Santos FC yesterday took delivery of two brand new quality soccer balls from a friend who reside in New Zealand (NZ). She is Rubina Taylor who is from SI, but has settled in NZ for years now. Rubina is a friend of mine, in 2003, when I was doing my LLM in Waikato. She is related to my wife.

Rubina's son Lewis played briefly with Santos last year. He will go back to NZ this year.

With this assistance Santos now has 13 soccer balls (yesterday's count -11/02/008). One was missing (may be lost), one got damaged already. One needs repair before it can be used again.

We would like to thank Rubina for her assistance. I actually asked for one but she gave two.

For a club in Honiara to have 13 soccer balls is counted as a lot of achievement and a reflection of good management.

Club went back to full training yesterday (See photos on new balls and training yesterday later).

Last week too we received two new balls from Mr. President's RAMSI work colleague. Mr. President will write on this later.

From JAK - 12/02/008, 8am,SI.

I had a call from brother James Susukahu in early January 2008 that Richmond AFC soccer club is looking for three players - goalie, defender and striker for their next march season - South Islands - New Zealand.

Had already informed President and Treasurer about this and we are all eager to make arrangement with the club, if they contact again. Email was sent to James about this and he is to return to us soon.

One of the players I have spoken to had shown interest.

Will continue to get in touch.

Willie Waroka
Secretary - Santos F.C

Name: Jeff Asipara Rahari

I came to NZ quite a while back doing seventh form and then subsequently going on to Otago University. I went back home and stayed in Honiara for a good three years and then at the end of 2001, I returned to NZ again and have been here ever since.

I have a partner from Samoa (Matalena Leaupepe) and a beautiful baby girl (Athena) who is 8months old. I am currently playing for a club called STOP OUT in Wellington. All my life I have been passionate about soccer (football) and therefore did not hesitate when the Santos Football Club appeal in the Solomon Islands came up. I know the current situation back home as well as giving the younger generation an opportunity to not only develop their soccer skills but also the “behind the scene” mentality of soccer: team work, responsibility, competitiveness in a control and safe environment and of course, having fun.

I am currently running a school for disadvantaged young people. Some of the things I mainly do are mentoring, running personal development programs, behaviour management/modification and partly social work. A couple of hours a week I would normally go to mainstream school and run anger management program for young people at the school. It is an extremely difficult job but I am enjoying every aspect of it.

I wish the team an enjoyable season: Train seriously, Play competitively, and have lots of fun.

Last Friday (25/01/008), I bought 2 shin guards to the value of $60 with Ma'ahanua's $50.00 donation. I top up his donation to get the two items.

This is one of our important needs. It is unthinkable to know that some of our players have been cutting card boxes for each game to use as shin guards. They have been able to get away with as the referees have not been doing proper checks before games.

We hope to solve this problem as James Kenihoasia has promised to buy shin guards for players this year. He is yet to do that. I have bought a few last year as well to give in Critical goal awards.

Thank you Ma'ahanua for your support.

From JAK - 28/01/008, 9 am, SI.

Commonly referred to as veteran player , Mr. Appollos Inasimae left this morning to Kiribati, where it is understood he will be taking up employment. News of his departure came as a shock to Management and so we were unable to get clear details about his engagement in Kiribati.

Appollos pledged to remain a non playing supporter of Santos and to assist in whatever small way possible from Kiribati.

Wish you well Appo in your career and stay in Kiribati. Pass our regards to your wife and kids.

Please stay in touch through email.

From JAK - 25/01/008, 3pm,SI.

Aloysio Ma'ahanua informally called into my office this morning and after some 30 minutes of chat he gave me $50.00. I had jokingly asked for assistance with soccer balls and I mentioned $50. I expect it later not today.

However before he left he gave me $50.00. I promise to buy one training soccer ball at POMA shop that costs $48. I might change my mind and buy 2 shin guards instead. Most of our players are playing without this important equipment.

Will confirm later what I spend the money on.

Thank you Mr. Ma'ahanua for your assistance on behalf of players and Management.

From JAK - 25/01/008, 2:45 pm,SI

HFA Administrator Mr. Barnabs Loloito confirmed to me yesterday that the league is suspended until further notice.

Reason - bad weather. Its true. Like I said last week in my posting its been raining heavily since we saw 2008.

From JAK (22/01/008, 9 am, SI).

Santos players did not turn up for training two days ago (15/01/008). Reason is not immediately known. Most of our players went home. Bad weather is a problem in Honiara since the commence of 2008. Field yet to be brushed.

For the same reasons league may not start next week. KG VI playing grounds are yet be cut short. Bad weather still continuing.

A delay to start date would be good for Santos to allow us time to regroup and prepare properly.

See new photograph postings for further news and stories.

From JAK (17/01/008, at 2pm,SI).

Wairokai was the winner and the winning team comprised four prominent Santos players. Captain of Santos, Augustine Rukarae Toimae was the winning captain for Wairokai.

We are proud to be associated with this success through our players Hinai, Tahi, Agustine and Absalom, who without a doubt engineered the result.

Hoping to see them back soon.

Thanks.

JAK (11/01/008, 3 pm, SI).

Players have been asked to report to training next week (15/01/008). There is bad weather arriving with 2008 and the ships are taking shelter, not making trips to the islands. We therefore expect a poor turn out. Most players are in the islands on holiday.

Our first game is on 22/01/008. It is a must win game as currently we are in the top 4 spots in the league.

Thanks.

JAK (8/01/08, 9 am SI).