Kossa FC has had a season of highs and lows with key players unavailability often leading to inconsistency.
With five of their top players also doubling as the national Bilikiki beach soccer team members Kossa has struggled to reach the heights of last year’s domestic success, though has prospered when all players were available.
James Naka, Joe Luwi, Samson Takayama, Gideon Omokirio (captain) and John Morgan (GK) have all had time away from the squad during Kossa’s domestic competition for beach soccer and their absence was reflected in Kossa’s results.
Their highest position on the league table was third but finished the league in fifth place.
Of the 11 league matches they played in the DJ League, they won six, lost four and drew one. They scored 27 goals, and conceded 14.
The inclusion of PNG International Reginald Davani has provided some extra experience and spark in the strike force and has complemented Samson Wa’ahoero, James Naka and Joe Luwi well up front.
The oldest player in the team is team captain Gideon Omokirio, 32, and he is perhaps the most experienced defender having represented Solomon Islands in various age groups including the senior national team. His most recent outing in the national colours was in Samoa (South Pacifi c Games) and also with the Bilikiki team in Rio Brazil.
Kossa will enter the final on the back of some impressive O-League form, beating Fijian champions Ba 4-2 in Fiji in their last O-League match. Kossa went through Group B unbeaten and will be hoping to take that form into the final.
The players and coaching staff are excited at the prospect of playing in the O-League finals – the fi rst ever appearance by any club from Solomon Islands.
Date Home Team Away Team Venue Result
27.10.07 Kossa FC Tafea FC Lawson Tama Stadium (SOL) 1-1
25.2.08 Kossa FC Ba Lawson Tama Stadium (SOL) 2-0
26.3.08 Tafea FC Kossa FC Port Vila Stadium (VAN) 1-1
30.3.08 Ba Kossa FC Churchill Park 2-4