Marist will be desperate to take maximum points from its next O-League match against Vanuatu champions Tafea FC when the two meet on Saturday 7 November at Lawson Tama Stadium.
The Solomon Island champions fell 1-3 to Lautoka FC in front of 12,000 dismayed Honiara fans on 18 October.
But Miniti says his team will be looking forward with optimism and determination despite widespread public dismay following the loss to Lautoka FC.
“It will be a difficult task for us but we cannot afford to walk away empty handed from this game,’ Miniti said.
Miniti concedes that certain areas of Marist’s game suffered in their season opening home match but is confident his team is back on track for their all-important second home match.
“The team has worked towards a better result and we look forward to our next match,” Miniti said.
“We know that Tafea FC will be very fast and our defense will have to be at its best if we are to gain anything from this match.”
Marist’s captain Abraham Iniga has issued a rallying call to the Solomon Islands public pleading for renewed passionate home support against Tafea FC.
“We carry not only the Marist flag but also a national responsibility and we urge the public to back us in our next match,” Iniga said.
The Solomon Islands have a strong O-League history to preserve after representatives Kossa FC and Koloale FC finished runners-up in the previous two editions.
Saturday’s match will be crucial for Marist as they fight to stay in contention in Group B. Lautoka currently leads the group on three points with Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United and Tafea FC in second place after their 3-3 draw in Port Vila last month while Marist are languishing at the bottom of the table.
Meanwhile in Group A, Auckland City FC sit top ahead of AS Magenta and Waitakere United on one point and AS Manu Ura who are yet to get a result.
Courtesy of SIFF Media