O-League action continues this weekend as Auckland City FC and Lautoka look to stay top of Group A and Group B respectively while the rest of the eight-team field play catch-up football.

Match Day Two kicks off on Saturday with the Group A clash between Waitakere United and Tahiti’s AS Manu Ura at Fred Taylor Park in Auckland. Both teams will be eager to put their previous matches behind them as the two-time champions Waitakere could only manage a 1-1 draw against AS Magenta and the Tahitians went down 0-5 to title holders Auckland City.

Roy Krishna and Vetea Tepa will both miss the game after receiving red cards in their respective first round matches while Waitakere player-coach Neil Emblen is still serving a carry-over suspension from last season. Waitakere will also be without their Young All Whites who have progressed to the second round at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria.

Crossing over to Papua New Guinea for Group B, Hekari United FC will host Fiji’s Lautoka on Saturday at Port Moresby Rugby League Stadium. Hekari fought hard for a 3-3 draw against Tafea FC in Port Vila on match day one and could leap-frog Lautoka into first place with a win on Saturday. David Muta, Kema Jack and Benjamin Mela all impressed during their first outing and will again be key players for the home side.

Lautoka will be full of confidence after a classy display in their debut O-League match beating Marist FC 3-1. The Fijians will be eager to consolidate their lead with a follow-up away result.

In the other Group B match, Marist have a chance to redeem themselves on Saturday with a second straight home match at Lawson Tama Stadium, this time against Vanuatu club champions Tafea FC. Coach Patrick Miniti is confident his side will bounce back from their first up defeat with the support of an empassioned home crowd likely to reach 15,000. The Solomon Islands have a strong O-League history to preserve after representatives Kossa FC and Koloale FC finished runners-up in the previous two editions.

Tafea FC meanwhile will go into the match hoping for maximum points to potentially go top of Group B. The team remains largely unchanged from the first round with only Hubert Nake left out of the travelling squad.

Finally it’s back to Auckland on Sunday for the Group A clash between Auckland City FC and AS Magenta. Former Waitakere striker Daniel Korivcic will be keen to add to his goal tally for Auckland after an impressive hat-trick against AS Manu Ura on Match Day One. The only change from that squad will be Paul Urlovic replaced by Grant Young who has recovered well from a hamstring injury.

AS Magenta will be without star midfielder Pierre Wajoka and Andre Sinedo who are both tied up with personal commitments while former Ligue 1 defender Benjamin Longue is under an injury cloud. Coming into the squad is former New Caledonian international Steeven Longue, brother to Benjamin, plus Theodore Kaudre and Albert Itrema.


2010 O-LEAGUE – MATCH DAY 2 PREVIEW

This is the Official Preview for Match Day 1. Please note squads are subject to change.

Media wishing to attend any O-League match should contact the respective home club contact prior to match day. Media are encouraged to use these contacts for further club specific information or clarification.

Waitakere United [NZL] vs. AS Manu Ura [TAH]
Saturday 7 November 2009
Fred Taylor Park
Auckland, New Zealand
Local kick-off: 15H00

Referee: Kevin DOCHERTY [AUS]
Assistant Referee 1: Nick VAN SELM [NZL]
Assistant Referee 2: Glen LOCHRIE [NZL]
Fourth Official: Jamie CROSS [NZL]

Waitakere United: 1. Danny ROBINSON  [GK], 2. Jason ROWLEY, 3. Aaron SCOTT, 4. Tim MYERS, 5. Ash SOLLY, 6. Graham PEARCE, 7. Martin BULLOCK, 8. Brent FISHER, 9. Benjamin TOTORI, 10. Allan PEARCE, 11. Neil SYKES, 13. Dimas DA SILVA, 14. Jeremy CHRISTIE, 17. Jake BUTLER, 19. Dakota LUCAS, 21. Keegan LINDERBOOM, 22. Liam LITTLE  [GK], 26. Jason HICKS
Coach: Neil EMBLEN [ENG]

AS Manu Ura: 1. Jonathan TOROHIA  [GK], 2. Henri TAPEA, 3. Rex FAURA, 5. Philippe MORETA, 6. Aldo TAUIHARA, 7. Tetahio AURAA, 9. Jean-Francois KABEU, 10. Auguste WASHETINE, 11. Hiashi KAKE, 12. Hiroana POROIEA, 14. Stephane TUAIRAU, 15. Henri CHANON, 16. Daniel TAPETA  [GK], 19. Heitini TUPEA, 20. Billy MATAITAI, 22. Fraddy TAUIHARA
Coach: Patrick PITO [TAH]



Hekari United FC [PNG] vs. Lautoka [FIJ]
Saturday 7 November 2009
PMRL Stadium
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Local kick-off: 15H00

Referee: John SAOHU [SOL]
Assistant Referee 1: Hilary ANI [PNG]
Assistant Referee 2: David CHARLES [PNG]
Fourth Official: Job Ponis MINAN [PNG]

Hekari United FC: 3. Tagaya LEPANI, 4. Cyril MUTA, 5. Brian TUHIANA, 7. Benjamin MELA, 8. Michael FOSTER, 9. Tuimasi MANUCA, 11. Joachim WAROI, 12. David MUTA, 13. Andrew LEPANI, 15. Charles PARANDA, 17. Kema JACK, 18. Eric KOMENG, 20. Gure GABINA  [GK], 23. Samuel KINI, 24. Kluivert DAGI, 27. Desmond WALUKA  [GK], 30. Pita BALEITOGA
Coach: Jerry ALLEN [SOL]  

Lautoka: 1. James CHRONOPOULOS  [GK], 2. Samuela KAUTOGA, 3. Keni DOIDOI, 4. Samuela VULA, 6. Malakai WAQA, 7. Valerio NAWATU, 8. Ilatia TUILAU, 9. Nahuel ARRARTE, 10. Kamal HASSAN, 11. Sailesh SAMY, 13. Apisai SMITH, 15. Marika ROBANAKADAVU, 17. Arvindra NAIDU, 19. Leone VURUKANIA, 22. Aliverti BALELOA  [GK], 27. Salesh KUMAR
Coach: Imdad ALI [FIJ]



Marist FC [SOL] vs. Tafea FC [VAN]
Saturday 7 November 2009
Lawson Tama Stadium
Honiara, Solomon Islands
Local kick-off: 15H00

Referee: Andrew ACHARI [FIJ]
Assistant Referee 1: Matthew TARO [SOL]
Assistant Referee 2: Jackson NAMO [SOL]
Fourth Official: Nelson SOGO [SOL]

Marist FC: 1. Michael KOUMA [GK], 2. Chrisanto MISIGA, 4. Emmanuel POILA, 5. David HOUPERE, 6. Michael PATITI, 7. Joseph LANI, 8. John WAYNE, 9. Abraham INIGA, 10. Michael MISITANA, 11. Commins MENAPI, 12. Clifford HUTA, 13. Lenson BISILI, 15. Joe LUWI, 16. Martin RUHASIA, 18. Tolei Ini KOPURIA, 19. Johan Firisi DOIWALE, 20. Navusu KITU  [GK], 21. Charlie TANIRO
Coach: Patrick MINITI [SOL]

Tafea FC: 1. Alfred MALAS  [GK], 3. Jacques MAFIL NAWAN, 4. Roger JOE, 5. Silas NAMATAK, 6. Fredy VAVA, 7. Moise POIDE, 9. Jean Nako NAPRAPOL, 10. Richard IWAI, 11. Etienne MERMER, 13. Francois SAKAMA, 14. Asi DANIEL, 15. Jonah TURU, 16. Alphonse QORIG, 17. Geoffrey GETE, 18. Robert TOM, 19. Michell KALTAK, 20. Len MERKA [GK]
Coach: Graham DEMAS [VAN]



Auckland City FC [NZL] vs. AS Magenta [NCL]
Sunday 8 November 2009
Kiwitea St
Auckland, New Zealand
Local kick-off: 15H00

Referee: Rakesh VARMAN [FIJ]
Assistant Referee 1: Mark RULE [NZL]
Assistant Referee 2: Jacqueline STEPHENSON [NZL]
Fourth Official: Chris KERR [NZL]

Auckland City FC: 1. Jacob SPOONLEY  [GK], 3. Ian HOGG, 4. Sam CAMPBELL, 5. Matt WILLIAMS, 6. Ki-Hyung LEE, 7. James PRITCHETT, 8. Chad COOMBES, 10. Grant YOUNG, 11. Daniel KOPRIVCIC, 13. Alex FENERIDIS, 14. Keryn JORDAN, 15. Ivan VICELICH, 16. Jason HAYNE, 17. Adam McGEORGE, 18. Paul GOTHARD  [GK], 20. Greg UHLMANN, 21. Riki VAN STEEDEN, 22. Adam DICKINSON
Coach: Paul POSA [NZL]

AS Magenta: 1. Jean Yan DOUNEZECK  [GK], 2. Benjamin LONGUE, 4. Emmanuel DIANAI, 6. Jedidja SAIKO, 7. Noel KAUDRE, 9. Paul POATINDA, 11. Albert ITREMA, 14. Jules WEA, 15. Steeven LONGUE, 24. Lamo XEWE, 25. Joris GORENDIAWE, 29. Theodore KAUDRE, 32. Ludovic BOIT, 33. Philippe KOKONE
Coach: Alain MOIZAN [NCL]

2010 O-LEAGUE TABLE

Group A

2010 O-LEAGUE RESULTS

Group A
17/10/09       Auckland City FC vs. AS Manu Ura      5-0
24/10/09       Waitakere United vs. AS Magenta      1-1

Group B
17/10/09       Tafea FC vs. Hekari United FC            3-3
18/10/09       Marist FC vs. Lautoka                         1-3      
 

2010 O-LEAGUE – LEADING GOAL-SCORERS

3 – Daniel KOPRIVCIC
1 – Nahuel ARRART
1 – Chad COOMBES
1 – Brent FISHER
1 – Kamal HASSAN
1 – Abraham INIGA
1 – Kema JACK
1 – Samuela KAUTOGA
1 – Tuimasi MANUCA
1 – Benjamin MELA
1 – Silas NAMATAK
1 – François SAKAMA
1 – Robert TOM
1 – Ivan VICELICH

The Solomon Islands national beach soccer team has received another preparation boost ahead of the upcoming FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Dubai from 16-22 November.

Known as the Bilikiki, the national side will depart for the United Arab Emirates on Friday - one week earlier than originally scheduled.

Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) General Secretary Eddie Ngava confirmed this week that the team will have one week for friendly matches and training in Dubai before the tournament.

“SIFF and Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) are working together to ensure that the team has the best training possible,” said Ngava.

“As part of the team’s preparation an expert overseas coach has come in to assist the team locally and they will also have three friendly matches in Dubai before the World Cup kicks off, hence, their early departure."

The team completed a week of training with Switzerland assistant beach soccer coach Davor Ivcevic last week. Feedback from the players was positive with several crediting Ivecic for giving them a deeper understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.

The Bilikiki went into training straight after winning the OFC Beach Soccer Championship Tahiti Nui in July and maintained a steady schedule.

Team Manager Rueben Oimae told local media this week that he is satisfied that his squad has shown excellent application to their required training regime and this dedication has lifted the quality of their play accordingly.

“Our aim is to reach the second round and we have put all our training towards achieving that,” Oimae said.

The Bilikiki are in a highly challenging Pool D along with United Arab Emirates, Uruguay and former champions Portugal. This will be Solomon Islands fourth consecutive FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup appearance.

FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai 2009
Solomon Islands schedule:

Monday 16 November
Uruguay vs. Solomon Islands

Tuesday 17 November
Solomon Islands vs. UAE

Wednesday 18 November
Portugal vs. Solomon Islands

Friday 20 November
Quarter Finals

Saturday 21 November
Semi Finals

Sunday 22 November
3rd/4th play-off
Final

Courtesy of SIFF Media

Marist Football Club coach Patrick Miniti says his team has exorcised its demons after a disappointing first round O-League defeat at home by Lautoka FC last month.

Marist will be desperate to take maximum points from its next O-League match against Vanuatu champions Tafea FC when the two meet on Saturday 7 November at Lawson Tama Stadium.

The Solomon Island champions fell 1-3 to Lautoka FC in front of 12,000 dismayed Honiara fans on 18 October.

But Miniti says his team will be looking forward with optimism and determination despite widespread public dismay following the loss to Lautoka FC.

“It will be a difficult task for us but we cannot afford to walk away empty handed from this game,’ Miniti said.

Miniti concedes that certain areas of Marist’s game suffered in their season opening home match but is confident his team is back on track for their all-important second home match.

“The team has worked towards a better result and we look forward to our next match,” Miniti said. 

“We know that Tafea FC will be very fast and our defense will have to be at its best if we are to gain anything from this match.”

Marist’s captain Abraham Iniga has issued a rallying call to the Solomon Islands public pleading for renewed passionate home support against Tafea FC.

“We carry not only the Marist flag but also a national responsibility and we urge the public to back us in our next match,” Iniga said.

The Solomon Islands have a strong O-League history to preserve after representatives Kossa FC and Koloale FC finished runners-up in the previous two editions.

Saturday's match will be crucial for Marist as they fight to stay in contention in Group B. Lautoka currently leads the group on three points with Papua New Guinea's Hekari United and Tafea FC in second place after their 3-3 draw in Port Vila last month while Marist are languishing at the bottom of the table.

Meanwhile in Group A, Auckland City FC sit top ahead of AS Magenta and Waitakere United on one point and AS Manu Ura who are yet to get a result.

Courtesy of SIFF Media

The Solomon Island Bilikiki are receiving expert assistance from a seasoned European beach soccer coach in Honiara this week ahead of their trip to Dubai next month for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2009.

Davor Ivcevic, assistant coach and squad member of Switzerland's beach soccer team, arrived on Monday and will take the Bilikiki through an intensive one-week training programme. 

Switzerland will also participate in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, which kicks off on 16 November and involves 16 of the world's best teams.  

Eddie Ngava, General Secretary of the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF), says that his goal is for the team to have the best training possible before departing for the FIFA tournament. Ngava also confirmed that SIFF has made plans for the team to arrive one week prior to the World Cup in order for Ncevic to join the team in Dubai and oversee further training and acclimatisation.

SIFF requested a professional coach through Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) earlier this year to assist the team after it won the OFC Beach Soccer Championship Tahiti Nui in August and qualified for their fourth consecutive FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

SIFF initially requested Switzerland’s head coach, Angelo Schirinzi, who ruled himself out due to commitments with their national side. Schirinzi then appointed Ncevic to help out the Solomon squad on his behalf.

Ivcevic says that his training program will largely focus on the tactical aspects of beach soccer. When asked to nominate specific areas of the Bilikiki’s play that require improvement Ncevic says he will work on the team’s defence and finishing.

"I am satisfied with the skill level of the players but I think more work needs to be done in areas like making use of space as a tactic and other advanced team techniques," Ivcevic said.

Bilikiki team manager Rueben Oimae says that he is very happy with the arrival of Ivcevic.

"I think the team will benefit a lot from his work here," Oimae said.

The Bilikiki will be in a training camp for the entirety of Vcevics’ visit this week and are undertaking two intensive training sessions per day.

They will face tough competition in the first round of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup after being drawn in Group A alongside Portugal, Uruguay and hosts UAE.



Bilikiki coach Henry Koto (left) with Swiss coach Davor Ivcevic

Fifteen goals have already been scored in the 2010 O- League as Auckland City FC and Lautoka stormed to victory on Match Day 1 of the competition to go top of Group A and Group B respectively.

The season kicked off at Auckland’s Kiwitea Street on Saturday with defending champions Auckland City cruising to a 5-0 win over Tahiti’s AS Manu Ura in Group A. Daniel Koprivcic led the way with a second-half hat-trick on debut for the club.

Auckland City coach Paul Posa says he was pleased to pick up maximum points in the season opener and is delighted to be involved in another O-League campaign.

“O-League is great because it raises the standards,” said Posa, who took over from Colin Tuaa midway through last season in a caretaker role and is now leading the club in a British-type manager’s role.

“To play different teams with different styles – we learn from that and they learn from us which I think is a great thing.”

Auckland City started well in the wet conditions going ahead in the 18th minute when All Whites defender Ivan Vicelich climbed high at the near post to head home Ki-Hyung Lee’s corner.

Chad Coombes took Auckland City’s lead out to 2-0 at half-time before Koprivcic stole the show in the second half. The former Waitakere United striker grabbed the first of his three in the 69th minute when he out-muscled his marker on the edge of the area and slotted the ball low past goalkeeper Daniel Tapeta. He scored his second in the 80th minute shortly before AS Manu Ura’s Vetea Tepa was sent off for an off-the-ball incident. Koprivcic then completed his hat-trick with a coolly-taken penalty in injury time.

Kicking off in Port Vila shortly after the Kiwitea clash was the opening Group B match between Tafea FC and Hekari United FC. The 4,000 local faithful at Municipal Stadium were given plenty to cheer in the opening minute of the game when Silas Namatak curled the ball top corner from just outside the area.

Tafea doubled their lead in the 34th minute through Robert Tom before three goals were scored in the space of five minutes just before half-time. Striker Kema Jack grabbed a double in quick succession before Vanuatu international Francois Sakama hit back in the 45th minute to give the home side a 3-2 advantage. Benjamin Mela made it 3-3 five minutes after the break and the score remained unchanged. 

On Sunday around 15,000 fans turned out at Honiara’s Lawson Tama Stadium to support Marist FC as they faced a determined Lautoka side in the second Group B match.

Making their O-League debut, Lautoka got off to the perfect start going ahead in the 14th minute when Kamal Hassan headed home after a weak punch out from goalkeeper Fred Hale off a corner. Another strong header, this time from Samuela Kautoga put the visitors two goals clear in the 20th minute, a lead they kept going into the break.

Marist substitute Michael Patiti came on for Joe Luwi midway through the second half and made an immediate impact with a blistering run down the right to set up Abraham Iniga for an easy tap in. The stage was set for a dramatic finish in what was turning out to be a fiercely competitive encounter with no fewer than seven yellow cards issued. But it wasn’t to be for the home side as Lautoka defended well in the dying stages and grabbed a third goal in injury time through Nahuel Arrart.

It was the first home defeat for a Solomon Island club in the O-League since 2007 when ironically it was Marist who again found themselves on the wrong side of a Fijian club going down 0-2 to Ba.


2010 O-LEAGUE - MATCH DAY 1

Full match reports:

Auckland City FC: 5 (Ivan VICELICH 18, Chad COOMBES 34, Daniel KOPRIVCIC 69, 79, 90+1)
AS Manu Ura: 0
Half-time: 2-0
Saturday 17 October 2009
Kiwitea Street
Auckland, New Zealand

Referee: Gerard PARSONS [AUS]
Assistant Referee 1: Mark RULE [NZL]
Assistant Referee 2: Glen LOCHRIE [NZL]
Fourth Official: Nick WALDRON [NZL]

Crowd: 875
 
Auckland City FC line-up: 1. Jacob SPOONLEY  [GK], 3. Ian HOGG, 5. Matt WILLIAMS, 6. Ki-Hyung LEE (17. Adam McGEORGE 74), 7. James PRITCHETT, 8. Chad COOMBES (22. Adam DICKINSON 72) 11. Daniel KOPRIVCIC, 13. Alex FENERIDIS, 15. Ivan VICELICH, 19. Keryn JORDAN (16. Jason HAYNE 62), 20. Greg UHLMANN
Substitutes not used: 4. Sam CAMPBELL, 9. Paul URLOVIC, 12. Paul GOTHARD  [GK], 21. Riki VAN STEEDEN
Coach: Paul POSA [NZL]

Yellow cards: Nil

Red cards: Nil

AS Manu Ura line-up: 16. Daniel TAPETA  [GK], 2. Henri TAPEA, 3. Rex FAURA, 5. Philippe MORETA, 7. Tetahio AURAA, 8. Vetea TEPA, 9. Jean-Francois KABEU, 10. Auguste WASHETINE, 12. Hiroana POROIEA, 20. Billy MATAITAI, 22. Fraddy TAUIHARA
Substitutes not used: 1. Jonathan TOROHIA  [GK], 14. Stephane TUAIRAU, 15. Henri CHANON, 19. Heitini TUPEA, 22. Fraddy TAUIHARA
Coach:  Patrick PITO [TAH]

Yellow cards: Rex FAURA 55, Philippe MORETA 79

Red cards: Vetea TEPA 74

Tafea FC: 3 (Silas NAMATAK 1, Robert TOM 34, Francois SAKAMA 45)
Hekari United FC: 3 (Kema JACK 40, 42, Benjamin MELA 50)
Half-time: 3-2
Saturday 17 October 2009
Municipal Stadium
Port Vila, Vanuatu

Referee: Jamie CROSS [NZL]
Assistant Referee 1: Michael JOSEPH [VAN]
Assistant Referee 2: Alick LUKUI [VAN]
Fourth Official: Robinson BANGA [VAN]

Crowd: 4,000+

Tafea FC line-up: 1. Alfred MALAS [GK], 4. Roger JOE, 5. Silas NAMATAK, 6. Fredy VAVA, 7. Moise POIDE (16. Alphonse QORIG 84), 9. Jean Nako NAPRAPOL, 11. Etienne MERMER (15. Jonah TURU 45), 13. Francois SAKAMA, 17. Geoffrey GETE, 18. Robert TOM, 19. Michell KALTAK (10. Richard IWAI 67)
Substitutes not used: 3. Jacques MAFIL NAWAN, 14. Asi DANIEL, 20. Len MERKA  [GK], 21. Francois TAKAU
Coach: Graham DEMAS [VAN]

Yellow cards: Silas NAMATAK 20

Red cards: Nil

Hekari United FC line-up: 20. Gure GABINA [GK], 2. Lorima DAU, 4. Cyril MUTA, 7. Benjamin MELA, 9. Tuimasi MANUCA, 12. David MUTA (10. Abraham ENOCH 63), 15. Charles PARANDA, 16. Pita BALEITOGA, 17. Kema JACK, 18. Eric KOMENG (8. Michael FOSTER 89), 19. Koriak UPAIGA (5. Brian TUHIANA 75)
Substitutes not used: 1. Godfrey BANIAU [GK], 13. Andrew LEPANI, 22. Amuna KAMBA, 24. Kluivert DAGI
Coach: Jerry ALLEN [SOL]

Yellow cards: Lorima DAU 13, Pita BALEITOGA 26, Cyril MUTA 87

Red cards: Nil

Marist FC: 1 (Abraham INIGA 82)
Lautoka: 3 (Kamal HASSAN 14, Samuela KAUTOGA 20, Nahuel ARRART 90+2)
Half-time: 2-0
Sunday 18 October 2009
Lawson Tama Stadium
Honiara, Solomon Islands

Referee: Chris KERR [NZL]
Assistant Referee 1: Matthew TARO [SOL]
Assistant Referee 2: Gerald OIAKA [SOL]
Fourth Official: John SAOHU [SOL]

Crowd: 16,000

Marist FC line-up: 20. Fred HALE  [GK] (1. Michael KOUMA  [GK] 46), 2. Chrisanto MISIGA, 3. Derol MELO, 5. David HOUPERE, 7. Joseph LANI, 9. Abraham INIGA, 10. Michael MISITANA (14. Tutizama TANITO 87), 11. Commins MENAPI, 12. Clifford HUTA, 15. Joe LUWI (6. Michael PATITI 73), 17. Gibson HOSEA
Substitutes not used: 4. Emmanuel POILA, 8. John WAYNE, 13. Lenson BISILI, 16. Martin RUHASIA
Coach: Patrick MINITI [SOL]

Yellow cards: Abraham INIGA 38, David HOUPERE 46, Joe LUWI 71, Derol MELO 90+1

Red cards: Nil

Lautoka line-up: 1. James CHRONOPOULIS [GK], 2. Samuela KAUTOGA, 3. Keni DOIDOI, 4. Samuela VULA, 6. Malakai WAQA (5. Semesa NAKOSIA 75), 8. Ilatia TUILAU, 9. Nahuel ARRART, 10. Kamal HASSAN, 15. Marika ROBANAKADAVU, 16. Jone VONO (14. Samuela DRUDRU 88), 17. Arvindra NAIDU (11. Sailesh SAMY, 69)
Substitutes not used: 13. Apisal SMITH
Coach: Imdad ALI [FIJ]

Yellow cards: Samuela VULA 47, Marika ROBANAKADAVU 51, Ilatia TUILAU 67

Red cards: Nil

In match number three of the 2010 O-League, Solomon Island club champions Marist FC host Fiji's Lautoka at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara. 

Lautoka are making their debut in the O-League while Marist's only other appearance in the competition was during the inaugural 2007 season.

oceaniafootball.com brings you the latest updates from the crucial Group B clash.

HALF TIME UPDATE:

Marist FC 0 Lautoka 2
Kamal Hassan and Samuela Kautoga put Lautoka ahead by two goals inside the first 20 minutes.

FULL TIME:

Marist FC 1 Lautoka 3
Abraham Iniga got Marist back in the game with a goal midway through the second half but Lautoka made it 3-1 in injury time with a strike from Nahuel Arrarte.

The newly-expanded 2010 O-League featuring the champion clubs of Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tahiti and Vanuatu is set to get underway this weekend.

Now in its fourth season, the O-League has grown from six to eight teams reflecting the rising popularity of the competition and enabling more OFC member associations to take part.

OFC President Reynald Temarii believes the expansion, which was approved by the OFC Executive Committee in June, will help to lift the overall standards in Oceania.

“Building a strong club competition is a crucial component in our region’s development and will only help to improve the standards of quality and technical skill both on and off the field,” said President Temarii.  

The 2010 O-League has been split into two groups of four teams and will follow a league system where each club plays one home and one away match against each of the other clubs in the same group. The highest ranked Group A side and the highest ranked Goup B side will then advance to a two-legged final stage to decide Oceania’s representative at the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2010.

In action for Group A this weekend will be defending champions Auckland City FC taking on Tahiti’s AS Manu Ura at Kiwitea Street in Auckland on Saturday. Meanwhile cross-town rivals Waitakere United, who won the O-League in 2007 and 2008, will have to wait until 24 October to get their 2010 campaign underway when they visit Noumea to play AS Magenta in the other Group A match.

In Group B, Hekari United FC (PNG) will play away against Tafea FC at Municipal Stadium in Port Vila on Saturday while Marist FC host Fiji club Lautoka at Honiara’s Lawson Tama Stadium the following day. 

General Secretary Tai Nicholas says the 2010 season is expected to be as intriguing as ever. 

“With a total of 26 matches culminating in a home-and-away final in April/May 2010, this season’s O-League promises to throw up many twists and turns.”

The OFC Club Championships started in 1999 and became known as the O-League in 2007 when the competition adopted a home-and-away format. Auckland City FC won the inaugural O-League and followed that up with victory last year over Solomon Island club Koloale FC in the final.

Auckland will represent Oceania at the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009 in December alongside the five other continental club champions and hosts UAE.

To view a copy of the 2010 O-League Programme click here

Marist FC fans will be taking confidence from the return of one of the brightest stars, international striker Commins Menapi, when their team opens its 2010 O-League campaign against Fiji’s Lautoka this Sunday in Honiara.

Menapi has also returned to his former club after playing with New Zealand’s Waitakere United FC and, for a number of seasons, with Honiara champions Makuru Football Club.

He is arguably the Solomon Island’s most well known footballer and has gathered extensive experience for a number of clubs playing in New Zealand and Australia. Menapi has gained in excess of 30 caps for his country and will be invaluable role model to his younger teammates and his lethal striking ability will worry all opponents.

And Marist will come into this weekend’s match high on confidence after a morale boosting 4–0 win over Zome Mars FC, lead by Solomon Islands World Cup Beach Soccer star James Naka during their recent build up to this O-League Championship.

Earlier this week they completed a week long training camp at the NAC facilities in Tenaru. In what may be a good omen the same venue was used by the club when preparing for the finals of the Our Telekom National Club Championship which they then went on to win, beating  Koloale FC 1-0 in the final.

Menapi is accompanied by some other will known Oceania footballers in this Marist squad; midfielder Abraham Iniga, and central defender Jacob Pekau will wear blue and white this season after both switching allegiances from (Group B rivals) Papua New Guinea club Hekari.

Also featured in the 2010 O-League squad are some young players with exciting potential to add to an already potent Marist strike force.

Fleet footed forward Tutizama Tanito was revelation during Marist’s National Club Championship campaign.

Joe Luwi has already established his name in the O-League with KOSSA FC. He comes with a reputation for powerful shooting ability and a canny sense for attacking opportunities.

Experienced midfielder Abraham Iniga will wear the captain’s armband for Marist FC in this season’s O-League. Iniga was a key member of Marist’s acclaimed 2004/05 team which included stars like Jack Samani and Jerry Allen.

Solomon Island futsal sensation Elliot Ragomo, 19, has been awarded top goal scorer at the 2009 Al-Fateh Confederations Cup – a tournament featuring some of the best futsal players in the world.

Staged in Libya from 6-12 October, the competition featured the champion teams of each confederation barring UEFA after Spain withdrew at late notice.

Ragomo finished with six goals to claim the golden boot award despite the Solomon Island Kurukuru finishing last behind Iran, Uruguay, Libya and Guatemala.

The skillful striker has been an inspirational captain of the youthful national side, leading the Kurukuru to their second successive victory at the OFC Futsal Championship in July 2009.

He has won many accolades including most recently the Young Solomon Islander of the Year award in August.

Ragomo was the first ever Solomon Islander to play futsal as a professional when he played for Playas De Castellyon in the Nacinal Futsal Liga in Spain in 2007. He graduated from the Playas De Castellyon juvenile development squad in 2006 to make his name in their senior squad.

As national captain he led the Kurukuru in 2008 as they became the first Solomon Islands team to appear at a FIFA Futsal World Cup.

Domestically, Ragomo plays for the Brissolona Futsal Club and with Central Titans in the Honiara Beach Soccer League.

AL-FATEH CONFEDERATIONS CUP

Honours

Best Player 
Vahid Shamsaei (Iran)

Best Goalkeeper
Mohammed Al-Sharif (Libya)

Top Goal Scorer
Elliot Ragomo (Solomon Islands)

Fair Play Team
Libya

Matches

Standings

The Solomon Islands national futsal team have gone down 0-6 against Asian powerhouse Iran in their final match at the Alfateh Intercontinental Futsal Championship in Libya.

With strong counter-attacking play, the Iranians caught the young Kurukuru off-guard on several occasions and were lethal with their set plays.

The Solomon Islands were in control during the opening exchanges and went close through Micah Lea’alafa whose shot went just wide.

But inside five minutes Iran were 1-0 up after a well taken set play. They followed that up with a second strike in the 8th minute, again from a dead ball situation, to double the lead.

The Kurukuru regrouped and started making advances but struggled to find a way through the Iranian defensive blockade.

With a goalkeeper in top form, Iran thwarted any shots that did make it through, and grabbed two more goals at the other end to take a 4-0 lead into the break.

Solomon Islands fought strongly in the second period using pace and skill to good effect and had the Iranians back peddling for extended periods. But Iran scored two more goals in quick succession to put the game out of reach.

The result was well deserved for the Asian champions who showed their class and strong strategic play. Nevertheless, the young Kurukuru side took heart from solid performances throughout the tournament where they had drawn huge support from an admiring crowd.

Story courtesy of SIFF Media

The Solomon Islands men’s Futsal team have secured their first point at the Alfateh Confederations Cup in Libya on Friday, drawing with Guatemala 6-6.

The result is the Kurukuru’s best at a major international tournament and will help to erase the pain of their agonising 5-6 opening game loss to the Cup hosts Libya.

The Solomon Islanders leapt out to a 2-0 lead which Guatemala were able to cancel out with two strikes of their own to draw level at halfime.

Guatemala continued their form revival by going ahead early in the second half, but this sparked the Kurukuru to lift their play again, establishing an imposing 6-3 lead.

But Guatemala also proved they weren’t prepared to surrender and began to utilize their goal keeper as a fifth attacker and the tactic paid off as they scored three straight goals. The final equalizing Guatemalan goal came with just 1:24 left on the clock.

Solomon Islands captain Elliot Ragomo scored four goals for his team and could have had more had he been able to capitalize on three 10 metre penalty opportunities.

Story courtesy of SIFF Media

The Solomon Islands men’s Futsal team has lost a nail biting tournament opening match against host nation Libya by one goal at the Alfateh Confederations Futsal Cup on Wednesday.

The hosts came away with a 6–5 win against the young Kurukuru side despite the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) defending champions at one early stage leading their hosts by three goals.

Kurukuru team manager Mapuru Tausinga reported that the game was played with high intensity throughout, describing the pace of the match as “frantic.”

It was the Kurukuru who came out with all guns blazing as captain Elliot Ragomo netted his first and then quickly added a second. Jack Wetney added his name to the scorer’s sheet as the touring team leapt out to a 3-0 lead.

But Libya quickly adjusted their tactics and with some clever play drew level. Despite a further two goals to Solomon Islands players Micah Lea’alafa and Jenan Kapu, Libya were able to gain the lead 6-5.

As the game neared its conclusion the Libyan goal keeper made a string of excellent saves to keep his team one goal ahead in the dying minutes.

Despite the loss, Mapuru Tausinga was delighted that his young team had played at the high standard expected of them.

“When we arrived many people here had no idea where the Solomon Islands are. But now I believe they will want to find out,’ Tausinga said.

“The boys, especially Elliot Ragomo and Jack Wetney, made a big impression on the crowd with their skills.”

On day two of the tournament the Kurukuru struggled to back-up their opening day form and were soundly beaten 11-1 by Uruguay.

Courtesy of SIFF Media 

Oceania referees will feature prominently in the crucial knock-out stage of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt this week.

New Zealand referee Peter O’Leary and his assistants Brent Best (NZL) and Matthew Taro (SOL) have been appointed to the Round of 16 match between Ghana and South Africa kicking off at 16:30 (local time) on Tuesday 6 October in Ismailia.

The trio, who performed credibly during the group stages of the tournament, are in the running for an appointment at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ and Tuesday’s match will act as an important part of the screening process.

Meanwhile, FIFA Referees’ Committee member Harry Atisson from Vanuatu will also be representing Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) in Egypt after being selected as a referee assessor for the clash between Brazil and Uruguay in Port Said on Wednesday. Atisson says it will be an honour to fly the flag for Oceania.

“We are very proud to represent Oceania Football Confederation in this important FIFA U-20 World Cup tournament in Egypt,” says Atisson, who officiated at the FIFA U-17 World Championship Trinidad and Tobago 2001. 

OFC places high importance on developing world class match officials. In 2008 referee development received a huge boost thanks to a brand new FIFA-funded Refereeing Assistance Programme (RAP).

Under the supervision of Referee Development Officer Massimo Raveino (TAH), Referee Instructor Neil Poloso (SOL) and Fitness Trainer Kader Touati (FRA), the programme is helping to create a more organised, professional approach to refereeing in Oceania.

The RAP team facilitates a range of courses throughout the region aimed at the wide spectrum of match officials – from elite to community referees, from futsal to beach soccer referees. These initiatives have helped to increase the level of representation for Oceania at international tournaments.

Two of the world’s top women’s football coaches are in New Zealand this week to impart their knowledge with 30 elite coaches selected from around the Oceania region.

Belgium’s national women’s coach Anne Noë and former USA national coach April Heinrichs are leading the FIFA/OFC follow-up technical course for women’s football from 5-10 October at Kristin College on Auckland’s North Shore.

With participants from the member associations of Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), the course aims to build on the success of the FIFA/OFC women’s football coaching course held in Auckland last October as part of the ‘legacy’ activities surrounding the inaugural FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup New Zealand 2008.

A minute silence was held during the opening on Monday as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives in last week’s tsunami tragedy in American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga. FIFA Development Officer for Oceania Glenn Turner then addressed the audience followed by Kristin College Executive Principal Peter Clague and New Zealand Football CEO Michael Glading before OFC Deputy General Secretary Greg Larsen officially opened proceedings.

FIFA Instructor Anne Noë, who has returned to New Zealand after leading the initial course, says she is looking forward to seeing how the coaches have developed over the past 12 months. 
 
“Last year we had the opportunity to watch and analyse some of the World Cup matches in New Zealand and we asked the participants to take what they had learned into their own environments,” says the former goalkeeper who gained 60 caps for Belgium.

“Now this week’s course will be more advanced and the participants will be challenged to go deeper in their way of thinking about the game.”

Assisting Noë is American April Heinrichs who has experience as a national team player, captain, coach and technical director. She was the first female player to be inducted into the USA National Soccer Hall of Fame. Her glittering career included 47 national caps, a FIFA Women’s World Cup title in 1991 (as captain) and a Gold medal at the 2004 Olympics (as coach).

Heinrichs says the course is about raising the level of professionalism within each member association.

“These coaches already have the passion to develop the women’s game, now it’s about equipping them with the tools they need to improve the overall standards.”

Heinrichs says the course is based around seminars, videos, demonstrations and practical sessions but what happens outside of that structure in terms of social interaction and networking is just as important.

Diane Justus, who works as the women’s development officer for Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF), says they are encouraged to share strategies with other participants.

“Last year was my first FIFA coaching course and I learned a lot from the instructors as well as the other coaches.”

Justus, who currently holds a senior coaching licence, says she is delighted to be back in New Zealand participating in her second FIFA course.

“My goal is to help develop women’s football across the Solomon Islands including the provinces and rural areas. I also hope to achieve the highest level coaching licence.”

With the Solomon Island’s National men’s Futsal team readying to depart today for the Alfetah Continental Futsal Cup in Libya, Oceania Football Confederation is pleased to bring you an interview with Win In Oceania (WIO) Futsal Instructor Scott Gilligan.

The Alfetah Futsal Cup is an invitational tournament, approved by FIFA, where the top futsal playing nation from each FIFA Confederation will compete from 5-11 October for a winner’s cheque of $69,978 (NZD).

The less successful teams won’t be left empty handed either, the last placed national team will walk away with $13,994 (NZD).

The two year OFC Futsal champions were invited to the lucrative tournament by the Libyan Football Federation with most of the major expenses for the trip generously covered by the host Federation. 

The Alfetah Futsal Cup will be played under a two group round robin format with the top two qualifiers from each group playing off in seeded knock-out semifinals to determine the finalists. The bottom two teams will play-off to determine fifth and sixth placings.

The Cup field consists of: Guatemala, Iran, Libya, Solomon Islands, Spain and Uruguay (Brazil had to withdraw).

OFC – Scott in your own words can you explain to our readers why this invitation and opportunity is so valuable to the Solomons Futsal team?

After the Kurukuru qualified for last year's World Cup the team learnt valuable lessons from their matches in Brazil against seasoned international opposition. That same squad demonstrated they had learnt from that 2008 World Cup campaign by their hugely dominant performance at the OFC Futsal Championship this year - they were much better in defence, they were more clinical in attack and they rectified their main deficiency by bringing in a more senior goalkeeper.

I see this as a perfect perfect test for the Kurukuru to see how far they have come since their initiation at the highest level and to see how much they still need to improve. It is also an opportunity for some of the squad members to stand up individually and showcase their phenomenal skills on a world stage. 

OFC – What do you expect from the other teams participating at the Alfetah Cup?

This invitation will see them take on the best country from each Confederation. So like the World Cup, there will be some extremely tough matches for the Kurukuru. But it should also be noted that Iran have proven that they have improved massively and are on the brink of breaking the top two (Brazil and Spain) countries’ dominance of this code. Both Guatamala and Libya have also proven that they take futsal seriously and their recent performances have shown that they too are starting to get closer to the powerhouses.

OFC - What do you think the team should be expecting to achieve and what do they most need to improve on at this tournament?

Realistically they shouldn't be expecting to win the tournament, however, I would hope that they can further improve their defensive play. While Spain clearly stands-out as the formidable opponents, all the international teams that the Kurukuru come up against in Libya will be fast and very dangerous in attack.

Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) has completed a Kids Football Cultural Exchange and Education Festival in Honiara on Friday.

Sponsored by local communications company ‘Our Telecom,’ the festival was aimed at encouraging unity and understanding amongst the culturally diverse youth of the Solomon Islands.

Nineteen primary schools, two each from the nine provincial football associations – including Honiara, took part in the football competition.  

“The Solomon Islands is a country with many different peoples, language and cultures” said Phillip Ohoto’ona, chairman of the local organising committee.

The opening night of the festival was kicked off by popular Solomon Islands musician Pascal whose performance proved to be a big hit with the young audience. Pascal also volunteered to perform in between football matches during the week’s playing activities.

“The performances tonight will allow these youngsters to fathom this diversity we have,” Ohoto’ona added.

The week featured football workshops for various participating schools’ teachers and students each morning with competitive matches being organised each afternoon with an emphasis on fair play and fun.

Alota’a Primary School (Malaita Province) beat Patutiva Community High School (Western Province) 1-0 in a highly competitive grand final on the weekend.

For a community in the Solomon Islands still rebuilding after a devastating tsunami in 2007, FIFA and Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) have given the gift of hope.

Almost 1000 ‘Just Play’ equipment bags were donated to 103 schools in the Western Province recently through the FIFA Football for Hope and OFC Football for Life initiatives that support the rebuilding process by promoting engagement in sport.



The donation was made by FIFA and OFC officials during a ceremony in Gizo where more than 300 enthusiastic youngsters gathered along with representatives of the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF).

Almost 50 people lost their lives during the April 2007 tsunami and thousands more were left homeless.

OFC President Reynald Temarii says the donation is a gesture of continuing support for the people of Gizo and surrounding areas.

“FIFA and OFC are committed to supporting the development of Pacific communities through various social responsibility programmes,” said President Temarii.

“In this case we are aware that schools in the Western Province are still recovering from the 2007 disaster so we have provided them with ‘Just Play’ packs containing balls, cones and bibs for the children to use.”

Developed by OFC Technical Director Jim Selby, ‘Just Play’ is a grassroots programme that promotes physical activity (especially but not only football) for kids aged 6-13 and encourages community involvement. It has been introduced in schools across the region including the Solomon Islands. 

Selby presented the ‘Just Play’ packs to the Western Province Football Association for distribution through the Ministry of Education to all primary schools affected by the tsunami. Local villages and churches will also receive the equipment to ensure football activities are available to children in the most remote rural communities.

One of the recipients, Goldie College Principal Tito Mamani, expressed his appreciation in a moving speech during the ceremony.

“Goldie College is a very old school, bombarded by time and the elements and to make matters worse, mercilessly handicapped by the April 2007 natural disaster, which we are still trying to recover from,” said Mamani.

“Thankfully in the midst of our hardship, FIFA, OFC and SIFF have helped to rehabilitate the school through their grassroots programme.”

The presentation coincided with the official groundbreaking at John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK) Stadium in Gizo where FIFA has approved the development of the grounds to international standards under the Goal III Project.

FIFA Development Officer for Oceania Glenn Turner, who was in Gizo for the groundbreaking, says that while JFK has been the best playing field in the Western Province for many years it still falls short of meeting FIFA’s international requirements. It will therefore undergo an extensive facelift including the establishment of a technical development centre for football.

Ends

Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) will send six match officials to the upcoming FIFA U-20 and U-17 World Cups after they all passed FIFA standard fitness tests in the past week.

FIFA qualified referee Mike Hester (NZL) will be accompanied by assistant referee Tevita Makasina (TON) and Jan Hendrik Hintz (NZL) in Nigeria for the U-17 event while referee Peter O’Leary (NZL) will head the second trio consisting of Mathew Taro (SOL) and Brent Best (NZL) for the U-20 event in Egypt.

All six officials underwent stringent physical fitness testing at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium athletics track under the watchful gaze of FIFA/OFC Fitness Trainer Kader Touati from France.  

Touati said he was pleased to see all six officials plus one non-traveling match official, Mark Rule (NZL), comfortably pass the required shuttle run, 40 metre sprint and multi-stage ‘beep tests’.

“The testing went very well. They all have maintained a high level of fitness, this was a good pass for all (seven) referees today, there were no fitness issues,” Touati said.

With both trios in the running for an appointment at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, these age group tournaments will act as an important part of the screening process.

Hester, who has become one of Oceania’s most experienced referees in recent years and recently officiated at the FIFA Confederations Cup, says he is looking forward to the challenge in Nigeria.

"This tournament presents a realistic opportunity to press our claim for selection at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ but ultimately you’ve got to take it one match at a time so that’ll be our approach," said Hester.

"But we'll certainly be looking to take advantage of the opportunity."

The FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009 will take place from 24 September to 16 October while the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 will be held 24 October to 15 November.  

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Priscilla Duncan
Oceania Football Confederation
Media & Communications
T: +649 526 5651
F: +649 525 8164
M:+64 (0)21 884 018
E: priscilla@oceaniafootball.com

Joel Tiller
Oceania Football Confederation
Media & Communications
T: +649 526 5654
F: +649 525 8164
M:+64 (0)21 994 520
E: joel@oceaniafootball.com

The Solomon Islands will face tough competition in the first round of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai 2009 after being drawn in Group A alongside Portugal, Uruguay and hosts UAE.

FIFA’s official draw took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre overnight and featured several stars of world football including New Caledonian native and France 98 winner Christian Karembeu.

In what will be their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance, the Bilikiki team have avoided big names such as Brazil and Spain but will still face two of the world’s top four teams in Paraguay and Uruguay. The Oceania champions have a FIFA world ranking of 14 while Portugal, Uruguay and UAE are ranked 3rd, 4th and 19th respectively.

Portugal will arguably pose the biggest threat after an impressive display at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Marseille 2008 where they beat Italy in the 3rd/4th place playoff having earlier lost 4-5 in the semi-final to eventual winners Brazil. The Portuguese have also proved too strong for the Solomon Islands on two previous occasions during the 2006 and 2008 group stages.

Uruguay were runners-up at FIFA’s pinnacle event in 2006 and followed that up with a third placing the following year. In their only World Cup match up with the Solomon Islands in 2006, the South Americans ran out 10-5 winners.

Meanwhile UAE have appeared in the past two FIFA events finishing 14th and 10th respectively.

The official draw was conducted by Joao Cusco, a member of the FIFA Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee, and also featured Ramiro Amarelle, Spain’s hugely talented beach soccer captain who won the adidas Golden Ball and Silver Shoe winner at Marseille 2008, local hero Backhit Saad, a former professional footballer and now a star member of the UAE team, and Christian Karembeu.

The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai 2009 will take place on Jumeirah Beach from 16-22 November. AFC is set to hold its qualifiers shortly to determine Asia’s two participating teams that will complete the 16-team line-up.

The draw for the group phase is as follows:

Group A
A1-UAE
A2-Portugal
A3-Uruguay
A4-Solomon Islands

Group B
B1-Spain
B2-Asia 1
B3-Côte d'Ivoire
B4-El Salvador

Group C
C1-Russia
C2-Costa Rica
C3-Argentina
C4-Italy

Group D
D1-Brazil
D2-Nigeria
D3-Switzerland
D4-Asia 2

The Solomon Islands national men’s Beach Soccer team has begun its final training preparations leading into the 2009 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Dubai this 16-22 November.

According to the team manager, Rueben Oimae, this week marks the start of an intensive training regimen that is aimed at taking the team one step further than they’ve been before - into the knockout stages at the World Cup.

From this week the team will have daily training sessions to help the players to sharpen their skills for the ultimate competition in this form of the ‘beautiful game.’ The team is also aiming to go into camps dedicated to nothing other than group training every two weeks.

The training camps will help the players to develop a bond that will be essential in maintaining morale when the team is far away from the home and loved ones. Regular gym sessions are also planned for the team to help them build strength and conditioning.

Manager Rueben Oimae stressed that a full and intense preparation will be vital if the Bilikikis are to improve on past efforts at past World Cups at this year’s event in Dubai. Oimai went on to say that an unconfirmed number of friendly warm-up matches are currently being arranged and added that the team met with Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) officials in Auckland to discuss how OFC can help the team in its preparations.

“These (potential) matches will help the team to identify any weaknesses and strengthen them before the actual tournament’ Oimae said.

The Solomon Islands qualified for the 2009 Beach Soccer World Cup after beating Vanuatu 1-0 in the final of the Oceania Football Confederation World Cup Qualifiers on Moorea Island in Tahiti last month.

It is the fourth year in a row that the Bilikiki will represent Oceania at the Beach Soccer World Cup. 

Bilikiki Training Squad

1. James Naka (C)
2. Fred Hale (VC) (GK)
3. Felix Ray Jnr. (GK)
4. Henry Padaverana  (GK)
5. Abraham Izomo (GK)
6. Gideon Omokirio
7. Eddie Ngaitini
8. Timothy Wale
9. Robert Laua
10. Gibson Hosea
11. Franco Ne’e
12. Nicholas Muri
13. Augustine Anisi
14. Michael Taeman
15. Elliot Ragomo
16. George Wagena
17. Hickley Rence
18. Henry Fa’arodo

Team Manager  –  Rueben Oimae
Coach    –  Henry Koto
Team Doctor  – Dr. Patrick Houasia

Courtesy of SIFF Media