sure fans will accept any result owing to the strong presence of Solomon Islanders in both teams.

STAR OF THE DAY
Benjamin Totori has poised himself in an enviable position by signing with the US professional soccer league, another nemesis is already a star in football's own abbreviated code, beach soccer. Two stars in their own right, Totori will find himself sharing the limelight with James Naka, Solomon Islands prolific beach soccer star whose exceptional scoring spree in two past Beach Soccer World Cup on the Copacabana beach in Brazil left little doubt that he can compete.

Two very distinct styles. Benjamin is ever present, initiating every move and can singlehandedly create space with his weaving run and feeding off short passes and bursts of pace. James is a player in the Ryan Giggs mold, a facilitator who is also a potent threat at the goalmouth. While Totori makes deep penetrating runs towards goal, Naka lurks around further away from goal but has a lethal left footed shot; ask any goalkeeper stunned flat footed.

Totori and Naka are small in size lacking the height advantage you would normally associate with strikers, both are slightly built but with quick feet, sharp instincts and an unrelenting drive to beat any defender one on one. But their day has finally come; a chance to shine and be noticed. Two giants, too small.

WHO WILL WIN
Saturdays clash will be won by which ever team is able to impose its style on the game. Waitakere will be disciplined, tough and very physical. Its not every day that we get to watch them play but Kossa should expect some degree of very structured football with plenty of firepower in a Menapi Totori double header. While Totori will be a constant threat, Menapi is a big game performer, a reliable scorer who has a knack for scoring in big games. Allan Pearce has been scoring goals of late and could be a dark horse. Captain Danny Hay already commands respect and can impose leadership on field and that could offset any Kossa onslaught.

Kossa must avoid playing the game to entertain. Kossa's success will depend on how well Joe Luwi can facilitate chances for PNG import, Reginald Davani and the degree with which he can involve Naka. Kossa's defense is strong, Gideon Omokirio is a seasoned campaigner with a reliable Samson Takayama and experienced Severino Aefi in goal. Unknown quantities Paul Wale and Seni Ngava or Sammy Wa'ahero can suddenly have a great game day and may be problematic for Waitakere.

Kossa will claim to be underdogs looking for an upset as Waitakere have been known to falter away from home in the O-League. But coming fresh out of an inspiring win over Wellington in the NZFC Finals, Waitakere may just have the edge to close off what is anticipated to be a close encounter here in Honiara. Should Kossa score first and early, then we may have a different ball game in our hands.

May the best team win. For the Game For the World