TOKYO – For Commins Menapi, the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup not only provides the chance to boost his and Waitakere United’s profile, it also
offers an opportunity to atone for a hugely disappointing recent failure in the international arena.
It is only two months, after all, since the striker was part of a Solomon Islands side who, against all expectations, failed to advance to the
second round of OFC FIFA World Cup™ qualifying after crashing out in the semi-finals of the Samoa-held South Pacific Games.
“Everybody back home was very disappointed about missing out,” said Menapi, who is one of two Solomons stars on Waitakere United’s books along with
Benjamin Totori. “The feeling among the people in my country was very sad. The disappointment affected everybody and hurt the popularity of football there.”
Menapi nevertheless believes that his Kiwi club’s fortunes against Iran’s Sepahan will be followed closely by fans in his homeland, desperate for a
pick-me-up after their FIFA World Cup failure.
