Solomon Island club Koloale FC are aiming to ride passionate home crowd support and a recent lift in attacking form as they prepare to host Auckland City FC in their maiden O-League Final this Saturday in Honiara.
Koloale FC will bid to become the first Solomon Islands team to qualify for the US$500,000 playoff spot at the FIFA Club World Cup scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates, 9-19 December 2009. They are the second Solomon Islands side to qualify for the O-League Final after compatriots Kossa FC lost on aggregate in the 2008 equivalent to New Zealand’s Waitakere United.
The finals will feature two matches, the first of which will be played in front of an expected 20,000 fans at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara and the return leg to be played on Sunday 3 May at Auckland’s Kiwitea Street.
The reigning Solomon Island club champions have had a successful 2009 O-League campaign anchored predominantly around staunch defensive efforts that have seen them concede only two goals in four matches en route to finishing top of Group B.
Conversely Koloale’s attack has proved a lesser strength with only four O-League goals scored in as many games for a return of two wins, one draw and one loss. Their crucial final qualifying win over Fijian champions Ba epitomised their play with gritty defense complimented by a solitary goal from a set-piece attack sealing the win.
But Koloale FC coach Luke Eroi is optimistic that a strong win last weekend over 2008 O-League finalists Kossa in the Solomon Islands’ domestic ‘Top Eight’ competition signals an improved attacking potency.
“My boys are ready for this game. They are feeling especially confident after beating Kossa FC 4-nil. It’s so important for us to win this first leg final at home.”
Strikers Joses Nawo and Nicholas Muri appear the most likely paring up front for Koloale this Saturday but both have struggled to find consistent form in front of goal. That may now have changed, however, with both attackers hitting the net – including a brace to Nawo – during the 4-nil rout of Kossa FC.
Defensive midfielder and Captain Richard Anisua is a key player and capable of turning matches on attack, as his brace of goals against local club Zome Mars last month demonstrated. With Koloale employing a new formation last weekend Anisua embraced a new role as a third forward against Kossa and notched their second goal.
Coach Eroi also nominates outstanding goalkeeper Shadrack Ramoni and midfielder Henry Koto as key players this Saturday, while attacking mid Henry Fa’arodo has notable pedigree after playing for Perth Glory in the 2004 A-League.
Eroi remains realistic about the stern challenge that a rampant Auckland FC – the current New Zealand domestic champions – will pose citing the New Zealander’s physical strength and height as areas of concern for his team.
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