After a groundbreaking ceremony, long-term development workshop and elective congress, the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) is ready for a busy four years ahead.

SIFF held its 20th Congress in Gizo over the weekend during which Martin Alufurai, MBE, was re-elected as president while Robert Riqeo and Stanley Siapu were re-elected as senior vice-president and vice-president respectively.

The newly elected executive will now follow a four-year roadmap that was established as part of a long term development workshop led by Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) last week.

Among the projects to look forward to is the development of an international playing surface at John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK) Stadium in Gizo in the Western Province.

To mark the beginning of the FIFA Goal III Project, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the stadium on Friday 14 August where President Alufurai addressed an expectant crowd.

“This project fulfils an objective that SIFF set itself in 2005,” said President Alufurai.

“It will include the establishment of a technical development centre for football as well as an upgrade of JFK stadium to meet FIFA’s international requirements. I would like to acknowledge FIFA and OFC for their support and also thank the people of Western Province and their government for allowing the land to be developed.”

JFK has been the best playing field in the Western Province for many years but falls short of the standards set at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara.

The FIFA Project gives Solomon Island football fans another reason to celebrate after a string of recent achievements including victories for the Kurukuru Futsal team and the Bilikiki Beach Soccer team at their respective OFC championships last month. The Bilikiki will represent Oceania at their fourth consecutive FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Dubai this November.

SIFF will look to build on this success by working with partners to ensure all levels of football – from grassroots to national teams – are well supported. The next elective congress will be held in 2012.

SIFF ELECTIVE CONGRESS - RESULTS
Saturday 15 August, 2009
Gizo, Western Province

President
Martin Alufurai, MBE, re-elected unopposed

Senior Vice President
Robert Riqeo re-elected unopposed

Vice president
Stanley Siapu re-elected unopposed

Treasurer
Aloysio Ma'ahanoa re-elected (10 votes)

Executive Members
Derrick Taka re-elected (19 votes)
Lyndon Bako newly elected (15 votes)
Atkin Vilaka re-elected (13 votes)

Note:
Nelson Hu Boso stood for election as Treasurer but was unsuccessful with eight votes.
Samson Faisi stood for election as an Executive Member but was unsuccessful with 10 votes.
Victor Tekobi stood for election as an Executive Member but was unsuccessful with three votes.

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

An official groundbreaking ceremony has taken place in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands to mark the beginning of a FIFA Goal III Project that will see John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK) Stadium redeveloped to meet international playing standards.

The ceremony in Gizo on Friday 14 August was attended by representatives from FIFA, Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF), the Western Province Government and the Solomon Island Government.

SIFF President Martin Alufurai addressed the crowd and said that the project will upgrade the JFK Stadium to match international requirements and also develop a technical development centre for football.

“This project fulfils an objective that SIFF set itself in 2005,” said President Alufurai. “I would like to acknowledge FIFA and OFC for their support and also thank the people of Western Province and their Government for allowing the land to be developed.”

FIFA Development Officer for Oceania Glenn Turner, who is 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 the international standards at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara. Through the FIFA-funded Goal Project, JFK Stadium will undergo an extensive facelift.

OFC Deputy General Secretary Greg Larsen, who spoke on behalf of OFC, said that the project will help to boost soccer development in the Western and Choiseul regions.

After the speeches, Larsen and the Western Province Premier George Lilo performed the ceremonial groundbreaking. This was followed by the unveiling of the project plaque that will be placed at the stadium. The two symbolic actions signalled a new era for football in the Western Province and for the Solomon Islands.

Story and photos courtesy of SIFF Media

The Solomon Islands have defended their OFC Beach Soccer Championship for the third tournament in a row and have secured World Cup Qualification with a 1-0 win over Vanuatu in the final at Temae Beach, Moorea.

In a extremely close and hard fought final the Bilikiki Boys came away deserved winners after generating more goal scoring opportunities and maintaining their composure and structure through-out.

Gibson Hosea Purasi scored from a long range shot in the second period that skidded along the sand and took a wickard bounce, leaping from toe height to shoulder and giving Vanuatu keeper Chikau Mansale no chance. It was a cruel moment for Mansale and a totally unpredictable bounce.

Mansale was otherwise outstanding for his team and made three excellent saves, including one from a penalty taken by James Naka, in the first five minutes.

In turn, Francois Sakama forced an excellent diving save from Timothy Wale at the other end and a follow up save from the rebound - that was to be Vanuatu's best scoring opportunity of the match.

A moderately strong cross wind favoured Solomons in the first period.

Both teams were struggling with their set-pieces in the gusty conditions and missed a series of direct freekicks in good positions.

Solomon's player Eddie Ngaitin was shown a yellow card and Vanuatu's Francois Sakama also - both for lunging fouls and both in the second period.

The third and final period saw Mansale having to make another fine save in goal early in the piece.

Mansale then made two more excellent reflex saves to deny Franco Nee's diving header and James Naka's sharp turn and shot.

Vanuatu never stopped running and were committed in defence, but despite their best efforts the Solomons gave them only a handful of half chance opportunities to score.

Solomons coach Henry Koto was extremely proud of his team's performance. 

"We having been building up our performance from day one until the final today. This final was a very, very hard game but the boys showed strong spirit to win. Vanuatu really tested us today, but the boys stayed organised and confident through-out and we are now very proud to again go to the World Cup, we will prepare as hard as we can to match-up to our opposition there."

And Koto revealed his team has a new goal for their fourth World Cup appearance in Dubai this November.

This year we will be aiming for the second round, we will be giving it our all to reach the second round."

Vanuatu captain Seimata Chillia was proud of his team's tournament performance that saw them finish as the only team to win all their group matches.  

"We started this tournament on a high with the win over Solomons, then we managed to stay unbeaten until the final and we did our best to beat Solomons again but they were good enough to take it 1-0."

And Chillia was quick to pay credit to the Solomon's tournament performance.

"Good luck to Solomons, they took their chances today, so all the best to them in Dubai. We will go back home and learn some more lessons from this for next time," said Chillia.

Solomon Island's captain James Naka has been named the Championship's Golden Boot winner for his haul of 7 goals and also takes home the Player of the Tournament award.

Vanuatu captain Seimata Chillia took the Fair Play award on behalf of his team.

And Vanuatu keeper Chikau Mansale was awarded the Golden Gloves award for best goal keeper. 

Solomon Islands 1-0 Vanuatu (0-0, 1-0, 0-0)

Solomon Islands: Gibson Hosea PURASI 4:22';

Yellow cards: Francois SAKAMA 0:44' (Van); Eddie NGAITIN 7:29' (Solo)

Solomon Islands: 2. Timothy WALE; 8. Gideon OMOKIRIO; 10. James NAKA; 11. Gibson Hosea PURASI; Fred HALE;

Substitutes: 1. Henry PADAVERANA; 3. Franco NEE; 4. Eddie NGAITIN; 5. Augustine ANISI; 6. Nicholas Muri MAKAA; 7. Michael Joe TAEMAN; 9. Robert LAUA

VANUATU: 1. Chikau MANSALE; 2. Ken MASAUVAKALO; 6. Fredy VAVA; 7. Seimata CHILLIA; 13. Francois SAKAMA;  

Substitutes: 3. Robert TOM; Nawal NARUKAVE; 8. Silas NAMATAK; 9. Derk MALAS; 10. Jonah TURU; 11. Fenedy MASAUVAKALO; 20. Presley John GARAE; 

Will it be third time lucky or a case of history repeating? That is the question to be answered in today’s 2009 Tahiti Nui Beach Soccer Championship final between defending champs the Solomon Islands and arch-rivals Vanuatu.

As has been the case in previous years, today’s final will decide which national team will represent Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) at the World Cup in Dubai this November.

And like the 2006 and 2007’s Championship finals, qualification again will be decided by a do-or-die rematch between Solomon Islands (winners in both previous finals) and the team that has beaten them in group play in each tournament, Vanuatu.

For Vanuatu a loss today will feel very much like ‘groundhog day.’

In 2006 Vanuatu beat Solomon’s in their tournament opening match 9-4 only to lose their Championship final rematch 6-2.

In 2007 the Solomons were again upset in their opening match 2-3 by Vanuatu, but again that result was reversed in the final 5-3.

Vanuatu will take confidence from remaining unbeaten through-out group play this week with three wins from three matches; 4-2 against SI, a 5-4 extra-time win over Fiji and a 5-3 victory over Tahiti under their belts.  

Vanuatu: Goals for 14; Goals against 9. (Three wins)
Solomon Islands: Goals for 17; Goals against 8. (Two wins, One loss)
Tahiti: Goals for 15; against 14. (One win, Two losses)
Fiji Goals for 11; against 26. (Three losses)

The Solomon Islands have all but cemented their place in the OFC Beach Soccer Championship final with an 11-2 win over Fiji in their day three match at Temae Beach, Moorea Island, Tahiti.

Gideon Omokirio opened scoring with a double strike inside of the first minute.

James Naka added the Solomons third midway through the period and that was closely followed by Franco Nee scoring their fourth.

Naka then scored his second and third goals to complete his hat-trick and put the Biliki Boys ahead by six goal at the end of first period.

Nicholas Muri Makaa scored their seventh early in the second period, a further two Solomons goals followed before Fiji finally got one back through an excellent long range strike from Alvin Avinesh.

Fiji dug deep to hold the Solomons to just two goals in the final period and Avinesh added his second to cap off a strong individual performance.

Naka scored added another tripple (P2 & P3) to take his haul to six for the match, afterwards he acknowledged his team alway plays better under pressure.

"I don't really know why we always lose our first game to Vanuatu at the Beach Soccer qualifiers, maybe maybe it is a (mental) thing... But we also also always go on to win the final, one hundred percent success, so we still have a lot of confidence."

And Naka had an ominous prediction regarding his teams' level of play.

"Now we are building up and getting better each game and I think we are now playing our normal game, and I think we can still improve our level for the final."  

Solomon Islands: 2. Timothy WALE; 8. Gideon OMOKIRIO; 9. Robert LAUA; 10. James NAKA; 12. Fred HALE;

Fiji: 3. Valerio NAWATU; 5. Sandeep NAIR; 9. Muni Arvindra NAIDU; 10. Taniela Evo WAQA; 12. Beniamino Mojito MATEINAQARA

The Solomon Islands have come back from 0-1 down to beat Tahiti 4-2 in the second fixture on match day two at the OFC Beach Soccer Championship in Moorea, Tahiti.

Tahiti's Teva Zaveroni opened scored from a long range direct free kick midway through the first spell. 

But Nicholas Muri Makaa equalised with a calmly taken penalty attempt after a Solomon attacker was fouled in a scoring position by Sebastien Labayen. 

Augustine Anisi then put the Solomons ahead with a well taken shot from a wide angle just inside the Tahiti half and added his second only a minute later to put them two goals clear.

However, Tahiti were handed a lifeline just seconds before the end of the second period when the Biliki Boys conceded an own goal.

Nicholas Muri Makaa then scored the Biliki's fourth in the third period with a precisely placed shot after finding space and time in the middle of the pitch.

Solomons coach Henry Koto was delighted with his team's improvement after losing their opening match on Monday.

"I am very happy with the way the boys played today, they really stepped it up after being a bit disorganised at the start and they picked up the pace after that. They really made a statement with this performance," Koto said.

Solomons 4-2 Tahiti (0-1, 3-1, 1-0)

Solomons 4: Nicholas Muri MAKAA 5:23' (P2), 6:12' (P3); Augustine ANISI 3:02', 1:35' (P2);  

Tahiti 2: Teva Zaveroni 2:44' (P1), Roihau DEGAGE 0:41' (P2)  

Tahiti: 1. Rehia DAVIO; 2. Sebastien LABAYEN; 3. Angelo TCHEN; 7. Raimana LI FUNG KUEE; 9. Teva ZAVERONI

Substitutes: 4. John HOFFMAN; 5. Stephen LEFOC; 6. Kenny NUI; 8. Eizo ARAI; 10. Roihau DEGAGE; 11. Jean Claude CHANG KOEI CHANG; 12. Franck REVEL;  

Solomon Islands: 2. Timothy WALE; 8. Gideon OMOKIRIO; 10. James NAKA; 11. Gibson Hosea PURASI; 12. Fred HALE

Substitutes: 1. Henry PADAVERANA; 3. Franco NEE; 4. Eddie NGAITIN; 5. Augustine ANISI; 6. Nicholas Muri MAKAA; 7. Michael Joe TAEMAN; 9. Robert LAUA;

With kickoff fast approaching in match day two's fixture between host nation Tahiti and Solomon Islands Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) brings you the starting lists for both teams.

Tahiti: 1. Rehia DAVIO; 2. Sebastien LABAYEN; 3. Angelo TCHEN; 7. Raimana LI FUNG KUEE; 9. Teva ZAVERONI

Solomon Islands: 2. Timothy WALE; 8. Gideon OMOKIRIO; 10. James NAKA; 11. Gibson Hosea PURASI; 12. Fred HALE

In its bid to secure the prestigious Battle of the Giants title, Fiji club Navua have shopped early and recruited sensational Solomon Island Futsal star Jack Wetney.

The 19-year-old has already made an impact helping Navua to a 2-0 win over Ba at TFL National Stadium on Sunday in this weekend's feature match of the NewWorld National Soccer League.

Wetney made a good start upfront setting up the opening goal of the match in the 40th minute which was finished off well by his strike partner Jesoni Takala. Pita Bolaitoga then headed home in the 58th minute to secure the victory for Navua.

Club President Anil Sharma was ecstatic with the win and acknowledged Wetney's strong performance on debut.  

“I am happy with Jack Wetney’s performance as he played well despite not being used to playing on a wet and slippery pitch like this.”

Wetney caught the eye of Sharma last week at the OFC Futsal Championship in Suva where he scored seven goals for the Solomon Kurukuru as they defended their Oceania title. He earned the Futsal Golden Ball award for best player and awed fans with his blistering pace and silky footwork.

The performance prompted Sharma to make a trip to the Solomon Islands and recruit the talented youngster.

“I flew to the Solomon Islands earlier in the week and after talking to his family and officials, I was able to bring him over to Fiji and am certain he will deliver for Navua in both the National Soccer League and Battle of the Giants,” said Sharma.

“He is young and has a lot to offer to Navua and I am happy to see him excel further in his football career.

Wetney will eventually pair up with compatriot James Naka who is currently training with the Solomon Islands Beach Soccer team in preparation for the OFC Beach Soccer Championship Tahiti Nui 2009 from 27 - 31 July. Following his Beach Soccer commitments, Naka will join Navua for the Battle of the Giants.   

In other National Soccer League action this weekend, Tavua drew 1-1 with Rewa, Suva beat Nadi 4-0 and Lautoka beat Nadroga 1-0.

Story courtesy of www.fijilive.com

Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) and the Honiara Beach Soccer Committee (HBSC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with local business DJ Graphics Ltd for the promotion and marketing of Beach Soccer in the Solomon Islands.

The agreement comes on the eve of the OFC Beach Soccer Championship Tahiti Nui 2009 where the Solomon Bilikiki will compete against Fiji, Tahiti and Vanuatu between 27 - 31 July to see who will represent Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2009.

The Managing Director of DJ Graphics Inca Chow, SIFF President Martin Alufurai and Vice Chairman of the Honiara Beach Soccer Committee Samson Faisi signed the three-year agreement at the SIFF Academy earlier this month.

Chow says she hopes the agreement will go a long way in benefiting the development of five-a-side Beach Soccer in the Solomon Islands

During the signing ceremony, SIFF President Martin Alufurai thanked DJ Graphics and emphasized the importance of the agreement for SIFF.

“As we all know Beach Soccer is a new code not only in the Solomon Islands but the whole of the Oceania region and it is continuing to gain momentum,” Alufurai said.

DJ Graphics has been a keen supporter of football in the Solomon Islands, starting with their involvement as the major sponsor of the Honiara Football Association’s flagship competition – the DJ League.

The company has also aligned with Beach Soccer in the past as a supporter of the Solomon Bilikiki and as the driving force behind the Beach Soccer pitch at Henderson International Airstrip called DC Park which is used as the training ground for the national side.

A third signatory on the MOU representing the HBSC was Samson Faisi, who also highlighted the importance of the signing ceremony.

“I believe that this partnership is a road map for other business houses to follow suit,” said Faisi.

The agreement means that DJ Graphics will take the lead on all promotions and marketing rights of Beach Soccer in the Solomon Islands including the national team.

The future of grassroots football in the Solomon Islands is looking bright after a successful FIFA Grassroots Coaching Course was held in Honiara last week.

With assistance from the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF), the course was led by FIFA Instructors Yvon Avry and Jim Selby and included around 30 coaches.

The objective of the course was to present participants with the philosophy and basic knowledge of the grassroots programme while encouraging SIFF to collaborate with Education administrators and key stakeholders to assist with the delivery of grassroots initiatives.

The course also aimed to encourage schools and communities to organize football 'Festivals'.

Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has developed the 'Just Play' grassroots programme which Selby and Avry explained to course participants.

'Just Play' is an initiative that provides a structure to grow football participation levels among youth while promoting healthy habits and life-long physical activity through football. 

The programme aims to provide the motivation and the equipment necessary for children to participate in an informal environment within a structured program on an ongoing basis.

Participants learned about 'Just Play' during theory sessions and discussed what obstacles they may face in implementing such a programme.

Avry and Selby also organised practical sessions during which the coaches ran small-sided games and tournaments involving up to 120 kids.

The outcomes of the course were very encouraging according to Selby and Avry, with SIFF showing a keen interest in supporting and developing the grassroots programme into the future.

The Solomon Islands have defended their Oceania Futsal title with an 8-1 win over host nation Fiji in the final at the OFC Championship in Suva tonight.

It was another goal fest for the Solomons who took their over-all tournament ledger to 32 goals scored, seven goals conceded in four matches.

"I am so proud of the boys that we came back and defended our title and we really deserved to win this because we shook off some rust after our first game and we have played better and smarter each game since."

"Now we have to look forward to the (invitational) tournament in Libya later this year and continue to lift our game. It’s another big step forward for us and we are proud to be Futsal ambassadors for the Pacific."

"I just want to thank all our supporters here in Fiji and at home and all our families and I think we will continue to grow this game and one day we will make a statement to the rest of the world about what Oceania can do," Ragomo said.  

It was Lea’alafa who opened the goal scoring account for his team on six minutes with a powerful shot that deflected off of a Fijian defender and bamboozled the unsighted Simione Moce Tamanisau.

On 11 minutes a clever long chip pass from James Egeta found teammate Jenan Kapu unmarked and he side stepped the onrushing Tamanisau and walked the ball into the Fijian net.

Just shy of the quarter hour Ragomo set-up Wetney for a simple finish after a weaving run down the sideline.

On 17 minutes Tamanisau had a measure of revenge with an audacious long range chip shot from just outside his own circle that caught his opposite, Solomon goalkeeper Alick Lioka, well off his line.

With two weeks to go until the OFC Futsal Championship Fiji 2009, defending champions Solomon Islands have stepped up preparations in their bid to secure back-to-back victories at the prestigious event.

The round-robin competition involving Fiji, New Caledonia, the Kurukuru from Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, is set to take place from 6-10 July at the Vodafone Arena in Suva, Fiji.

Solomon Islands will go into the championship as hot favourites with 11 of their 12 squad members being part of the 2008 winning team that went on to represent Oceania at the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil last year.

Recently appointed head coach Dickson Kadau says his players have undergone intensive training in recent weeks.
 
“We train six days a week and the focus areas in our sessions are mainly on speed, strength and the team’s defense,” said Kadau.
 
The Kurukuru side has also received a huge boost from Scott Gilligan, ‘Win in Oceania’ Project Manager for Futsal, who has spent time in the Solomon Islands this month working closely with the team.
 
“The boys have improved a lot from where they were during the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil,” said the former Australian futsal international who has also coached the Australia national men’s side.
 
“When I came to Honiara early this year for a futsal coaching course under the ‘Win in Oceania’ development programme, I left a training plan with them and what I’ve seen is incredible progress.”
 
The OFC Futsal Championship Fiji 2009 marks the sixth time Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has staged the event.  Since its inception in 1992, the championships have been held every four years as part of the qualification process for the FIFA Futsal World Cup tournaments.

Fiji 2009 marks the first year of the new annual format for the championship which shows OFC’s commitment to developing futsal by providing regular competition for Oceania’s top teams.

The popularity of futsal – an indoor form of football played with five players per side and a weighted ball – continues to grow throughout the region as a number of OFC’s eleven member associations start to develop domestic competitions to support the game.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

OFC Futsal Championship Fiji 2009 – Official Teams Lists

FIJI

1. Asmat BEGG
2. Mira SAHIB
3. Sandeep NAIR
4. Dinesh Chand MUDALIAR
5. Shivam NATHAN
6. Mohammed SHALMEEN
7. Joseph MISHRA
8. Aisea Dauivalu CODRO
9. Kamal HASSAN
10. Uraia Raimulo LOKI
11. Osea VAKATALESAU
12. Simione Moce TAMANISAU  

Coach: Imtiaz KHAN
Assistant Coach: Melvin ANAND

NEW CALEDONIA

1. Ronan EUZEN (GK)
2. Jerry IARUEL
3. Adrien GUILLAMO
4. Louis WAISHITINE
5. Anderson PAULIN
6. Cédrick HUMUNI
7. Rodrigue Poiwi
8. Ismaël TCHOVAMILI
9. Christophe WHOAP
10. Loïc CAUNES
11. Ivann POUROUORO
16. Arnaud LLAMBRICH (GK)

Coach: Eric MICHALAK
Assistant Coach: Alexandre WEMA

SOLOMON ISLANDS

1. Alick LIOKA (GK)
2. Philip HOUTARAU
3. Elliot RAGOMO
4. Paul HUIA
5. Jenan KAPU
6. Moffat SIKWA'AE
7. James EGETA
8. Francis LAFAI
9. Micah  LEA'ALAFA
10. Stanley PUAIRANA (GK)
11. Ron GINIO
12. Jack WETNEY
Coach: Dickson KADAU
Assistant Coach: Jerry SAM

VANUATU

1. Daniel MANSALE (GK)
2. Reynold ABEL
3. Don MANSALE
4. Marco Andre Junior HERROMINLY
5. Lui SIFAS
6. Terry QUARE
7. Ben HUNGAI
8. Louis DOMINIQUE
9. Junior MALAS
10. Vira  Jack ALA
11. Ben EDWARD
23. Pascal PALA (GK)

Coach: Marco HERROMINLY
Assistant Coach: Marcellino BARTHELEMY

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 National Club Championship has reached its climax with the final between Koloale FC and Marist expected to draw thousands of fans at Honiara's Lawson Tama Stadium tomorrow afternoon.

Defending champions Koloale handed Marist a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat yesterday to reach the final and will go into tomorrow's match as the favourites to win the title and earn a spot at the 2010 O-League.

But Marist will be no walkover having shown strong performances throughout the tournament. The Honiara-based club held their nerve against Uncles in the other semi-final yesterday winning 4-3 on penalties after the match had finished 1-1.

Marist will be hoping to emulate their form in 2005 and 2006 when they represented the Solomon Islands in Oceania Football Confederation's Club Championships (now the O-League).

Uncles had been tipped to make it through to the final but Waitakere United striker Benjamin Totori couldn't lead his side to victory.  They will now play Makuru tomorrow in the third and fourth playoff.

2009 Our Telekom National Club Championships - Semi Final Results

Makuru: 1
Koloale: 2

Marist: 1
Uncles: 1
(Marist win 4-3 on penalties)

For further details visit www.oceaniasport.com/sifootball

Football history is being made in the Solomon Islands this week as the country hosts its first ever FIFA Com-Unity seminar devoted exclusively to the women’s game.

The three-day event, hosted by the Solomon Island Football Federation (SIFF), kicked off at the Kitana Mendana Hotel in Honiara today with around 40 key stakeholders in attendance.

SIFF President Martin Alufurai opened proceedings by welcoming guests and echoing the FIFA President’s message that ‘Football is a game for all.’

“We are involved in a sport that captivates all segments of society regardless of age, race or sex,” said Alufurai.

“In recognition of this, SIFF has made a commitment to the development of the women’s game with the continuing support of FIFA and the Oceania Football Confederation.”

Key note speaker Solomon Palusi, representing the Ministry of Home Affairs and Sports, officially opened the course and made note of the first ever ‘National Day for Women’s Football’ which will be held at Lawson Tama Stadium on Thursday 11 June to cap of a momentous week for women’s football.

“It is my pleasure to endorse the inaugural National Day for Women’s Football,” said Palusi.

“This year it will be localised in Honiara but from 2010 the National Day will be held throughout the country, making it an important event to add to our sporting calendar.”

FIFA Women’s Football Committee Member Michele Cox is the expert guest for the Com-Unity course which brings together Government officials, Non-Government Organisations (NGO's), sponsors, media and clubs.

As a former New Zealand International who has played in Germany, Cox has a long history in the game. In her opening address, she outlined the growth explosion women’s football has experienced globally in recent years.

“Football is the largest growing sport for women in the world with now over 30 million participants,” said Cox. “It has also set the record for the biggest attendance at any women’s sporting event with over 90,000 people turning out for the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 1999 in USA.”

Glenn Turner, FIFA Development Officer for Oceania, then presented to the group and acknowledged the substantial work already done by SIFF to develop the women’s game in the Solomon Islands.

Over the next three days, the Com-Unity course will feature seminars from various local authorities and include sessions on communications, media and marketing. It aims to encourage cooperation between key stakeholders and establish clear objectives and outcomes to help build women’s football from grassroots right through to the elite level.

Solomon Islands international Benjamin Totori was the hero for Uncles FC at the weekend with a 25th minute strike that sunk the fancied Kossa FC in front of thousands of fans at Lawson Tama Stadium.

The 1-0 win takes Uncles to the top of Group B in the 2009 Our Telekom National Club Championship and keeps their hopes of making the semi finals very much alive. 

Totori led from the front and scored after collecting a Kidston Billy pass that was tucked neatly behind Kossa defenders Samson Takayama and skipper Gideon Omokirio.

Uncles have now won two matches and drawn one while former  O-League representatives Kossa have won two and lost one. 

In other action on Match Day 7, Sunbeam recorded its second win in the tournament with three unanswered goals against Guadalcanal Province Champion Malango FC. Sunbeam’s new recruit Rex Honu scored a goal in each half.
 
The victory puts the HFA Minor Championship winners second equal with Marist on six points in Group A but Marist have a game in hand. 
 
In the only other match of the day, Banika Bulls of Central Province won a nine-goal thriller eventually overpowering Gossa FC 5-4.

Story courtesy of Solomon Islands Football Federation

RESULTS - Match Day 7 

Group A

Sunbeam: 3
Malango: 0

Group B

Gossa: 4
Banika Bulls: 5

Uncles: 1
Kossa: 0

STANDINGS

Group A

Group B

Former O-League representatives Kossa and Koloale have moved to the top of their respective tables in the 2009 Our Telekom Club Championships after big wins this weekend. 

In Match Day 5 action at Lawson Tama Stadium on Friday, Kossa thrashed Central Island minnows Banika Bulls 7-1 in Group B while Koloale overppowered Marist 5-2 in Group A.

In other action, Sunbeam enjoyed their first win of the competition beating Fasi Roos 3-1.
Match Day 6 has been postponed due to heavy rains this weekend.

The winner of the National Club Championship will not only earn bragging rights but also a chance to compete against Oceania’s best in the 2010 O-League.

Kossa and Koloale are favourites for the competition having both represented the Solomon Islands in the O-League.

Story courtesy of the Solomon Islands Football Federation

RESULTS - Match Day 5

Group A

Sunbeam: 3
Fasi Roos: 1 

Koloale: 5
Marist: 2

Group B

Kossa: 7
Bonika Bulls: 1

STANDINGS

Group A

The 2009 Our Telekom National Club Championship is heating up with Match Day 4 producing two draws and a one-goal thriller.

Hoards of people crowded into Lawson Tama Stadium on Thursday to see Malu’u United beat Gossa 3-2, while Malango and Soloso drew 3-3 and powerhouses Uncles and Makuru also matched each other with a final score of 2-2.

The winner of the club championship will go on to represent Solomon Islands in the 2010 O-League – Oceania Football Confederation’s top club competition.

In the opening match of the day, Junior Selwyn grabbed a double for Malu’u while Solomon Island international Alick Maemae scored the winner in the 77th minute after Gossa had stayed in touch through goals from Benjamin Mela and Cornely Rata.  

The second match produced the comeback of the tournament as Soloso fought hard from a three goal deficit to claw their way back into the game and earn a valuable point.

Augustine Anisi, Gibson Hosea and Willy Taloga put Malango ahead but goals from Komolo Tanavoqa, Jacob Paerata and Robert Zaelot took the final score to 3-3.

The glamour match of the day between Uncles and Makuru did not disappoint as both team matched each other all over the field.

Waitakere United’s Benjamin Totori was the star for Uncles and caused havoc for the Makuru defence throughout the match.

It was Makuru who took the lead twice through George Lui and Commins Menapi but both times Uncles equalised with goals from Billy Olomani Jnr and Judd Molea. 

Story courtesy of the Solomon Islands Football Federation

RESULTS - Thursday 28 May

Group A

Soloso: 3
Malango: 3

Group B

Malu'u United: 3
Gossa: 2

Makuru: 2
Uncles: 2

STANDINGS

Group A