The event is part of plans for regular beach soccer competitions to be held in Honiara and more such tournaments are planned for 2012. The increased activity is designed to have two outcomes – to promote the game of beach soccer and assist with the national team’s preparations for regional competitions.
Former beach soccer international Gideon Omokirio is coordinating the Bilikiki Challenge for the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) and, based on the turnout for July’s national championship, is anticipating a high level of interest from the public.
“Since the introduction of the national beach soccer championship in 2010 this code has become more and more popular,” he says. “In July, we had an amazing turnout from spectators and we hope this can be repeated in the Bilikiki Challenge.”
The challenge was originally scheduled to take place on the weekend of October 22 but has been postponed on two occasions for various reasons.
SIFF competitions department spokesman Joseph Boso feels the event cannot be put off any longer though and says those taking part can’t wait to take to the sands of DC Park in Honiara.
“The Bilikiki Challenge will take place this weekend as we cannot afford any more delays,” he says. “Much interest has been generated from the teams and they are looking forward to playing.”
Eight sides are set to participate in the challenge and will fight it out across two groups of four. The top two finishers in each group will proceed to the finals stage.
Two sides from the national squad will be involved under the names of the Bilikiki Sliders and the Bilikiki Fliers and will be joined by Honiara West, MOI Popi, Kossa, Northern United, newcomers Manihots and defending champions Sokamora.
The pair of Bilikiki teams will comprise of players from the national training squad that is preparing for the Oceania qualifiers for the 2013 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, meaning the skills of the country’s best players will be on show throughout the tournament.
For more on Solomon Islands football go to www.siff.com.sb

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