LACK OF COMMUNICATION COST THREE NATIONAL FOOTBALLERS THEIR PLACE IN THE TEAM.

Three Solomon Islands national men's’ football team members' lack communication has cost them their places in the team as they have been omitted from the national team.

The Head coach, Felipe Vega-Arango has expressed his disappointment in the recent negative trend showed by three players who decided not to attend training and have no efforts to communicate their reasons to the team officials. The Spaniard who is currently in charge of the national team was very disappointed and gives out a very clear message to the rest of the team regarding being professional about their privileged as national team members.

“One bad thing I discovered about players in Solomon Islands despite all the positive talents is the attitude. I am quite sad but also disappointed because I already talked to these players and explained what I require of them but still they decided to be unprofessional and miss training without no proper communication”, said the Solomon Islands head coach, Felipe.

Kennedy Watemae who was amongst the five picked players from the Solomon Cup was amongst these four players who due to their lack of communication which shows their discipline and respect to the team have cost them their place in the team. The young striker was picked by the head coach during the Solomon Cup but then failed to attend training afterward without no explanation. Joachim Waroi is amongst the players who are being omitted because of the same reason. Joachim Waroi who currently is the new player announced by the team as being omitted failed to turn up to training and also to the friendly match. The other player who is dubbed by many as a possible starting goal keeper is Izomo Bird but unfortunately, he has also failed to communicate and missed training sessions.

“This is unprofessional and reflects players lack of discipline. In any work, if you do not attend, you should inform your employers or the administrators. If you do not work for a full week without any explanation, then surely you will be punished. Same in football’, Felipe uttered.

"All I ever expected of the lads was to communicate reasons surrounding your absenteeism and inform the team before or after", the disappointed Felipe expressed.

The Head coach believes that amongst all these negative news, Solomon Islands is still ready and he will work with what he have to try and produce a result everyone in Solomon Islands would want. The mission now for the Solomon Islands national team is to go past All whites and hopefully bring the fifth South American country to play at Lawson Tama stadium. A mission which seemed impossible few years back but now more possible with the current Solomon Islands squad improving under the watchful eyes of the Spaniard.

Picture by Raw Sports

LEA’ALAFA EMBRACES THE FUTURE IN THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM.

Solomon Islanders have witnessed a lot of their talented players shine and leaving their legacy behind but never has Solomon Islands seen an international futsal player doing what Micah Lea'alafa is doing in the current national team. The local Malaitan lad has continued to mesmerize a lot of the football fans with his deaf touches, controlled dribbling and vision in the pitch numerous times.

Solomon Islands national team now is looking forward to one of the biggest matches in Solomon Islands football calendar against the strong and experienced All Whites side. The match which anticipated to be a very tough encounter will see the small island nation of Solomon Islands tackling the big names in Oceania football in the New Zealand’s All Whites. One of the many promising top talents in Solomon Islands football, Micah Lea’alafa is looking forward to this opportunity and hoping to create history in the two home and away matches against New Zealand. The determined Lea’alafa came through some very successful years of futsal and has turned into one of the finest footballers in Solomon Islands national team. In an interview with the humble midfielder, he expressed his hope and passion in the game of football.

“Futsal has been my home and also my heart. However, now as a member of the current national football team, I am passionate about football too and I am hoping to team up with my fellow countrymen in creating some historical for Solomon Islands football”, said Lea’alafa.

The number nine in futsal is known internationally as a goal getter and has featured for the national Solomon Islands Kurukuru team which played in three world cup tournaments already. When asked about whether he will be going back into the indoor code, Micah was a little emotional but gladly replied, “I love futsal. It is, in fact, my most chosen sport of all. However, I had been given a huge task along with my fellow brothers in the national team too so I decided to stay and help the team getting ready for the All Whites match. I know that the coach believes in me, the people believe in me and the fans believe in me so I will play my best and do what I can do for my country.”

Football is a game which has changed a lot of Solomon Islanders especially in their determination to be victorious in all their matches. The crazy fans are always expecting something great and it is indeed a pressure for the footballers to perform and give their best hoping to get the results which will satisfy the fans around. In the midst of this pressure, the talented Midfielder also shared his faith as a devoted Christian individual. “I would not be able do anything without my dear Lord. I give him all the glory and honor because he is the one who deserves it all”, Lea’alafa expressed gently.

Now as days are ticking and getting closer to the main match, Lea’alafa and his fellow team mates are training under the watchful eyes of head coach Felipe to be at their best before the final show down. Solomon Islands is looking forward to this tough encounter and it would be something special for the country if the team qualifies for the next round.

SEWA SOKA NUTZ ON A GREAT PATH.

The Are Are football group, Sewa Soka Nutz is currently on a great path in their football plans for 2017. The group which was established purposely to allow the members to stay fit and be united in the game of football has continued its positive impact in their own society and the latest news that continues to motivate them is their planned tours to Malaita and Fiji this year.

The Sewa Soka Nutz consisted of veteran internationals, Marlon Houkarawa, William Omokirio, Gideon Omokirio and others who are all from the Are Are region in Malaita. The proposed tours to Malaita and Fiji are now in plan and the group management called on all members to be at the Wednesday session at Ports field for the preparation. There’ll be a selected team based on attendance and commitment to the scheduled dates of training. All the members are urged to commit themselves to the training this week.

The Fiji tour is expected to be the most anticipated one as there has been a positive response from the teams in Fiji all looking forward to the group’s tour. Football now is more than just being competitive but it also helps in keeping together people and uniting them with one passion, to play football. The spokesperson for Sewa Soka Nutz, Biko Tarohimae expressed that it is essential to have all members attending training. “I think such opportunities to play football at this level is awesome and therefore, I call upon all the Sewa Soka Nutz members to attend the training on Wednesday,” said Mr. Biko Tarohimae.

The team management is expected to give out more information regarding the proposed tours this Wednesday.