Kossa FC coach Jacob Moli is looking forward to celebrating Solomon Island football at Lawson Tama Stadium on Saturday.
Moli said that after the disappointing performances of the Solomon Islands at the South Pacific games last August that the country needed a good football boost and he is hopeful that his young squad can provide it for his country tomorrow.
“For Kossa this is our biggest game and one we are very much looking forward to,” Moli said.
“I think it’s going to be a joyous day and we will be carrying the pride of Solomon Island football with us onto the field.”
Moli said that he was very aware of the threat that Solomon Island internationals Benjamin Totori and Commins Menapi posed to his side, but noted that many of his defenders had played with them before and so would be at an advantage
“The boys are aware of what Benji and Commins can do up front, we have a plan to combat them, but of course I cannot tell until gameday”
“I think its going to be a tight tactical game. They have been studying a lot of tapes of us lately. They have a great size advantage but we have great spirit.”
Former Auckland City striker Reginald Davani will know what to expect from the Waitakere side better than most of his Kossa team mates, having faced them over eight times in the colors of City.
“A lot of my former team mates from Auckland City are now with Waitakere so I have a lot of respect for them but come Saturday I am going to do my job and I want a positive result for us.
Davani said he will help to calm the nerves of his younger team mates but also motivate them to be confident.
“It’s a great opportunity to play on the big stage against the best players, a lot of these guys from Waitakere have been around for a long time and played in some of the top leagues in the world and had a lot of success.
“It’s good to have a go at teams like this, respect them as players but when it comes to game day, enjoy the occasion and have a go. There’s a great chance to make a name for yourself in games like this.
Davani noted that the mood in the camp has started to change since Waitakere arrived yesterday afternoon.
“We’re pretty relaxed at the moment, but there has been a lot more buzz from our boys since Waitakere arrived and things are starting to build up.
“It’s a very special occasion for us and for the country.
“Making it to the final is more than what I thought we would achieve and I’m very proud to represent Kossa and the Solomon Islands, I really am.”
James Naka, Joe Luwi, Samson Takayama, Gideon Omokirio and John Morgan all double as Kossa FC players and Bilikiki Beach Soccer champions and their time away from the squad has proved disruptive throughout the domestic season.
Davani said that their international experience would be a key component of a successful day for Kossa.
“They’re massive players for us, they’re big game players and are the core of the side. We need them on Saturday to be at their best if we are to get a result.”