A former Solomon Islands national player, Toata coaches the Solomon Warriors at club level where he has guided them to two S-League titles, participated in two OFC Champions League campaigns and most recently won the Melanesian Super Cup for the second consecutive year.
SIFF president William Lai said the organisation was looking towards the next generation of coaches to deliver for the country at international level.
“This appointment is about giving the responsibility to younger coaches who have the potential and the drive to lift Solomon Islands football higher,” Lai says.
“The old generation has played a part and now we need youthful minds and dynamic personalities.
“We have seen Toata perform in our national league and he has also done well internationally. We believe that he is the best local coach we have and the best candidate for the job ahead.”
The SIFF also named Gideon Omokirio as the assistant coach.
Both Toata and Omokirio are currently undergoing assessment to qualify for OFC B-Licence coaching certificates, while the duo also received training under the English Football Association coaching programmes and have attended coaching clinics in England.
Toata says he won’t be taking the responsibility of leading the national team lightly and that the challenge was something he welcomed.
“It has taken me some time to decide whether to accept this position because it is a big role,” Toata says.
“For me there is a lot of responsibility and also opportunity, and I look forward to working with SIFF and other parties with the aim of success for our national team.”
The first assignment for Toata will see him lead the Solomon Islands against a touring Fiji in November.
Solomon Islands 30-man preliminary squad: Anthony Talo (GK), Phillip Mango (GK), Samson Koti (GK), Nelson Sale, Joachim Waroi, Hadisi Aengari, Allen Peter, Fred Kini, Fred Fakarii, Abraham Maezama, Israel Fanai Koti, Matson Feni, Bata Furai, Henry Fa’arodo Jnr, Molea Tigi, Charlie Otainao, Judd Molea, Timothy Bakale, Micah Lea’alafa, James Naka, Benjamin Totori, Dennis Ifunaoa, Joses Nawo, Gibson Daudau, Harrison Mala, Gagame Feni, Paul Wale, Tutizama Tanito, Richard Fono, Moffat Kilifa.

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