Fresh from an inspiring 1-1 draw with Hyundai A-League notables Queensland Roar, Solomon Islands made a low key arrival in Apia for the XIII South Pacific Games – Samoa 2007 keen to avoid talk of
medals – instead talking up the prospects of their opponents.
However, there is no denying Solomon Islands – know as the ‘Bonito’ in their homeland after an energetic fish indigienous to waters around the islands – bring a high-powered squad brimming with
talent and top level experience that make the Melanesian side hot medal prospects.
Waitakere United striker and O-League golden boot Commins Menapi is joined by prominent figures from not only the NZFC but also the A-League, the former Australian National Soccer league, such as
Henry Fa’arodo, Alick Maemae and the fleet-footed free-scoring Benjamin Totori.
The loss of Jack Samani, Tinoni Ratu and most recently Abraham Iniga to injury in preparation for the South Pacific Games has given Tome Faisi and George Aba the opportunity to make an impact in
Samoa – potentially as early as Saturday when Solomon Islands take on traditional Oceania lightweights American Samoa in their opening fixture.
Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Senior Development Officer Eddie Ngava – visiting the impressive Toleafoa J.S. Blatter Playing Fields in Faleata today – scene of last night’s lavish FIFA
Goal Project inauguration ceremony to mark the opening of Samoa Football Soccer Federation’s (SFSF) new floodlights – talked up the quality of his country’s opponents just 72 hours out from the
start of the South Pacific Games Men’s Football Tournament.
Despite the self-imposed ‘underdog’ tag of American Samoa, Ngava insists the Bonito will not take them lightly, especially now that they are under the experienced tutelage of Englishman David Brand
(pictured below).
“American Samoa will be a completely different side under David Brand – he has done wonders for football in the Pacific Islands, and we will expect a tough challenge on Saturday,” Ngava said.
Under coach Airton Andrioli the Solomons are renowned for playing expansive, attacking football – a trait Ngava insists will remain throughout the tournament no matter who the opposition. Ngava
identified Vanuatu as an obvious challenger following their resilient showing at the 2003 South Pacific Games (SPG) in Fiji, and also acknowledged that 2003 SPG finalists Fiji and New Caledonia
will more than likely emerge as prominent movers and shakers beyond the initial group stages.
Pool B for the tournament, which doubles as a preliminary qualifier for the 2008 Oceania Nations Cup and FIFA World Cup – South Africa 2010, is completed by Polynesian neighbours Tonga and Samoa.
According to Ngava, Samoa will be a seemingly unlikely, but nevertheless dominant, force in the group. “Samoa will be very strong. I think this is their year, especially after recent victory
against our national under 23 side,” Ngava said.
Host nation Samoa begin their South Pacific Games campaign on Saturday 25 August with the expectation of the entire nation riding on their shoulders in a fixture that many observers say could
determine potential semi-finalists long before the end of pool play.
Solomon Islands finished runners-up to Australia at the last OFC Nations Cup/FIFA World Cup qualifiers under the tutelage of coach Allan Gillet (pictured above). Solomon Islands kick off their
campaign at the same time against American Samoa.