FLORENCE YOUNG CHRISTIAN SCHOOL HOST NZ DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF POLICE, MRS. PAULA BENNETT.

It was a historical day on Thursday for the RAMSI officers as they say farewell to Solomon Islands and depart back to their varies countries. One of the countries that played a significant role in the RAMSI is our fellow Pacific country, New Zealand.

The Deputy Prime Minister and also Minister of Police, Mrs. Paula Bennett was the one who represented New Zealand and attended the farewell ceremony of RAMSI in Honiara. Her trip to the islands was even made special when she visited Florence Young Christian School on her way to the airport. The Florence Young Christian School students were out in very satisfying numbers to attend the program despite the school already been on one week holiday. The heavy rain was very unpredictable but just as the program started, the weather decides to cooperate with the whole event.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Police was warmly welcomed by the Mao dancers from North Malaita opening the short program to a high start. The arrival of the Minister Mrs. Paula Bennett was very colorful as both primary and secondary students were watching closely as the minister set foot onto the green grass. The school’s principal, George Saemane, welcome the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Police warmly and explained how thankful the school board, parents committee and the school itself to host her. “Florence Young Christian School has a significant historical connection with New Zealand through the founder of the school Ms. Florence Young and today we’re very happy to host someone important from New Zealand. I thank you, Deputy Prime Minister and minister of police for your continuous support to education in our country Solomon Islands”. Said Mr. Saemane.

The students all witnessed the help NZ gave to Solomon Islands and knew exactly what their principal was stating. The teachers also knew how influential New Zealand has been in helping Solomon Islands build its education. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Police gave a speech to remember for many of the Florence Young Christian School students and staff. “I am absolutely blessed to come and see your lovely place, Solomon Islands. I really love children here and when there is such opportunity as this to visit such country like yours, I accept. I also respect all the efforts being placed into today’s program’. Said Mrs. Bennett. The Deputy Minister also expressed how thankful and grateful their people to the time they spent in Solomon Islands. “We have been blessed to help Solomon Islands and we’ll be leaving with a good heart knowing that Solomon Islands is in safe hands”, The Minister comfortably expressed.

The short program concluded with some special items from the Mao dancers and the Maori haka dancers who were the highlights of the program after performing some incredible New Zealand songs. The other part of the program was the traditional introduction to food. This was probably the most exciting moment of the program as students dressed traditionally and brought out tradition foods for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Police to observe. The whole program concluded after a very good lunch hosted by the school.

HENDERSON EELS IN TOP PREPARATION.

Whilst the current Solomon Cup heats up its intensity, the TSL clubs are also in preparation for the upcoming TSL which is set to kick off shortly after the Solomon Cup. The top clubs such as Western United, Marist FC, Solomon Warriors, Kossa FC are all in preparation towards the TSL and no doubt there is a lot of scouting of potential players from the provincial teams in the current Solomon Cup tournament. One of the teams continuing its preparation is the new side Henderson Eels who are hoping and likely to kick off their first campaign in the prestigious TSL.

The Henderson Eels who are currently in top form leading the HFA table are looking forward to their first appearance in the top league in Solomon Islands club football. The team which is currently under the watchful eyes of a very experienced technical team is definitely looking sharp and determined in their preparation. Henderson Eels head coach and former national youth coach, Chris Asipara is confident that the boys that he has in the team can definitely deliver on the big stage. Solomon Islands former wonderboy and Oceania's Mr. Cool, Alick Maemae is one of the big names in the team. The other top footballers who are currently under the Eels uniform are Dennis Ifunaoa, Tuti Zama, Junior Atana Fa’arodo and Fred Kini. The experience coaching team consisted of Head Coach, Chris Asipara and assisted by two former international footballers, Stanley Waita and Marlon Houkarawa.

The team was boosted with training gears from the sponsor Advance Technology. All the players were in full set uniform from training shirts, shorts, shoes and bags for everyone including the coaching team. It was a very good start to a club that is possibly one of the fastest growing clubs, having gained a lot of fans in their very impressive HFA run where they continued their unbeaten record becoming one of the most successful teams currently in the HFA league. The boys were very happy and looked forward to preparing themselves for the bright future with the club. Henderson Eels club owner, Hudson Wakio reminded the boys in a very clear message, “I am happy for the commitment you all have put in this team and therefore I show my appreciation in providing you all the gears. I like the unity in the team and please continue and improve as an individual and also as a team together”, said Mr. Wakio. Goalkeeper coach and veteran Solomon Islands international, Felix Ray Jnr replied on behalf of the boys to the generous boost by the club owner, “I believe this is a positive picture for someone to have a good trust in us, the team. I have been to many clubs but this is a very good hearted and timely boost. I urge all the players to continue our commitment and let us create a positive image for the club and also for ourselves as sportsmen of Solomon Islands”, Felix Ray Jnr said confidently.

Now as the TSL is around the corner, many clubs are out scouting and also preparing their teams for the top competition. A competition that will also determine who will represent Solomon Islands in the Oceania Club Championship. Solomon Islands have always had a reputation to be very competitive in the top Oceania club competition and therefore, all the clubs are hoping to be field in their best team to compete in the competition. Marist FC has already boosted its team with the inclusion of Solomon Islands national team captain, Henry Fa’arodo and Solomon Islands international defender, Joachim Waroi. Indeed, the future for Solomon Islands football is looking positive with the rise of many new talents and Henderson Eels are looking forward to being one of the teams competing for the top prize.


Picture information:

Henderson Eels FC with their training kits.
Front row: R.Suri, A.Kumu, A.Waita, L.Zama, I.Tatai, M.Hinai, D.Ifunaoa, C.Buru.
Middlre Row: P.Tohu (management team), J.Kairi, A.Keni, A.Faraarodo, N.Akia, R. Le'a, F.Ray (Goalkeeper coach).
Back Row: B. Sukaria (management team), F.Honi, T.Zama, P.Naitoro, L.Misitana, J.Dudley (Goal Keeper), J.Do'oro (Goalkeeper), H.Felani, J.Albert, F.Kini, C.Wasi, R.Raramo, E.Koke (physical trainer), C.Asipara (Head coach )

Absent: A.Maemae, J.Rongosulia, T.Maearasia (Goalkeeper), C.Tafoa, A.Doke, S.Waita (Ass.Head coach), B.Wasia (T. Manager), B.Pride, D.Maesia.

HONIARA SIDE OPTIMISTIC FOR A GOOD COMEBACK.

The Honiara side has regrouped together after a disappointing start to their campaign in the Solomon Cup to a more determined Central side. Head coach, Eddie Marahare is optimistic that his side can perform much better than what they presented on the opening day of the competition.

The Solomon Cup is regarded as one of the much-anticipated tournament in the country’s football calendar. It is in the previous Solomon Cup tournaments that stars are being selected and eventually become who they are today in the likes of Batram Suri, Samson Takayama, James Naka to name a few. Honiara team is one of the most competitive teams in the history of this prestigious tournament and therefore, the current Honiara side already carries on their shoulders a lot of expectation. In an exclusive interview with head coach Eddie Marahare and team manager George Keso,  both explained how disappointed they were in their first game but they are also hopeful for the upcoming match against the unknown Choiseul side. “I believe there was a lack of combination between my boys and also the fact that many of these players never played in such tournament before. It is indeed a big pressure to perform but these issues should not be an excuse. I think our boys dropped their level on the first game so I am hopeful after these good sessions during these couple of few days, we can be ready for the upcoming match against Choiseul, a side that I know nothing about.” Said Mr. Marahare. Team manager, George Keso also expressed his disappointment in the first match, “I was expecting more from the boys, to be honest, but it is football and sometimes we don’t really perform. I feel confident that we can bounce back but we haven’t seen Choiseul play before so it will be an interesting encounter”, Mr. Keso said confidently.

The Solomon Cup is heading towards day three and already the competition has sparked up a lot of potential future football stars and the watchful eyes of the coaches are already present. For the brave Honiara side, it depends entirely on their match against Choisuel to see them having a chance or not. It is a match that the Honiara side must win to keep their hopes alive but the Choisuel side won’t be giving any room for any team to walk over them.