With the option to take part in six OFC events on offer to SIFF teams this year, the organisation has been able to confirm its participation in four of those – with the U-17 Katukatus and the U-20 Mamulas confirmed as the sides that will be missing out.
SIFF will be represented in just the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, OFC Beach Soccer Championship, OFC Futsal Championship and the OFC Champions League, in which national club champions the Solomon Warriors will take part.
Interim SIFF CEO Neil Poloso says the decision not to participate in the youth competitions is one that has been made with much regret.
“The youth competitions are not only qualifying competitions for FIFA finals but they are also development pathways for players that will eventually make it to the senior level. Hence, I must say that this decision is not made lightly and I acknowledge that this is a major sacrifice,” Poloso says.
The SIFF technical department, under the supervision of Noel Wagapu, embarked on a talent identification programme late last year for the U-17 team.
Wagapu says that it is painful for everyone but unfortunately the reality of the situation means some tough decisions have to be made.
“It is not what anyone wants and our hard work has hit a brick wall which we cannot climb over. It will certainly have an impact on the development process of our players but, unfortunately, we have to face reality,” Wagapu says.
The last time Solomon Islands participated in the OFC U-17 Championship was in 2011 when the squad, dominated by graduates of the Learn and Play grassroots programme, finished in third place. The Mamulas fared better at the U-20 event in the same year and finished in second place behind New Zealand.
Poloso says SIFF simply cannot meet its international commitments this year with the state of its current budget.
“I think the key thought for everyone here is when we have limited resources we have to prioritise. The beach soccer and futsal championships take place later in the year so we have time to raise funds for them – the same cannot be said for the youth football disciplines which take place in March and April, hence, the reason for their exclusion,” Poloso says.
“Right now we are still dealing with the cost of our participation in international events that date back to 2010. The best thing to do is to minimise costs this year and plan ahead for 2014 and onwards.”
For more on Solomon Islands football go to www.siff.com.sb

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