HOPE BEYOND THE TROUBLING SITUATION

Solomon Islands are experiencing a very unique state of their beloved nation as they are faced with the challenges of the modern world and the corruption of the corrupted ones. Innocent lives are lost to tragic accidents caused by reckless drunk drivers, leaders continue to control people by the nose through their power and the ‘no care’ attitude problem infecting a lot of the youths of Solomon Islands. Indeed, they are facing a losing battle and a struggle that the small island nation is hopeless to overcome.

In the other side of the story, there is football. A game which is not only just the national sport of Solomon Islands but the most loved sport in the small island nation. For many years, the people of the nation have wondered where the football of the nation will go as the last best result of football for Solomon Islands was in 2004 when they battled against the mighty pacific champions then, Australia. A battle in which Solomon Islands lost but still got the respect it deserved for fighting against the best. 2017 brings its own level of football and Solomon Islands find themselves closer to where they were 13 years ago. Football is a game that unites this nation of Solomon Islands. A game which has no political influence, no negative attitude to interfere or no political leader leading the game. It is raw football where some brave Solomon Islanders take on the responsibility to carry their flag against the other powerful footballing nation. Solomon Islands people deserve a moment of relief and football is the only sport that can bring that moment. A win and qualification to the world cup could simply pull this nation from a lot of its downfall. The people of Solomon Islands needed some boosting mentally and the football game is something that can do that.

The reality of Solomon Islands depends on the people of today. The results of the football game depend on the players. The nation will make their run towards the top footballing prize again and the only true winner will be awarded the ticket to the next level of football. For so long it has been New Zealand taking the privileges and winning the finals. It is time Solomon Islands create history and make that extra step. The Solomon Islands people now faced with the task to leave the political instability status of the nation aside, leave the ethnic differences apart, leave the negative trend of “no care” people alone and support the men in their Solomon Islands uniform as they will battle for the pride of the nation.

The time has come for Solomon Islands to rise again in the football world. The time has come for the country that loves football so much to rip what they deserve for many years. The inspirational skipper Henry Fa’arodo who has been in the team for many years will be leading the team again and with so much respect as he is the most capped player in the team. Solomon Islands Nelson Sale was only 16 years old when he popped up in the squad, now many years down the road and he will once again rock the defense for his beloved country. The nation's marksman, Benjamin Totori who has been struggling to find his form will be looking forward to swing in some memorable goals as the team set their eyes on the possibilities of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup.

FROM THE STREET TO INTERNATIONAL STAGE

From a wandering kid with no goals to a very successful fitness trainer. The story of Nohichu Fa’amoana Topue who is well known as Fa’a has captivated a lot of the people who worked closely with him over the past years.

The Renbell man has been a helping hand for the majority of Solomon Islands sports people throughout the years and he is quite famous for his unique blond hairstyle that he has on. Fa’a who is a very influential character was also present with the Western United Football Club which traveled to Auckland, New Zealand in the OFC Club Championship last month of February. The Western United team players were an example of a lot of people that appreciated the time and effort this Renbell man has put into his fitness sessions. In an exclusive interview with Fa’a, I have managed to walk inside Fa’a’s world and experienced, the passion, the love for sports and most of all the dedication this man has all throughout his career.

What got you into sports?

What got me into sports is the fact that I used to be a street kid. I was doing nothing with my life when I was very young. I would walk the street in the early morning, eat from all rubbish and been smoking a lot of very bad stuff and just lived a life of no direction. It was just one day that I decided to turn my life around and I am very happy I did because I went into trying Basketball and I loved it so I decided that sport was the savior for me.

What is it like to be a fitness trainer?

To be a fitness trainer is something very demanding although it is very fun. One of the most important thing about being a fitness trainer is that I had to be a model for the people I trained.  This means, I must be in good condition mentally and physically and looking fit every time for the individuals, the clubs and the national representatives I trained.

How did you find working with other sporting people?

This is a very interesting part of my profession and that is to work with other sporting people. I really enjoyed training every sporting people from all sporting codes because I will get to meet different types of people with their own personalities. I have a natural taste to help people and I believe this has also shown in my profession. I love to see the different level of fitness in people and I gradually work with them for them to reach their goals.

What inspires you every day to do your best?

There is always one thing that I believed has inspired me all through my fitness trainer career and that is to see the product of what I do. To train people is something good but to see they achieve their goals through my training is something amazing and awesome. It inspires me to go out every day and do what I do best.

What are your future goals as a fitness trainer?

I have a lot of personal goals but regarding fitness trainer goal, my goal is to continue helping people achieve their dreams and can help other young youths to take up this job of Fitness trainer, because a lot of Solomon Islanders do not take up this job as a profession and that to me is not satisfying as this is a very important job in getting our sporting levels to where we always wanted.

If you’re not a fitness trainer, what would you have taken up as your job?

Well, if I am not a fitness trainer, I would definitely be working with people with special needs. That is a something I have already been doing before moving into the fitness trainer profession. In fact, I started connecting with sports through helping kids with special needs playing basketball and one thing lead to another and I ended up being a fitness trainer. However, if I was not in this profession of fitness trainer, I would definitely be helping a lot of the people with special needs.

How does it feel to come from Renbell and be the top fitness trainer for the national Solomon Islands Football team?

It is an extremely unique feeling and something I am very proud of.  It is also an honor for me because my province is well-known for producing rugby players. I am very thankful to the Football administration to recognize me as a professional in my profession and accepted me to work with the national football team. This is going to be something I remember for the rest of my life.

What is your advice for the people of your province as someone you have made an impact to many different people of other provinces?

My simple advice to my beloved people of my province especially youths who want to take up fitness is to know that they can do it. If Fa’a can do it then surely you can do it too. The only secret behind my success is having the right attitude. Get your attitude right and everything is possible.

What are some of your most successful achievements in your profession?

I got a lot of successful achievements but I am only going to name one and that one that I remembered so far is attending the London Olympics as a coach for the Paralympic team Solomons and this is probably my most memorable one because when I reached that Olympic level, I knew that is the highest level of sports so I am very satisfied with my career so far and now it is time for me to give back to Solomon Islands.

What would be your advice to the youths of Solomon Islands?

My advice to the Solomon Islands youths would be to do everything in your best. Sport is a very good activity to engage yourself in because it can allow you to travel overseas and broaden your thinking as well as your perspective on life. Education is a very good thing to have too because it is what usually take people overseas and help shape our nation. For those youths interested in sport, remember that sport does not go with drugs it is meant to keep you healthy and fit while enjoying your life. Finally, in everything we do, give thanks and praise to our dear God for his love and faithfulness for all of us.

Fa’a concluded the interview with tears in his eyes as he recalled his times as a street boy roaming the streets having no direction at all. It was quite emotional especially for someone who is known to crack a joke everywhere he is. Now the Renbell man is looking forward to his next task which is the fitness coach for the Solomon Islands national football team which will be taking part in the World Cup qualifiers this year. To be the best in your field means to be passionate and determined.

WESTERN UNITED FAREWELLED BY AUCKLAND AND HAMILTON SOLOMON ISLANDS COMMUNITY.

Solomon Islands club representative in group C of the OFC Club championship, Western United have concluded their campaign with an impressive victory over a very hard working Lae City side by a convincing 5:3 score line.  

Western United’s flamboyant Paul Wale opened the scoring with a beautiful tap in from a Matson Feni’s cross while Henry Fa’arodo continued his fine finish in a penalty which Benjamin Totori was tackled in the eighteen-yard box by a Lae City defender. Joachim Waroi who was exceptional all through the games managed to find himself up in the park and beat the goalkeeper with so much composure in his finish. Lae City bounced back with a good work goal before halftime and put the pressure on Western United. The men in orange came back firing and finished the game off with a spectacular solo goal by Benjamin Totori and a beautiful penalty finish by the youngster Atana Fa’arodo junior. Lae City managed to score two more goals in the second half but couldn’t continue their form as Western United dominated the match with so much flair and entertaining football.

The Western United boys then were invited to a farewell dinner by the Auckland and Hamilton Solomon Islands community at Corn Wall park in Auckland. Western United’s team manager Atu said in his word of thank you for the Solomon Islands communities, “We have been blessed to come to this land of the long white clouds and meet such great Solomon Islands families and friends here. We haven’t got the result we really want but we still claim the second-best team in this pool and we are happy for that. Words cannot express how much we are thankful towards the support that the community here has offered.” Western United skipper and Solomon Islands international, Henry Fa’arodo also said, “It was a very tough week of football but I am happy for the boys and definitely happy for the support from the community here.”

Solomon Islands Auckland community member Wally thanked the Western United team for their positive attitude and behavior in representing Solomon Islands and wish them all the best. One of the Hamilton community members who was present was James Porakari who was all praise for the Western United team. “I really enjoyed watching the boys play. That game against Auckland should have been ours but it’s football and we have to accept the results. Safe journey for these boys as they fly back home.” Said Mr. Porakari. The farewell dinner was a very positive gathering as Solomon Islands community in Auckland and Hamilton get to see some of Solomon Islands local football stars and also have the opportunity to talk with them too.

Some of the Western United team members will be traveling to Honiara on Monday while the other half on Tuesday.