The Henry Fa’arodo-led side overcame Solomon Warriors 2-1 in the final at Lawson Tama Stadium on Saturday to take the trophy and earn the $25,000 cash prize on offer.
Waitakere United striker Benjamin Totori was the hero, scoring one goal and being brought down in the box for the winner.
The Kolale players will now get the chance to represent their country when the next edition of the O-League kicks off later this year.
But there was some doubt as to whether they would have any opponents to stop them getting there at one stage. The majority of the Solomon Warriors squad are Seventh Day Adventists and playing on a Saturday is a big ask for them.
There were concerns the team would not show up at all so the organisers and spectators were relieved when the players did arrive and the match was allowed to go ahead.
The Warriors were still missing several key stars though – namely the Billy brothers, Kidston and Junior, and George Abba, who suffered a hamstring injury during the semi-final clash against Rendova Devon.
Koloale, on the other hand, fielded a full-strength team, aside from defender Leonard Olea, who missed the match through suspension.
They got off to the best possible start when Totori found the back of the net after only three minutes. Picking up a pass just beyond the halfway line, he dribbled past three Warriors defenders before hammering the ball home.
But the Warriors took control of the game from that point on and got back on level terms in the 69th minute when Coleman Wasi struck home a cross from close range.
Both sides then went in search of the winner and it was Koloale who managed to find it with just five minutes remaining.
Totori was cut down as he drove into the box and captain Fa’arodo stepped up to take the penalty. His initial shot was saved by goalkeeper Alfred Lofana but former Perth Glory player Fa’arodo was able to get to the rebound and send his side into the O-League.
Totori finished the championship as top scorer with 11 goals. Steve Saru, also of Koloale, picked up the player of the tournament award, while the fair play title went to Harbour Lights from Malaita province, who ended the competition without receiving any cards.
Former champions and O-League finalists KOSSA came third after defeating Western Province side Rendova Devon 4-2 in the play-off for third and fourth.
KOSSA received a cheque for $8000 thanks to goals from Micah Lea’alafa, who grabbed a brace, Godwyn Bebeu and Joe Luwi.
Rendova collected the fourth-place prize of $5000 and can be proud of their efforts as they are the first provincial team to qualify for the semi-finals.
For the latest SIFF news visit www.SIFF.com.sb