BY RICHARD MENANOPO
SOLOMON Islands face an early test of their OFC U-19 Men’s Championship campaign when they meet a confident Papua New Guinea side in their opening Group A clash in Samoa tomorrow.
The Young Kapuls arrive in Apia with competitive momentum after successfully negotiating the qualifying stage in the Cook Islands, setting up an intriguing Melanesian battle against the Solomon Islands.
Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Media reported that PNG coach Mathew Witu has opted for continuity, retaining the same squad that secured qualification for the championship.
PNG captain and coach pose alongside the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship trophy during this afternoon’s pre-tournament media session ahead of tomorrow’s opening clash.
“I have kept the same squad that went to the Cook Islands. Their attitude and preparation have been good and we are looking forward to the tournament,” Witu said.
That familiarity could prove valuable when PNG takes on the Solomon Islands at the Samoa Football Headquarters from 11am(9am SBT) tomorrow
PNG booked their place in the eight-team championship after finishing top of the qualifying tournament in the Cook Islands. They opened with a 4-0 victory over Tonga before producing a decisive 5-1 win over the hosts to secure qualification.
For the Solomon Islands, tomorrow’s encounter provides the first opportunity to measure their preparations against a side that has already gone through competitive matches this year.
The two sides will be seeking an important opening result before Group A becomes even more demanding, with New Caledonia and hosts Samoa completing the pool.
New Caledonia, who finished runners-up at the previous OFC U-19 Championship, will meet Samoa in the other Group A fixture tomorrow.
Solomon Islands will then face New Caledonia on September 4 before closing their group campaign against hosts Samoa on September 7.
The top two teams from Group A will advance to the semi-finals, where they will join the two qualifiers from Group B.
Defending champions New Zealand are in Group B alongside Tahiti, Fiji and Vanuatu, with the tournament running in Samoa from September 1 to 14.
While much of the attention will be on the tournament’s ultimate prize, tomorrow’s meeting offers a more immediate challenge for the Solomon Islands — starting strongly against a PNG side that already knows how to win under competitive pressure.
The Young Kapuls have arrived with a settled squad and a recent qualifying campaign behind them.
The Solomon Islands will now look to answer that challenge when the two Melanesian rivals meet in the opening Group A battle tomorrow.
For feedback, contact: mnorichard4@gmail.com
Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com
Solomon Islands begin their U-19 campaign tomorrow with two World Cup spots up for grabs
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
THE Solomon Islands U-19 men’s national team begins its biggest assignment in Samoa tomorrow with a place at next year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup firmly in sight.
The young Solomon Warriors face Papua New Guinea in their opening Group A match of the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship, with the tournament offering two tickets to the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Media confirmed today that the two finalists of the championship will secure the region’s qualification spots for next year’s global showpiece, putting significant importance on every match in Samoa.
For Solomon Islands head coach Franco Ne’e, the target is clear — qualify for the World Cup.
“We are looking forward to trying to qualify for the World Cup,” Ne’e said.
The coach believes he has assembled a squad capable of competing, with a strong provincial presence complemented by players who already have senior football experience.
“We have a lot of players from the provinces who are representing our country, and we have experienced players who have played senior football back home,” he said.
Ne’e’s side will have to negotiate a difficult Group A campaign, starting with Papua New Guinea tomorrow before meeting New Caledonia on September 4 and hosts Samoa on September 7.
The Solomon Islands-Papua New Guinea clash is scheduled for 11am at the Samoa Football Headquarters.
PNG arrive with confidence after winning the OFC U-19 qualifying tournament in the Cook Islands in June. They defeated Tonga 4-0 and hosts Cook Islands 5-1 to secure their place in the championship.
PNG coach Mathew Witu said he has retained the same squad from the qualifying campaign.
“I have kept the same squad that went to the Cook Islands. Their attitude and preparation have been good and we are looking forward to the tournament,” Witu said.
New Caledonia and Samoa will contest the other Group A match tomorrow, while defending champions New Zealand headline Group B alongside Tahiti, Fiji and Vanuatu.
The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, where the race for the two World Cup places will become even more intense.
The championship, which kicks off tomorrow and runs until September 14, is the 25th edition of the OFC U-19 Men’s competition. It was previously staged at U-20 level before being rebranded as the U-19 championship.
For Solomon Islands, however, history and statistics will matter little once the opening whistle sounds tomorrow.
The immediate mission is to start with a positive result against PNG, build momentum through Group A and move one step closer to a World Cup dream.
For feedback, contact: mnorichard4@gmail.com
Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The Honiara City Darts Association (HCDA) has extended registration for its 2026 league, giving interested clubs and teams an additional week to secure their places in the upcoming season.
HCDA announced the extension, moving the registration deadline from the previously announced August 28 to Friday, September 4, citing strong interest from darts clubs and teams across Honiara.
The association said the extension is intended to give more interested teams time to complete their registration and arrange payment of the applicable fees before the revised deadline.
HCDA also confirmed that the league will now commence on Tuesday, September 15, with teams set to compete across the Premier Division, Division One and Corporate Division.
“Whether you’re competing in the Premier Division, Division 1, or Corporate Division, we look forward to welcoming teams for what promises to be another exciting season of darts,” the association said.
Teams yet to register can collect a registration form from Peli Bottle Shop at Kukum or complete the online registration form provided by HCDA.
The association has also acknowledged clubs and teams that have already completed their registration, saying their support has contributed to the strong momentum building towards the new season.
HCDA has encouraged remaining interested teams to use the extended period to finalise their entries ahead of the new September 4 deadline.
The extension sets the stage for the association to finalise its participating teams before the league gets underway on September 15.
For feedback, contact: mnorichard4@gmail.com
Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com
22 players named to lead Solomon Islands’ home campaign
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
SOLOMON Islands have unveiled their 22-player squad for next month’s OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, with the young side now taking shape ahead of its home campaign.
The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) announced the squad this afternoon, naming three goalkeepers, seven defenders, seven midfielders and five forwards for the September 6-19 tournament in Honiara.
The goalkeeping options are Andy Tahoa, Deborrah Fangoli and Rose Beui.
Defenders named are Junely Lau, Kate Epale, Johelcy Tohe, Lawdrina Tobani, Safiya Bako, Denika Freemen, Beverly Michael and Mulan Oihanua.
The midfield comprises Anne Bobby, Hilda Kuiseu, Zimran Niu, Jiel Saelea, Angie Ragaruma, Selly Kiriau and Lyneva Wagapu-Tuza, while Claudisha Waokea, Rose Aba, Jacinta Riola, Freda Toro Mau and Janita Ereamimae form the forward line.
Kanto Yamashita, Crystal Bakolo, Phillip Mango, Michelle Pilau, Vanessa Kausimae and Takashi Maeda have been named as team officials.
SIFF described the announcement as a proud moment for women’s football and urged local supporters to turn out behind the young players.
The hosts will open their campaign against defending champions New Zealand at the National Stadium on September 6, before facing Cook Islands and Fiji in Group A.
With the top two finishers earning qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2027 in Morocco, the squad now has its opportunity to turn home advantage into a push for a place on the global stage.
The championship brings together eight teams across two groups, with the tournament concluding on September 19.
For feedback, contact: mnorichard4@gmail.com
Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com
BY NED GAGAHE
Solomon Islands’ national Under-19 men’s football squad has arrived in Samoa ahead of the OFC U-19 Championship 2026, which kicks off next week.
The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) announced on Wednesday that the 23-player squad and seven officials had been confirmed for the regional tournament.
The 30-member delegation departed Honiara on Wednesday, August 26, for Apia, where the championship will be held from September 1 to 14.
National youth coach and KOSSA youth coach Franco Ne’e will guide the young squad in its campaign.
Solomon Islands have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Samoa, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea.
Solomon Islands will open their campaign against Papua New Guinea on September 1 at 11am at Samoa Football HQ – Field 1.
They will then face New Caledonia on September 4 before completing their group matches against Samoa on September 7.
The tournament carries added significance, with the top two teams earning qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027 to be hosted by Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
Defending champions New Zealand are in Group B with Tahiti, Fiji and Vanuatu.
The OFC U-19 Championship provides the Solomon Islands squad with an opportunity to test themselves against some of the region’s best youth teams and gain valuable international experience.
The squad’s participation also forms part of SIFF’s efforts to develop young players and provide a pathway towards senior international football.
Photo: SIFF
For feedback, contact: nedgagahe@gmail.com
Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com
Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) is calling on the Government and relevant authorities to publicly account for what it says are...
The post TSI Demands Answers Over $118m Pacific Games Spending appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The Rove Rugby 6-Touch Competition Series is set to rise again, with Competition 2 — aptly named RISE — scheduled for September 5 at Townground Rugby Stadium.
Following the completion of the inaugural Competition 1, GENESIS, Rove Rugby has opened registration for new teams, with four of the eight available places already secured.
According to Rove Rugby, the four remaining places are now open to new teams at a registration fee of $700, with interested teams encouraged to contact the organizers directly to secure a spot.
The latest promotional material lists ARO 6-AGAIN, Eagles Rugby, HHH and Rove Panthers among the teams already secured for the second competition.
RISE will be held on Saturday, September 5, at Townground Rugby Stadium, continuing the series after GENESIS provided a full day of six-touch rugby action on August 22.
GENESIS featured eight teams across 24 matches, with ARO 6-AGAIN finishing as the inaugural competition champions.
Rove Rugby later confirmed the final GENESIS standings, with 6-AGAIN first, Frigates second, Eagles third and HHH fourth.
The organizers also acknowledged the support of Solomon Rugby (SIRUF) for allowing the use of Townground Rugby Stadium, while thanking BSP’s Amanda Kori for making rugby balls available for the competition.
Rove Rugby also recognized the participating teams, players, referees, officials, volunteers and spectators whose involvement helped get the new competition series off the ground.
With GENESIS now completed, attention has quickly shifted to RISE, with four places still available for teams looking to join the second chapter of the series.
For Rove Rugby, the progression from GENESIS to RISE marks the continuation of what the organizers describe as a journey built around community rugby, competition and participation.
For feedback, contact: mnorichard4@gmail.com
Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com
SI U-16 women’s team face defending champions New Zealand in September opener as top-two finishers earn FIFA U-17 World Cup berths
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
THE road to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2027 will run through Honiara next month, with the Solomon Islands U-16 women’s side handed a challenging opening assignment against defending champions New Zealand.
The OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2026 will be staged at the National Stadium from September 6-19, with eight of the region’s best young women’s teams battling for the two available Oceania berths at next year’s global tournament in Morocco.
OFC confirmed on Tuesday 25th August that media accreditation is now open for the tournament, which will see hosts Solomon Islands compete in Group A alongside New Zealand, Fiji and Cook Islands.
The young Bonitos will begin their campaign on September 6 at 7pm against New Zealand, before facing Cook Islands on September 9 and Fiji on September 12.
The opening clash against the defending champions is expected to provide an immediate test of the hosts’ credentials, but it also gives Solomon Islands an early opportunity to make a statement on home soil.
The top two teams at the end of the championship will qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2027, making every group match crucial for the Solomon Islands side as it seeks to advance to the knockout stage.
Group B features Samoa, Tonga, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea, with the top two sides from each group progressing to the semi-finals on September 16.
The tournament will then conclude with the third-place play-off and final on September 19.
For Solomon Islands, the home tournament represents more than just a regional championship, with a place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup potentially within reach for the young side.
The OFC schedule also confirms Cook Islands’ place in Group A after the nation secured qualification through the regional qualifying tournament earlier this year.
Cook Islands drew 1-1 with Papua New Guinea in their final qualifying match in April after earlier recording a 10-0 win over American Samoa, finishing ahead of PNG on goal difference.
With the tournament now less than two weeks away, attention will increasingly turn to the Solomon Islands squad and preparations for a campaign that could open the door to the biggest stage in women’s youth football.
OFC has meanwhile invited media intending to cover the tournament in Solomon Islands to apply for accreditation, with the championship set to bring regional attention to Honiara from September 6.
For feedback, contact: mnorichard4@gmail.com
Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com
British High Commission honours Team Solomons athletes after their Commonwealth Games participation in Glasgow. On Wednesday, British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, HE Paul Turner, hosted athletes and officials of Team Solomons for afternoon tea at the British High Commission in recognition of their participation in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Team Solomons represented [...]
The post BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION HONOURS TEAM SOLOMONS ATHLETES appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
英国驻所罗门群岛高级专员在运动员参加格拉斯哥英联邦运动会后表彰所罗门队运动员。周三,英国驻所罗门群岛高级专员保罗·特纳(HE Paul Turner)在英国高级专员公署为所罗门队的运动员和官员举办了下午茶,以表彰他们在苏格兰格拉斯哥参加英联邦运动会的表现。所罗门队代表了......
这篇文章的标题为“英国驻所罗门群岛高级专员表彰所罗门队运动员”,首次出现在Tavuli News(所罗门群岛)上。
National and U18 tournaments set as selection pathways
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
REGISTRATION is now open for the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation’s (SIRUF) Annual National 7s and High School U18 7s tournaments, with both competitions set to provide pathways towards regional rugby opportunities later this year.
The tournaments will be staged from September 16 to 18 at Town Ground Rugby Stadium, with clubs, teams and schools from Honiara and the provinces invited to take part.
According to an announcement shared by Rakabi SOLOMONS, a SIRUF-linked platform, registration will close on Monday, September 7, giving interested teams just under two weeks to secure their places.
The National 7s will cater for 12 men’s teams and eight women’s teams, while the U18 competition will accommodate eight boys’ teams and six girls’ teams.
The National 7s will also serve as a selection pathway towards the Oceania Rugby 7s tournament scheduled for November 2026.
Meanwhile, the High School U18 7s will provide a pathway towards the Nadi Junior Rugby Festival in Fiji, scheduled for December 8 to 10.
“The Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) is pleased to announce that registration is now OPEN for the Annual National 7s and High School U18 7s,” the announcement said.
It urged clubs, teams and schools to register early, stressing that the tournaments provide an opportunity for players to compete on the national stage and push for representative selection.
The National 7s and U18 competitions are part of SIRUF’s ongoing efforts to use domestic rugby competitions as a platform for identifying and developing players for higher-level opportunities.
For feedback, contact: mnorichard4@gmail.com
Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com
Young Solomon Islands side heads to Samoa for regional championship
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands’ national U-19 men’s football squad has been confirmed for the upcoming OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 in Apia, Samoa.
The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) announced the final squad yesterday, with the young national side set to depart Honiara this Wednesday, August 26, for the regional tournament.
“The young warriors are heading to Apia, Samoa, from September 1st – 14th, and they’re ready to showcase their talent on the regional stage,” SIFF said in its announcement.
The squad comprises of 23 players, including three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders and seven forwards.
The goalkeeping department features Jayron Faiga, Junior Peter Mautou and Jerry Teno, while the defensive line includes Michael Horikura, George Keni, Benol Junior, Fisher Waita, Einstein Haawauri, Jack Lakapau, Javin Junior Uguti and Steward Apanial.
Danford Fiumae, Calvin Wane, Kenndy Sihiu, Seltia Blake, Liam Jack Logai and Jeremy A’au make up the midfield group, while the attacking options are Jayrol Pati, George Ray, Ona Sabetian, Wilkinson Siosi, Ashley Kwaimasia and Jared Kegu.
The team will be accompanied by six officials — Franco Ne’e, Gideon Omokirio, Harold Loea Nauania, Theodore Inomae, Mark Rongokavea and Robert Sanau.
The OFC U-19 Championship runs from September 1 to 14, with Solomon Islands drawn in Group A alongside hosts Samoa, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea.
The young Solomon Islands side will open its campaign against Papua New Guinea on September 1 before facing New Caledonia on September 4 and Samoa on September 7.
The tournament carries added significance, with the top two finishers earning qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027.
Solomon Islands will enter the competition hoping to build on their previous U-19 campaign in 2024, when they finished third after defeating Fiji 4-2 in the bronze-medal play-off.
With the squad now locked in and departure scheduled for Wednesday, attention turns to Samoa, where the young Solomon Islands side will look to make its mark on the regional stage.
For feedback, contact: mnorichard4@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Naha FC are on the verge of being crowned champions of the Solrais Women’s Premier League 2026, needing just one more point from their remaining match to seal the title after another dominant weekend performance.
The latest official standings released by the Solrais Women’s Premier League (SWPL) show Naha firmly at the top with 46 points from 17 matches, six points clear of second-placed Frigates United FC and nine ahead of Henderson Eels FC.
Naha strengthened their position with a commanding 23-0 demolition of Marist FC on Sunday, taking their season tally to 15 wins, one draw and just one defeat. They have also scored 104 goals while conceding only six, giving them a goal difference of plus-98.
The SWPL said the title race is now “shaping up for an exciting finish”, with Naha needing just a single point to lift the trophy.
Frigates United remain the closest challengers on 40 points from 16 matches after edging Henderson Eels FC 1-0 on Sunday. With two matches still to play, Frigates have six points available and could reach a maximum of 46 points if they win both remaining fixtures.
That leaves Naha in control of their own destiny, with a draw in their final match enough to take them beyond Frigates’ maximum possible tally.
Henderson Eels, meanwhile, remain third on 37 points from 16 matches and also have two games remaining. The Eels could finish on a maximum of 43 points and remain in contention for a top-two finish should results go their way.
Behind the leading trio, Haura FC sits fourth on 27 points, followed by Geniagu United FC on 26 and RSIPF Royals FC on 23.
At the other end of the table, Koliale FC has 17 points, while West Honiara FC, Ghupo Wantoks FC and Marist FC occupy the bottom three positions on eight, four and one point respectively.
The latest round also saw Haura beat Koliale 3-0, RSIPF Royals defeat Geniagu United 1-0 and West Honiara overcome Ghupo Wantoks 4-0 on Saturday.
With the championship now within touching distance, all eyes will turn to Naha’s final fixture, where a single point could be enough to officially crown them as SWPL 2026 champions.
For feedback, contact: mnorichard4@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
By Ofani Eremae The National Hosting Authority (NHA) created a special procurement system to speed up the delivery of the...
The post How NHA Bypassed The Rules To Deliver The Pacific Games appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
2023 GAMES AUDIT: Pacific Games audit flags overuse of customs duty exemptions
The Government’s decision to grant full customs and excise duty exemptions for imports related to the 2023 Pacific Games has come under scrutiny, with an audit finding that the value of duty-free imports for most suppliers appeared to exceed the value of their contracts.
The exemptions were introduced under the Host Agreement and applied from 2019 to 2023 to support imports for the Games.
According to the Office of the Auditor General’s audit of the Pacific Games, a high-level comparison of suppliers’ contract values and their recorded duty-free imports showed that, for most suppliers, the value of goods imported under the exemptions was higher than the value of their respective contracts.
However, the Auditor General, David T. Dennis, the accuracy of the figures could not be confirmed because the Customs system included other exemptions and supporting documentation was often missing.
A review of selected suppliers also raised a number of concerns about the use of the exemptions.
For the Games catering services contractor, the audit found that large quantities of equipment, cutlery and food-related items were imported. Some of the items appeared excessive or lacked clear justification for their use during the Games.
The audit also raised concerns that some of the imported items could have been intended for the contractor’s ongoing business operations rather than specifically for the Pacific Games.
Concerns were also raised over the Multipurpose Hall, where supporting documents were found to be incomplete or inconsistent.
The audit identified mismatched quantities between invoices and exemption forms. Some purchases, including 1,000 standing fans and certain machinery, lacked clear explanations and raised questions about whether they were genuinely required for the Games.
The SIFF Football Academy also came under scrutiny, with significant discrepancies identified between quantities listed on claim forms and invoices.
Key supporting documents, including invoices and bills of lading, were also missing.
The audit further found that some machinery imported under the exemption appeared more suited to general construction work than to the specific SIFF Football Academy project.
The findings add to a series of concerns raised by the Auditor General over the management and use of public resources associated with the 2023 Pacific Games, particularly the adequacy of documentation, controls and justification for expenditure and exemptions.
news@sbmonline2026
From open-water swimming to competing internationally, 19-year-old Bijay Ghusu Gerry is proudly representing Solomon Islands in swimming.
His journey has been shaped by years of training, dedication and competition as he continues to develop his career in the sport.
From local waters to the international stage, Gerry is carrying the Solomon Islands flag and inspiring the next generation of swimmers.
Audit finds poor budget and procurement controls over $222.4m in 2023 Pacific Games spending, raising integrity concerns. Budget control over 16 procurement samples totalling $222.40 million was assessed as poor, according to the Special Audit Report on the 2023 Pacific Games procurement activities. The approved budgets were not provided for five samples totalling $127.96 million, [...]
The post Budget Control Was Poor, Audit Highlights Weak Procurement Controls appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY JOY OFASIA
The Auditor-General has raised serious concerns over the use of public funds for the 2023 Pacific Games, following the completion of a Special Audit into procurement practices by the National Hosting Authority (NHA).
Auditor-General David Teika Dennis outlined the findings during a press conference this morning, focusing on the Pacific Games 2023 Audit Report and court rulings relating to clarifications sought by the Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) on expenditure and procurement activities for the Games.
Mr Dennis during the Press Conference
The Special Audit was undertaken with the assistance of contract auditors KPMG and examined the use of public money in delivering the Games. Mr Dennis said two related audits were conducted: the financial statements audit of the Sports Solomon Fund and a separate Special Audit of procurement practices.
The financial statements audit is nearing completion, while the Special Audit has been completed. The Government signed the 2023 Pacific Games Host Agreement in 2016, committing to provide the facilities, venues and infrastructure needed to host the Games. Parliament later established the Sports Solomon Fund under the Pacific Games 2023 Act 2017 to hold funds for hosting the Games and maintaining sports facilities.
The NHA was responsible for managing and controlling the Special Fund, planning and budgeting for the Games, maintaining bank accounts and overseeing the Games Organising and Facilities Committees. However, the audit found significant weaknesses in the Authority’s financial management and procurement practices.
Mr Dennis said the Authority did not comply with key requirements of the Public Financial Management Act when establishing the budget for the Special Fund. “As a result, it did not have the legal authority needed to incur expenditure from the Special Fund,” he said.
The audit also found procurement practices contrary to the Act, raising concerns over waste and probity. Significant weaknesses were also identified in records management, audit support and procurement controls.
Mr Dennis said these weaknesses exposed public funds to risks of poor value for money, irregular expenditure, fraud and corruption, while also creating perceptions that some decisions may not have been fair or impartial.
The findings form part of ongoing scrutiny of expenditure and procurement activities associated with the Pacific Games 2023.
By Ofani Eremae In a landmark ruling, the High Court has declared that the National Hosting Authority (NHA) acted unlawfully...
The post High Court: NHA Spending Unlawful appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Audit exposes illegal procurement, missing records and weak controls By Ofani Eremai A special audit into how the National Hosting...
The post $222M Pacific Games Spending Bombshell appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Central Coast chase historic OFC crown this afternoon
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Central Coast FC will carry the hopes of Solomon Islands football into this afternoon’s OFC Men’s Champions League final, with history within reach against defending champions Auckland City FC in Ba, Fiji.
The Solomon Islands champions meet the 13-time continental winners at 4R Stadium Govind Park at 2pm Solomon Islands time, with the biggest prize in Oceania club football at stake. Kick-off is 3pm local time in Fiji.
For Central Coast, the final represents a chance to end a 17-year wait for a Solomon Islands club to reach the summit of Oceania football.
The last Solomon Islands club to reach the final was Koloale FC in 2009, when they lost to Auckland City over two legs. Central Coast have now gone one step further by reaching the decider and will look to complete the journey by lifting the continental crown.
Jacob Moli’s side have already made history by reaching the final, but their biggest challenge comes this afternoon.
After losing 2-1 to Auckland City in their opening Group A match, Central Coast responded with three straight victories to reach the decider. Their latest was a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Vanuatu’s Galaxy FC, with Rafa Lea’i scoring all three goals, including the winner in the 117th minute.
Lea’i has emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers, but Central Coast’s progress has been built around a collective effort from Moli’s squad.
Standing in their way is an Auckland City side with an imposing continental record.
The New Zealand giants have won all 13 finals they have contested and are chasing a record-extending 14th OFC Men’s Champions League title, as well as a fifth consecutive crown. They reached the final after defeating Fiji’s Rewa FC 3-1 in their semifinal.
Central Coast, however, will take confidence from the way they have responded since that opening defeat to Auckland.
They led in the first meeting before Auckland scored twice late to claim a 2-1 victory. Ten days later, the two sides meet again—this time with the trophy on the line.
For Auckland City, it is another opportunity to add to a remarkable continental legacy.
For Central Coast, it is an opportunity to create one.
At 2pm Solomon Islands time this afternoon, the eyes of Solomon Islands football will turn to Ba as Moli’s men take their final step towards history.
The final will be streamed live and free on FIFA+ through DAZN.
For feedback, contact: mnorichard4@gmail.com
Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com
‘I’M HONOURED’
Ona set to Fly Solomons Flag at OFC U-19 Championship
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Star Sports, Honiara
Ona Sabetian is on the verge of donning the famous yellow jersey of Solomon Islands as he prepares for the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship, which kicks off in Samoa in just over a week.
The 19-year-old New Zealand-born attacker is eligible to represent Solomon Islands through his mother, who is Solomon Islands-born, while his father is from Iran.
Sabetian is the only overseas-based player named in the Solomon Islands U-19 squad, which is set to depart the country next week for the tournament.
Speaking to Star Sports, the young pacey attacker said it is a huge honour to represent the football-mad nation and embrace his Solomon Islands heritage.
“I’m so proud and honoured to represent Solomon Islands and proud of my Solomon Islands heritage.
“I’m looking forward to the competition and will do my best for this team in any way I can,” he said.
Sabetian is also hoping to follow in the footsteps of his uncles Benjamin Totori, Gagame Feni and Matson Feni, who have all made their mark on Solomon Islands football.
“Seeing a lot of my uncles playing for the national team in the past and now, and being big names here, I also want to follow in their footsteps and make them and the nation proud,” he added.
Currently playing for Waitemata FC in the Lotto NRFL Northern Conference League, Sabetian has built an impressive football background, having also come through the youth systems of Waitākere United and Auckland City FC.
The young attacker said he has settled well into the U-19 squad and believes the team has the potential to make a strong impact at the championship.
“I now have a great bond with the team. They are very welcoming and I’m proud to be with the squad. I hope we can go a long way into the competition,” he said.
“I have a strong belief that this squad can make history for the country. We have great boys, and I think we can match the other teams and really have a shot,” he added.
With two qualifying spots up for grabs for next year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, Sabetian and his teammates have a golden opportunity to make history for Solomon Islands.
Solomon Islands have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Samoa, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea.
//End//
Now to put training into practice
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The completion of the World Athletics Kids’ Athletics Train the Trainer course at SINIS has placed a new responsibility on participating teachers, coaches and athletics personnel — to take their new knowledge into schools and communities.
Participants from Solomon Islands and five other Pacific countries and territories received certificates following three days of theory, practical learning and training that aims to strengthen grassroots athletics development.
The National Sports Council (NSC), in its latest update, said the course concluded at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS), with participants completing both classroom and practical components.
Representatives from Solomon Islands, New Zealand, Australia, Norfolk Island, Vanuatu and Tonga were introduced to the World Athletics Kids’ Athletics curriculum, with emphasis on fundamental movement skills and engaging children in athletics from an early age.
The training moved into a real school environment on its final day, with participants travelling to Burns Creek Adventist School to work with Grade 3 to Grade 6 students.
The practical session allowed them to apply the activities and coaching approaches learned during the course.
World Athletics Kids’ Athletics facilitator Albert Miller, who led the training, said its value will ultimately depend on how participants use their new skills.
“Do not be one of those people who collects certificates and just keeps it in your file.
“Whatever you have learned now, put it into practice,” Miller said during the certificate presentation.
Athletics Solomons president Michael Kuali similarly urged participants to return to their schools and communities and use the training to strengthen athletics at grassroots level.
“I know that you have learned a lot. You go back with a lot of things and push your schools and communities with what you have learned after these three days,” Kuali said.
Kuali also encouraged participants to make practical use of their certificates and remain in contact with Athletics Solomons so their progress could be monitored and supported.
He thanked Miller for delivering the course and acknowledged the National Sports Council for supporting Athletics Solomons and providing the SINIS facilities for the training.
The completion of the course leaves a group of teachers, coaches and athletics personnel better equipped to introduce Kids’ Athletics in schools and communities.
The World Athletics programme targets children aged four to 14, focusing on fun, inclusion and fundamental movement skills.
For Solomon Islands, the next step is turning the training into regular opportunities for children to run, jump, throw and develop an early connection with athletics.
Photo credit: NSC
For feedback, contact: mnorichard4@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
Solomon Islands side to face defending champions Auckland City with continental glory on the line
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Central Coast FC stand on the brink of history when they meet defending champions Auckland City FC in Saturday’s OFC Men’s Champions League 2026 grand final at 4R Stadium Govind Park in Ba, Fiji.
The 3pm showdown presents Central Coast with the chance to become the first Solomon Islands club to lift the region’s premier continental club trophy, 17 years after Koloale FC last reached the final.
OFC Media’s grand final preview has highlighted the contrasting paths of the two finalists, with Auckland City chasing a record-extending 14th title while Central Coast look to complete a remarkable recovery after their opening-round defeat to the New Zealand giants.
Auckland edged Central Coast 2-1 in their Group A encounter at Churchill Park in Lautoka 10 days ago, scoring twice late in the match to overturn an early deficit.
Since then, however, Central Coast have responded with three consecutive victories, culminating in a dramatic 3-2 extra-time semi-final triumph over Vanuatu’s Galaxy FC.
Rafa Lea’i was the hero, completing his hat-trick with the winning goal in the 117th minute to send Central Coast into their first OFC Champions League final.
The result has placed the Solomon Islands side within touching distance of a landmark continental triumph.
Central Coast head coach Jacob Moli believes his side has a genuine chance against the tournament favourites but stressed the importance of converting their opportunities.
“It’s anybody’s game. If we do things right, we have a chance,” Moli said.
“Our finishing is something we’ve really worked on. I’ve told the boys that in big games like this, we have to make our chances count.”
Moli said the team’s match fitness had also steadily improved throughout the tournament.
“Our match fitness has slowly improved over the tournament. We’ll continue to work and put together a gameplan that we think can halt Auckland City in the final,” he said.
Auckland, meanwhile, enters the decider with an imposing record. The Navy Blues have won all four matches on their way to the final, including a 3-1 semi-final victory over Rewa FC, and have extended their unbeaten run in the competition to 31 matches.
More daunting is their record in the final, having won all 13 finals they have contested, including the last four editions.
Yet Auckland coach Rudy Mozr has acknowledged the threat posed by Central Coast.
“After the first match, I said I wouldn’t be surprised if we met Central Coast again in the final. They are a very good team and I have a lot of respect for Jacob Moli and his players,” Mozr said.
For Central Coast, Lea’i will again be a key attacking threat after his outstanding semi-final performance. The 22-year-old forward is expected to lead the line alongside Bobby Leslie and Barrie Limoki.
Saturday’s final is therefore a battle between Auckland’s remarkable record and Central Coast’s growing belief.
For the Solomon Islands side, the prize is more than silverware—it is an opportunity to end a 17-year wait and potentially deliver the country its first OFC Men’s Champions League title.
The final kicks off at 3pm Fiji time on Saturday and will be streamed live and free on FIFA+ via DAZN.
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek
For feedback, contact: mnorichard4@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
