Photo Credit: Henderson Eels Media

Solrais Women’s Premier League champions Henderson Eels will be making their OFC Women’s Champions League debut in front of a partisan home crowd when the tournament kicks off on March 10.

The title triumph was the Eels’ maiden championship, edging out holders Koloale FC by a single point, with 2020 and 2021 winners RSIPF Royals finishing third on goal difference in what was a dramatic finish to the league season.

Only established in 2020, it’s been an incredible rise for Henderson Eels. They were the leagues highest scorers every season from 2021-2023, culminating in last year’s title success and with it, the opportunity to take on the region’s best in the OFC Women’s Champions League.

Head Coach – Godfrey Manehioha

“We are all looking forward to the OFC Women’s Champions League, as the competition is known locally. We are honoured to be representing Solomon Islands. This is because the OFC Women’s Champions League has made the domestic women’s league more competitive and the regional competition is one of the best things to have happened to women’s football within Oceania.

“In saying that however, we will have only two weeks to prepare as a team, considering the fact that seven of our girls were on duty with the national women’s team at the recent Women’s Olympic Football Tournament – Oceania Qualifier in Samoa. My advice to the girls is to be themselves and enjoy the occasion. We encourage the public to come and support women’s football at its finest during the tournament.”

Player to Watch

Centre-back Edith Nari has represented Solomon Islands on a number of occasions and will be a key part of Henderson Eels squad as they look to make an impact  on home soil.

She has matured and has learnt a lot over the course of last season’s domestic league. Her experience and recent performances at the recent Women’s Olympic Football Tournament – Oceania Qualifier in Samoa will be of huge benefit to her team during the tournament. She is one of six players who were part of the Solomon Islands side that reached the final during that Oceania Qualifier campaign.