ANTHONY TALO LAYS IT ALL ON THE FLOOR

Solomon Islands is a pacific island nation known for its vibrant sporting culture and one of the sporting events that Solomon Islanders are so interested in is football. For many years, Solomon Islands have enjoyed some competition football years in the pacific and although Australia and New Zealand have always been the top nations, Solomon Islands is always a force to reckon with when it comes to football. In the recent years, the development of the smaller code of football known as futsal have taken the pacific by storm. The Solomon Islands are regarded as the “Brazilians of the pacific” when it comes to this code of football. Skillful, mesmerizing and creative were just some of the words given to express how good Solomon Islands were in the game of futsal.

For many Solomon Islanders, futsal is a game which brings joy and happiness having the opportunity to watch their local heroes take on the big names in the world. For one particular individual, futsal is his life and he has made a remarkable name for himself and his country by scoring Solomon Islands winning goal against Guatemala in their last world cup game in the 2012 FIFA Futsal World cup edition in Thailand. Anthony Talo who hails from Malaita Province is one of the most incredible and talented goal keepers in the modern Solomon Islands football generation. He has featured in the Beach Soccer world cup as a player, played goal keeper for Solomon Islands 2015 club champions Solomon Warriors who also represented Solomon Islands in the Oceania Club Champions and is the former number one goal keeper for Solomon Islands futsal team known as Kurukuru. A young lad but already have achieved more than average Solomon Islands footballers have achieved. He was truly on a verge of making some remarkable history for Solomon Islands in Columbia when something unexpected happened and the nation was in shocked as Anthony Talo decided to depart the team days before the futsal world cup in Columbia.

Many Solomon Islanders wonder what actually happened to this young talent and many rumors and even false stories have been circulating the Solomon Islands and even the social media. Anthony Talo watched secretly and supported his fellow country men in the Kurukuru team as they endured a very positive tournament indeed. Now Mr Talo have confidence and I was lucky to do this interview with the goal keeper himself.

What is futsal for you and how do you feel to be one of the best goal keepers in Solomon Islands?

Futsal to me is a game of skills and creativity, it involves a lot of quick decisions and also good communication. I love futsal because it is similar to another game I play which is beach soccer. I am humbled when people think of me as the best goal keeper in Solomon Islands because for me, I just wanted to play and enjoy myself.

What was the reason behind your sudden departure from Kurukuru?

First of all, to all the people reading this interview. I love Kurukuru and I love Solomon Islands but the reason I left the team was something I feel is right at that particular time and it is quite personal to me. I apologies for not openly say it out during my leave because it was something personal. I had an argument at home and it affected me a lot. It started to show when we have our friendly match against Australia, I wasn’t performing to my best because I was sick as a result of the argument I have in my home. I apologies but it is too personal so that is all I can say.

How did you approach the team management to leave?

I have simply told the team management that for the good of the team, I have to leave the team. I was not performing well and I know I would not be able to perform 100% in the world cup which would be a sad thing for me and most importantly, I do love my team and do not wish to disturb the team with my issue. I have done what I believe is right and asked to leave. The team management did everything to try and persuade me and I respected them but this personal reason was something worth solving before the world cup so I have decided to return and they respected my decision too.

                                                                                         

How did SIFF reacted to this sudden move by you?

Well, I guess they have done what any other footballing body would’ve done. I have explained to them my situation and everything according to my understanding and I was hoping for something good but they have issued me a letter for me to retire from International duties as a player and so I have obliged to sign it because I do not have any other options for me. It is sad and I feel really sad too, I do not blame anyone but what happened to me is something that just did and I have no control over it. I thought I did the right thing.

What is your apology to the Loving futsal fans from Solomon Islands?

I know a lot of people do not get the reason behind my departure and for some reason have already hated me. I hereby humbly apologize and ask for the Solomon Islands public to forgive me for what I have done especially not going with the team to the FIFA World cup in Columbia. I shed tears about it too but I have to attend to my problem because I also have the right intention for Kurukuru to perform well without any interference. I am so sorry Solomon Islands.

What are your future plans?

For me personally, football, beach soccer and futsal were my three major contributing factor to the nation. If I am not allowed to play internationally, I would definitely be involved in football and play domestically in the club level and look to develop other future prospects. I would love to play again for Solomon Islands but unfortunately I won’t be able to do so anymore. God bless.

In conclusion to the interview, It is quite sad to see this young lad pause for a minute and then smiled again and we continue our conversation. Anthony Talo was laying it all on the floor and he is quite sad to not be able to represent Solomon Islands again in the international level but he encouraged young youths to follow their dreams and make right decisions all the time. Sometimes things will not be 100% acceptable but if it is something that will benefit you then do take it.

For Solomon Islands, this recent world cup was a sign for the government and football body to work together and establish a proper futsal home so that some more future talented goal keepers can be trained and conditioned for the future of the game.

WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE FUTURE OF FUTSAL

Solomon Islands is a small pacific nation made up of different islands and three main ethnic races Melanesians, Micronesians and Polynesians. A small nation but very passionate about football and everything that also leads to football. One of the football code which Solomon Islands have excelled in is the five aside code, or known as ‘Futsal’. This is a game that have really taken Solomon Islands to the world map and have dramatically collected a lot of Solomon Islanders hearts on the way.

One of the greatest gift and effective tools humans can be is unity. Unity defies all negativity and is essential for a healthy nation as well in a broader aspect. In sport, Solomon Islanders love to talk about their football and one of the things that everyone looked forward to in any Solomon Islands teams is team work. Team can be defined in many different ways but the simplest explanation is “together everyone achieves more”. This is basically being the definition of unity. Solomon Islands we are united under our nation’s flag and on many occasions we have definitely shown this through sport.

                     

One of the interesting issue for Solomon Islands sport especially futsal is the lack of proper facility. The Solomon Islands national team known as the ‘Kurukuru” have represented Solomon Islands on three world cups and their latest one was probably the most outstanding one and have captured the world. For many years, people have complained about the lack of facility for this particular game of futsal and many times the government have come close to building it but on unknown reasons have failed to do so. Now Solomon Islands have heard another interesting news which states that the government and Solomon Islands Football federation have announced their partnership in building a first Solomon Islands futsal stadium which will be the home for the Kurukuru. The people of Solomon Islands now have also another task within their hands to show their appreciation and this is simply by building a futsal court. When money calculations is in this, the path seemed impossible but when unity is present, nothing is impossible. It is with great inspiration that a small nation like Solomon Islands is filled with amazing hearts to be together and contribute towards a project of a futsal court.

In understanding the reality, when one considers to build something big like a stadium, there is always steps to take and on many occasions things seemed impossible. Kurukuru have already shown the nation and even the world that there is nothing impossible when unity is present. The Kurukuru team which is made up of boys who been playing futsal all their lives have definitely risen to the world stage without having proper facilities and proved that they are a force to reckon with. Solomon Islands can do great things if everyone worked together for a greater good and especially in regards to futsal, a futsal home is something needed. There will be a new generation that will rise up and it is the people's responsibility to make sure that this new generation of futsal players have a good home and a place to build their foundation not only in futsal but also having Godly values.

It is time everyone put their minds and hearts together and start working towards the common good of all the people. The nation can only develop to new heights if everyone is in unity because together everyone achieves more.  

THE SMALL FUTSAL NATION HONOURED TO FAREWELL FUTSAL’S GREATEST PLAYER FALCAO IN HIS LAST INTERNATIONAL MATCH ON HOME SOIL.

Solomon Islands is a small island nation located in the south pacific just three hours’ flight from Brisbane, Australia. A nation with over five hundred thousand population and home to three different races of people, Melanesian which is the dominant race, Micronesian and Polynesian. The nation of Solomon Islands lately has its name lifted globally through the football code of futsal, an indoor football game played by five players. It is a game full of skills, technique and tactical characteristics and in the Pacific region, Solomon Islands is the champion in this particular game. Just like the Brazilians love football, Solomon Islands is packed with football fanatics and the game of futsal has also taken Solomon Islands by storm as people loved their local national team called the Kurukuru.

Solomon Islands is a footballing nation and have been recognized around the pacific through their lethal attacking players who have really dominated the pacific region as individual stars in teams. Football although have just taken its place as the national sport was a game introduced after rugby which was Solomon Islands first main sport. Solomon Islanders loved their sport and when football was producing some remarkable results before, it has gathered a lot of followers and eventually the generation after grew idolizing their country’s footballers and always hoped to be a footballer themselves. The futsal game was just introduced later and Solomon Islands have identified themselves as suitable nation for this particular football code. In 2008, Solomon Islands went to the world cup with a squad full of sixteen and seventeen-year-old boys who were for the first time have the opportunity to play on proper FIFA futsal organized tournament. The Solomon Islands endured some harsh goals in this particular FIFA Futsal World Cup but the boys have gained exceptional experience that eight years later will benefit them. One of their highlights of the tournament was playing against the world’s greatest futsal player Falcao. The Brazilian team was totally a different class compared to the youthful Solomon Islanders but they do see the potential in the Solomon Islands team and the legendary Falcao himself advised the Kurukuru boys to stick together to be a good team in the future. In 2012, Solomon Island again featured in their second FIFA Futsal world cup and they ended the tournament with an exceptional victory over Guatemala. Solomon Islands first victory was something so sweet to the home nation that the people back home celebrated the team’s arrival like they have won a world cup themselves. Indeed, this game have definitely found itself in the heart of Solomon Islands people.

Eight years have passed and now the Kurukuru team are back in the world stage for their third world cup. The team which consisted of 70% of the same team in the 2008 and 2012 FIFA World cups is now filled with matured men and looking to do well in their 2016 FIFA Futsal World cup tournament. Their inspirational Captain Elliot Ragomo have praised the boys and have really thanked all the people supporting them for their prayers and belief in the team. He has promised the nation that they will do their best in the three finals they have in the world cup in Columbia. For the Kurukuru boys, every one of them is passionate about futsal and one of the factors that have definitely led this passion is the legend of futsal, Falcao. The Brazilian is regarded as the best futsal player ever graced the game. He scores, he assisted and he even defended like non other. He won everything there is to win in the game and every futsal nation knows the name Falcao and so as these boys growing up, they also idolize Falcao. In 2008, their dream came through when they played Brazil. Falcao was playing and although he was their hero, he was also responsible for most of Brazil’s goal against the Kurukuru. However, the opportunity to play against Falcao was more the enjoyment of the boys and they hold nothing back for a picture with the greatest. Now eight years later and the legend himself is fare welling the game of futsal internationally after the world cup. In his last game at home soil, Falcao once again played the same Solomon Islands side that he encouraged eight years ago. For him to see these boys grew together into men was more inspirational as equal as his final international home match. The Solomon Islands team bravely took on the Brazilian side led by Falcao and although losing by eighteen goals to nil, the boys enjoyed the match and enjoyed Falcao’s master piece display which saw him scored one of his trademark bicycle kick. The Solomon Islands team indeed loved every moment of the friendly match and treasured it. It was not just a normal friendly but a home farewell to Brazil’s greatest futsal player ever.

The Kurukuru boys were quite honored to be the last team to play Falcao at home soil. Despite of the big margin of goals, there was definitely signs of improvement in the Kurukuru side and even the Brazilian home crowd respected the small island nation’s effort. In creating history and legacy such as this, one particular interesting thing about the Solomon Islands is that even until now, there is no futsal home. This has been the cry of the national team for many years and up to now, there has nothing being built for this futsal nation. The current team is made up of the pioneers of the game and they have struggled through years to build to where they are now, the new generation is the ones needed caring and the best way is to build facilities for the game. Solomon Islands Kurukuru will play their third world cup now and the nation even though they don’t have the actual facilities is proud of their team and supports them in every way possible. Surely this small futsal nation has come a long way and they totally deserved to be the ones fare welling the legend of futsal Falcao in his last international home game.

LET US INVEST IN OUR YOUTH FOOTBALL

We once celebrated our heroes as they return from an impressive result against the mighty Socceroos. We once all unitedly flooded the gates of Lawson tama to support our impressive footballers as we saw Henry Fa’arodo Jnr converted an exceptionally penalty that raptured the whole of the stadium as we celebrated our football best moments. Indeed, from the impeccable commentary of our famous Bart Basia to the emotional second loss in our 2008 OFC Nations cup. Our football has been the driving force behind so many mixed emotions for us as a nation. For all we wanted was to excel in the football scene and be proud of our nation. For many years, we seek for the solution to inspire us to our major international tournament and often we blame the coaches, the players and even the fans on many occasions. The Administrators of football in Solomon Islands also have the blame too for our football not achieving the football achievements we all wished for.

There are many factors contributing to our football’s decline in terms of our achievement compared to some of our best outings and we all can identify these factors as coaching, players and administrating areas that have somehow failed in their part over the years. In addressing this, we have now have some very well experienced and qualified coaches and some of our players have been exposed to top leagues around the Oceania already. Our football administration is now renewing itself and things are slowing building up back with a very good effort by our National men’s team in progressing into the world cup qualifiers in 2017. One of the most important aspect of our football that for so long have been neglected and in some ways overlooked is our youth football. Gone are those days of the strong youth football academy and youth competition in football. In modern Solomon Islands football, almost all the resources are into the men’s competition and while it is definitely a positive aspect of football, I strongly believe it is time we swift our main resources into youth football. The evidence of youth football as one of the powerful development aspect of football is evidential globally. The current Portugal side that won the Euro2016 consists of a majority of their U20 Portugal team that played in the previous 2015 U20 world cup in New Zealand. The Brazilian side that took gold in the recent olympic football tournament made up of all the U20 players of Brazil that have took part in the U20 world cup as well. One of the best defenders in the world Thiago and David Luiz of Brazil started playing together in the youth system and eventually ended up in the national team. Lionel Messi and his Barcelona companions have all shared the Barcelona academy since childhood and now they are playing unbelievable football. It is quite clear that youth football is the way forward for Solomon Islands. Investing in youth football should definitely be the primary goal for Solomon Islands as this is the level in which we can positively mentor players both physically and mentally. Instead of waiting for an unexpected talent to come out in his mature days and drafted him into the squad, let us actually mentor the young talented into amazing future prospects both locally and internationally.

In contrast to this youth level approach, the smaller code of football known as futsal in the Solomon Islands is definitely a very positive example of investing in youth football. Elliot Ragomo, Jack Wetney, James Egeta, Micah Lea’alafa etc… were all young futsal players coached locally and sent to Australia to compete in the state competition in Australia and gain experience and exposure to a different atmosphere of futsal. Although it seemed as just another trip to some big city back in the days, this first experiences have shaped these boys into their modern achievements. Now they all are appearing in their third world cup and now as matured men. Henry Fa’arodo our current National team captain is one of the exceptional footballers the Oceania have ever witnessed that have graced the football field. An international player with so much character and inspiration for younger players now but he has started quite early in football and have been involved in football in structural trainings all through his youth and he is now one of the best footballers in the Pacific. It is definitely the right time for us to invest in our youth football. Maybe we have invested in it in the past but somehow it died out and it is quite evidential in our current crop of players. We have the amazing natural talent but we often lack the mental side of football. The most effective way of building and developing the mental side of the football is from an early age.

We have the football leagues running around Solomon Islands now and have attracted a lot of football fans. We do have some short youth competition as schools and clubs but can we do more than that? I believe we can and we must now. The possibilities of having one of the most feared footballing team of all time is there, knowing that the natural talents we have is incredible and managing it from an early age will only allow a new generation of Solomon Islands footballers, to take us to where we have always dreamed of. Now the question of who is responsible will be the next big question to ask. The answer is simple; we are the ones responsible for this. As parents who want your kids to be successful in football, you are responsible to implement the right values in your kids before they go to their football trainings. Coaches are responsible for sacrificing your time to teach the youth level and being the football father figure for the youths to follow and model after. Administrators must make sure that there is sufficient competition locally and internationally for our youths to be involved in and finally supporters we must always be positive and help our youths to excel in their strive for success. We once dreamed of Solomon Islands in the FIFA Football World Cup and somehow many of these dreams have washed away but maybe it is not a time to dream anymore but start working towards this goal by investing in our youths. If the bigger countries such as New Zealand, Australia and Fiji can do it in their youth football then Solomon Islands we can do it even better. Finally, investing in youth football also keeps our youths away from negative activities but adds value to their life and may we always seek God for his guidance in our lives.

Solomon Islands, the answer to our football rise is in our youths. Let us invest in our youth football. God bless Solomon Islands football.