Kurukuru took on the same opponents a week ago and defeated them 9-3. But coach Dickson Kadau was not completely happy and admits his side needs to improve on the weaknesses shown in that game.
“We have focused our training this week on combination play and better communication. They were our two major weaknesses from last week,” he says.
“We also played more defensively in the last game. We will be attacking this week to gauge our offensive strength.”
Another of Kadau’s aims is to help the newer members of his team gain more confidence.
Attacking player Jack Wetney will rejoin the squad this week after missing out on the last match because he was in Vanuatu finalising a deal with Amical FC. He has now put pen to paper and will line up for the Vanuatu champions in the upcoming O-League, which kicks off in October.
Kadau is full of praise for his star forward and says Wetney is instrumental to the Kurukuru game plan because he helps to coordinate and control their attacks.
Francis Lafai, who was left out of the original selection but has been drafted back into the squad as a non-travelling player, will also feature in the match this weekend.
The Honiara select side are highly rated and possess several former Kurukuru stars and some of the top talent in the region.
They are also preparing for the match and team supervisor Victor Waiia says the players are looking forward to it.
Kadau rates the Honiara selection as one of the best futsal teams in Oceania.
“They are a good side to play in friendly matches because of the strength and intensity they bring with them,” he says.
He adds that national team management are keeping an eye on the Honiara players for possible recruitment in future teams.
The match will be held at the Multipurposes Hall on Saturday from 3pm. Entry is $5 for adults and $3 for children.
The OFC Futsal Championships are being held in Suva, Fiji, from August 8 to 14.
Story and photo courtesy of SIFF Media.
For the latest SIFF news visit www.SIFF.com.sb