SOLOMON ISLANDS FOOTBALL NEEDS A LOT OF OUR SUPPORT NOW THAN EVER.

For many years, we have been asking questions, giving our theories to solutions and most of all finger pointing faults to each other. The reality of Solomon Islands football is beyond what our personal conclusions are. There are many factors contributing to the negative side of Solomon Islands football and it would take time for football to heal properly and to be at a stage many of us are dreaming it would be at.

The most satisfying feeling for many Solomon Islands is when our football team beat our fellow neighboring Pacific countries. However, many people seemed to neglect that another important and equally satisfying feeling should come from seeing our country’s national team trying their best when the football situation is totally against any positive results. The efforts of our national players must never go unnoticed because these are not professional footballers but they are giving their best for our nation. I have gathered from many comments from people towards our national team and our football as general and I conclude that everyone has their own theories to what is the problem and what is the solution. Whilst some are very good comments, other comments are very down-heartening and usually can dismantle our fellow national players’ determination. Therefore, in gathering many different perspectives from all the comments, I have come to a simple call for action for now.

We shouted, we cried and we loved our football for many years. We have seen our great footballers come and go and some lived in our hearts forever. Happiness and disappointments are all but part of our rich history of football and yet we as supporters and fans seek more and more every time. Solomon Islands now is the day to realize that our football needs our support more than ever. We all know that corruption is still present in some level of football. We all know that difficult decisions still present in our football and disappointments are part of it. However, if we keep on breathing on the negatives and never take a step towards appreciating what we got now, we won’t be able to love football the way we do before. One of our greatest forwards, Batram Suri also expressed in his statement that 'football in Solomon Islands has a lot of factors to be considered to make it prosper into the level we dreamed of but for now, we should support our football team and give them a very positive atmosphere for them to be motivated'. There is no greater feeling than having the nation hundred percent supporting a team. This is what makes the difference and I believe as passionate football fans, we should definitely pour our support for our national team especially in the upcoming feature against Papua New Guinea.

Many may argue that Solomon Islands football will never move forward because of the many factors that are left unattended but I would like to encourage everyone that whilst such statement is true, another important point to remember is that creating a positive environment for the current footballers to do their best should be another priority too. The most essential task I believe is right to do now is for all of us fellow Solomon Islanders to support our national team. Solomon Islands football needs a lot of our support now more than ever.

Picture: Solomon Islands Micah Lea'alafa celebrating his goal with teammates. courtesy of Charles Kadamana pictures.