I know very little about Hekari United, even far less about the PNG league but certainly Solomon Islands can draw some inspiration from how the Hekari United management is working overtime to ensure that PNG competes in the O-League. Under the leadership of John Kapi-Natto, Hekari has taken a decisive step in bringing PNG football to compete in the O-League. There have certainly been other clubs representing PNG at Oceania's elite club championships but none has taken the approach Hekari United has embarked on. Hekari has recruited wisely through its strong relationship with Marist FC of the Solomon Islands and through its Australian contacts sent its players to play in the Queensland state leagues. Now they are in Honiara, seeking warm-up matches for their debut in the O-League. This certainly brings to question what our own O-League rep will be doing to build up towards the competition proper? Have we really tested ourselves to see areas in which we can improve to compete well in the championships? I think in a big way, Hekari United is showing some forward thinking in its approach. Simply because in testing its strength against Solomon Islands teams in the shape of our Solympics side and Marist, Hekari United will certainly go home with a better idea of what it would need to do to really compete in the O-League. Under the leadership of an insightful, enthusiastic leader like John Kapi-Natto, look for Hekari United to turn some heads in O-League 2009. It wouldn't be because of its large Solomon Islands import but simply because it has leadership with vision and a will to succeed.

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 lin
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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.

Benjamin Totori has always been a footballer with an uncanny ability to succeed at the very highest level. All throughout his career, he has been a shining and most vivid example of how young people can transform their lives when driven by unparalleled ambitions. Its a trait I fiercely admire. My blog is proud to announce that this young man will now ply his trade with the Portland Timbers in the United States. Pending international and USL clearance, Benjamin will have a remarkable opportunity to make his dreams come true. It remains to be seen if Totori will succeed at this level but judging from his past experience, nothing will stop him from achieving his ultimate goal.

How monumental is this achievement? Considering the fact that Benjamin Totori can be plucked from the obscurity is like the movie 'Goal' played out in real life. Little is known about Portland Timbers in the Solomon Islands; let alone US Soccer. But with Totori in the Timber's lineup, you can be sure that there will be a major following here in Honiara. USL administers Division 1 football featuring 12 teams of which the Portland Timbers is one. Unlike other major football leagues in the world there are no promotion/relegation between the USL Division 1 and Major League Soccer. Having said that playing in this tier of football will provide many opportunities for MLS or beyond. Romario and Zinho, World Cup winners of 1994 have played at this level for the Miami FC.

A Brief History

Benjamin Totori is a fine footballer who has followed a strong family football tradition; although his father never shone as his son did, I am told by those who remember the early days of football in the Solomon Islands  happily recall that his grandfather was a well renowned footballer with an especially unique style of scoring goals, a trait that Benjamin shares with his grandfather.

Benjamin grew up in very humble surroundings, the only child in the family, Benjamin has always been primed for success. His formative years were spent in Woodford International School where his father was a janitor and his football brilliance was recognized early on in those years. Perhaps it is important to note that Benjamin has always stayed in school all throughout his football career before embarking on a full time professional career with Manawatu FC and eventually Waitakere United in New Zealand.

Like his father, Benjamin joined the Uncles Football Club as a teenager and along with another Solomon Island rising star, Kidston Billy, they became a formidable scoring machine that took the league by storm. Major casualties included some of Solomon Island's longest-run and most glamorous clubs. Benjamin was then recruited by Nasinu Football Club in Fiji where he played for a year and completed high school at the Indian College in Suva. In 2005 Benjamin was selected into the National U20 Team which finished second to Australia in the qualifiers held in Honiara, Solomon Islands. He was immediately signed by Manawatu FC at the urging of Shane Rufer. In 2006, Benjamin spearheaded a rampant Manawatu squad whose only folly was being unable to win the NZFC Championship and failing to qualify for the O-League. However, Benjamin would complete the season as the leading scorer and with every major NZFC club chasing after his signature. Signing for Waitakere United in 2007 paved the way for Benjamin to shine on the world stage when he played in the World Club Championship in Tokyo, Japan. Whilst the spotlight was on senior soccer statesmen, Commins Menapi; Benjamin in one moment of brilliance had stamped himself as favorite to watch in Oceania. Videos of Benjamin's nifty stepover at the World Club Champions and his rampant scoring spree at the NZFC was reason for notice by commentators on blogs and forums worldwide. By early 2008, there were rumours of his move to the US League after another strong showing at the Olympic qualifiers in which Benjamin almost singlehandedly took Solomon Islands to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

It would seem like fate works in different ways, as the disappointment of missing the Olympics has finally transpired into a dream signing that finally became a reality for the boy from Fishing Village.

Simplicity is an art

Fishing Village where Benjamin has his roots is a settlement right in the heart of Honiara renowned for their fishermen and at times perhaps unfairly stigmatized as trouble makers. Benjamin remains true to his humble beginnings and in spite of this latest major achievement, Benjamin will always come home to a nicely cooked meal of rice with fish in coconut cream and a tint of cabbage, Solomon style. A simple man, simple dreams and simplicity is an art form he has perfected.

I take my hats off to you Benji wishing you all the success.

Pictures courtesy Reuters & Waitakere United website.