Kossa FC’s historical 3-1 win over Waitakere United at Lawson Tama Stadium a fortnight ago saw the Jacob Moli-coached team become the first club from that country to defeat a New Zealand side since the formalisation of football in Solomon Islands in 1979.

With an appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan now only 90 minutes away Kossa are on the verge of arguably the greatest achievement in Solomon Island sport history.

After a delayed flight out of Honiara made the Jacob Moli coached side miss their connecting flight in Fiji, the side had to spend an unplanned night stop over in Nandi.

But they have since touched down in New Zealand and Kossa liason manager Terry Van Dillen said the side has settled in well.

“The guys are feeling comfortable and they’re happy about the temperature not being too cold. The guys went shopping today in Manakau and some of the team were wearing jandles.”

Kossa have had two training sessions at Centre park in Mangere and Van Dillen said the side is looking sharp.

“We’ve had two training sessions so far and have one planned for tomorrow morning. The training has gone well and the team is quietly confident.”

“The guys are very aware that they have beaten this team (Waitakere) before and believe they can do it again. We are injury free and ready to go.”

Van Dillen dismissed any suggestion of sitting on their two goal buffer and trying to hold on in Sundays match.

“We are the sort of team that loves going forward and scoring goals. We will be out to do that on Sunday. The gameplan is no different to the game in Honiara. There is no defensive game plan it is all about getting forward.”

The Kossa squad is one full of experience with six Solomon Island Internationals (John Morgan, Samson Takayama, James Naka, Terry Oiaka, Gideon Omokirio, Severino Aefi) and one from PNG (Reginald Davani).

KOSSA FC 2007/08 OFC O-LEAGUE

vs. Tafea (A)     drew 1-1 James Naka

vs. Ba (A)         won 4-2 Joe Luwi, James Naka, Reg Davani, Paul Wale

vs. Tafea (H)    drew 1-1 Joe Luwi

vs. Ba (H)         won 2-0 James Naka, own goal

vs. Waitakere United (H) won 3-1 James Naka, Joe Luwi 2

GOALSCORERS

Joe Luwi 4

James Naka 4

Reg Davani 1

Paul Wale 1

Own goal 1