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.
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‘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
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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
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BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR
In Hamilton, NZ
THE 2026 Honiara Volleyball League (HVL), originally scheduled to kick off this weekend, has been postponed and will now begin next month.
The new opening date has been set for Sunday, September 6, with clubs urged to continue their preparations ahead of the competition.
Solomon Islands Volleyball Federation (SIVF) President, Morris Maitaki, confirmed the revised date, saying the decision followed discussions with the Honiara Volleyball Association (HVA) president and secretary.
“Once all formalities are confirmed, we will send out a notice to all Honiara clubs,” Maitaki said.
He also urges clubs to remain prepared for the upcoming Honiara Championships League.
“Please get prepared to participate in the upcoming Honiara Championships League, which will kick off in the first week of next month,” he said.
The entry fee has been set at $1,000 per team, with both the men’s and women’s competitions expected to be played in pools.
Ten clubs have been confirmed for the 2026 HVL: Rainbow, Avaiki Southerns, Ma’anu, Honiara Blazers, Lakers, Atolls, SINU, East Honiara, Taina and Soa United.
Proposed prize money for both the men’s and women’s competitions are as follows:
1st place: $6,000
2nd place: $4,000
3rd place: $3,000
4th place: $2,000
Photo credit: Elton Lonaratha Jnr
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BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR
In Hamilton, NZ
Final beach volleyball trials will be conducted today following a successful opening session at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) High Performance (HP) Centre beach court on Wednesday.
Solomon Islands Volleyball Federation (SIVF) President Morris Maitaki told SunSPORTS that the trials mark the first stage of the federation’s preparations for the upcoming Oceania Beach Volleyball Championship, scheduled to be held in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, in October.
The trials involve senior men’s and women’s players, as well as U20 boys and girls.
Maitaki said the Oceania championship will serve as a qualifier for the AVC Championship, with rankings also taken into consideration.
“This is also our first build-up for the Pacific Games in Tahiti next year,” he said.
Maitaki thanked the senior beach volleyball players and juniors who made the effort to attend Wednesday’s opening trial.
He said today’s final session will form part of the selection process, with the squads expected to be trimmed over the next six weeks as preparations continue.
The final trial will commence from 4pm to 6pm today at the SINIS HP Centre beach court.
Photo: Supplied
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NSC recognition opens new pathway for facilities, high performance, governance and funding
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The Solomon Islands Chess Federation (SICF) has secured formal recognition from the National Sports Council (NSC), a development expected to strengthen the administration and long-term development pathway of chess in the country.
The federation announced the milestone following approval of its registration by the NSC Board, giving SICF access to a range of opportunities previously outside its formal sporting structure.
The recognition means national chess squads will be able to use NSC sporting facilities for training without charge, while competition and international-event use will remain subject to applicable fees, according to SICF.
More importantly, the registration opens the door for chess to become more closely integrated into the country’s high-performance system.
SICF can now access the NSC High Performance Centre and nominate senior and age-group squads, covering the men’s and women’s senior teams as well as boys’ and girls’ age-group squads.
For a sport that relies heavily on structured player development, the opportunity can provide a more organised pathway for promising players to progress from schools and grassroots competitions into national representation.
The federation will also be able to seek NSC assistance to strengthen its governance, administration and management systems and will be eligible to apply for grants to support approved chess development programmes and activities.
SICF said the development will provide a stronger foundation for players to progress through the sport from grassroots and schools to national, regional and international competition.
The federation’s president Simon Chottu acknowledged the NSC Board, management and staff for recognising SICF and supporting the development of chess as a mind sport in Solomon Islands.
“This is only the beginning,” the federation said, signalling its intention to use the new recognition as a platform for further development.
The move comes as SICF continues efforts to broaden chess participation and strengthen the sport’s presence in Solomon Islands, particularly through player development and wider community engagement.
With formal NSC recognition now secured, the challenge for the federation will be to turn the newly opened opportunities into practical programmes that can produce more players, stronger national squads and a sustainable pathway for chess development.
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Junior Kurukuru Step Up Preparations
for 2026 Youth Olympics
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Star Sports, Honiara
The Solomon Islands National U-17 Futsal Team, the Junior Kurukuru, are stepping up preparations ahead of the 2026 Youth Olympics, scheduled for November 1–12 in Dakar, Senegal.
This will be the second time Solomon Islands will compete in the Youth Olympics futsal competition, following their debut in 2018.
Speaking to Star Sports, head coach Dickson Kadau said preparations have been progressing well, with the squad trimmed to 14 players this week and a final 10-man squad expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
“We have been in intense preparations for the past two months, and I can see that the combinations and teamwork are connecting well between the players,” he said.
“According to the organisers, we will be travelling with a total of 10 players, plus the coach and team manager.
“Currently, we have 14 players and will be cutting it down to the final 10 players, hopefully by the end of this week.”
The Junior Kurukuru are currently training three days a week, with most players selected from local youth leagues, while a few have experience in the SIFF Super Futsal League.
The side have been drawn in a tough Group B alongside Paraguay, Morocco and Portugal, but Kadau said the team is looking forward to the challenge.
“It is a very tough pool, and they will have bigger boys compared to us, but we are excited about the challenge and ready to give our best,” he added.
Kadau also revealed that the team is hoping to hold a training camp in Australia ahead of the competition.
“We are still waiting for confirmation on whether we will be having a few friendlies in October. We are planning for mid-October, which will really help the boys get exposure,” he said.
The coach said there are still several key areas that need improvement, but believes there is enough time to address them before the team heads to Dakar.
The Junior Kurukuru will kick off their campaign against Paraguay on November 1 at the Complexe Iba Mar Diop, before facing European giants Portugal a few days later.
They will conclude their group-stage campaign against Morocco on November 7 at the Dakar Arena.
In the women's competition, Fiji will represent the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and will make their debut in the futsal competition.
//End//
Junior Kurukuru Step Up Preparations
for 2026 Youth Olympics
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Star Sports, Honiara
所罗门群岛国家U-17五人制足球队青少年Kurukuru正在为定于11月1日至12日在塞内加尔达喀尔举行的2026年青年奥运会加紧准备。
这是所罗门群岛第二次参加青年奥运会的五人制足球比赛,此前他们在2018年首次亮相。
主教练迪克森·卡达乌在接受Star Sports采访时表示,准备工作进展顺利,本周球队人数已缩减至14名球员,预计将在接下来的几周内确认最终的10人名单。
“我们在过去两个月进行了紧张的准备,我可以看到球员之间的配合和团队合作非常默契,”他说。
“根据组织者的说法,我们将带着总共10名球员出征,还有教练和队经理。
“目前,我们有14名球员,预计将在本周末前削减至最终的10名球员。”
青少年Kurukuru目前每周训练三天,大部分球员来自当地青年联赛,少数球员在所罗门群岛足球联合会超级五人制联赛中有过经验。
该队被分在了与巴拉圭、摩洛哥和葡萄牙同组的艰难B组,但卡达乌表示球队期待这一挑战。
“这是一个非常艰难的小组,他们的身体素质会比我们强,但我们对这个挑战感到兴奋,并准备全力以赴,”他补充道。
卡达乌还透露,球队希望在比赛前在澳大利亚举行一次训练营。
“我们仍在等待确认是否会在10月进行几场友谊赛。我们计划在10月中旬进行,这将真正帮助球员们获得锻炼机会,”他说。
教练表示,仍有几个关键领域需要改进,但相信在球队前往达喀尔之前还有足够的时间来解决这些问题。
青少年Kurukuru将在11月1日于Complexe Iba Mar Diop迎战巴拉圭,几天后将面对欧洲强队葡萄牙。
他们将在11月7日于达喀尔竞技场结束小组赛,对阵摩洛哥。
在女子比赛中,斐济将代表大洋洲足球联合会(OFC)首次参加五人制足球比赛。
//结束//
Building athletics early
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands is looking to strengthen the foundation of its athletics development by equipping teachers and coaches with new skills to introduce children to the sport at an early age.
The move is being supported through the World Athletics Kids’ Athletics Train the Trainer course currently underway at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS), according to information released by the National Sports Council (NSC) yesterday.
The three-day regional course brought together teachers, coaches and athletics personnel from Solomon Islands, New Zealand, Australia, Norfolk Island, Vanuatu and Tonga to learn practical approaches to grassroots athletics development.
World Athletics Kids’ Athletics facilitator and Coaches Education Certification System lecturer Albert Miller said the programme aims to create a stronger foundation for children before they progress into more specialised athletic activities.
“It’s basically teaching kids how to walk before they can run or jump or throw,” Miller said.
He said the initiative was developed by World Athletics as a global programme to increase participation and introduce children to movement and athletics through age-appropriate activities.
For Solomon Islands, the programme could provide Athletics Solomons and local schools with another avenue to attract children to athletics while developing their basic physical skills.
Athletics Solomons president Michael Kuali said the training is important in helping the federation take athletics to children at an earlier stage.
“We want to drive and get more people interested in athletics as early as possible,” Kuali said.
He also encouraged participants to use the knowledge gained from the training in their own schools and communities to help build a stronger grassroots base for the sport.
A notable part of the training has been its focus on inclusion, with participants also learning ways to involve children with disabilities in sporting activities.
Andrew Feratelia of Honiara Integrated Community High School said the training had helped broaden his understanding of how schools can make sports more accessible.
“There are times when we overlook them, especially in schools,” Feratelia said, adding that the workshop had given him a better understanding of how children with disabilities could be included in activities.
For Burns Creek Adventist Primary School teacher Jenny Tahea, the workshop has also provided practical ideas that can be taken back into the classroom.
Tahea said she found the warm-up and preparation activities particularly useful, noting that some of the approaches differed from traditional methods used before other sporting activities.
The course moves into its practical phase tomorrow, with participants travelling to Burns Creek Adventist Primary School for a three-hour Kids’ Athletics session before returning to SINIS for the conclusion of the training.
The programme targets children aged four to 14 and places emphasis on fundamental movement, fun and inclusive participation.
The broader objective is to establish an early pathway into athletics by helping children develop confidence, coordination and basic movement skills before moving into more specialised events.
For Solomon Islands, the training presents an opportunity to strengthen the link between schools, communities and athletics development while helping create a wider base of young participants for the sport in the years ahead.
Photo credit: NSC
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HCDA opens doors to old and new teams for 2026 league
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The Honiara City Darts Association (HCDA) is calling on both established and new darts clubs and teams to join its 2026 league as registration gathers pace ahead of the August 28 deadline.
HCDA opened registrations last Friday, August 14, inviting teams to compete across its Premier Division, Division One and Corporate Division.
The association said the invitation is open to “old and new” darts clubs and teams, providing an opportunity for established sides, developing players, workplace teams and social groups to become part of an organised league competition.
The Premier Division will remain the top tier of competition, while Division One will provide a pathway for developing and aspiring teams, with promotion and relegation opportunities forming part of the league structure.
The Corporate Division, meanwhile, is aimed at workplace, business and social teams looking to participate in a competitive but inclusive environment.
HCDA is also encouraging interested teams to register early, with registration forms required by Friday, August 28.
The association said the league will provide structured weekly competition while creating opportunities for players of different skill levels to compete and improve.
For HCDA, the push to attract both existing and new teams is part of its effort to strengthen the darts community in Honiara and provide more opportunities for participation.
Interested clubs and teams can obtain registration information through HCDA President Eldine Devesi on 7750233, Vice President Peni Mosese on 7779145, or Treasurer Deki Lilo on 7626706.
With registration now open, attention turns to how many teams will take up the invitation before the August 28 deadline and help shape this year’s HCDA league.
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Rafa Lea’i’s hat-trick sends Central Coast FC into historic OFC Champions League final after thrilling 3-2 extra-time win over Galaxy FC
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Rafa Lea’i struck a dramatic 117th-minute winner as Central Coast FC edged Galaxy FC 3-2 after extra time yesterday to reach the OFC Men’s Champions League final in one of the tournament’s most thrilling semi-finals.
The Solomon Islands forward completed a stunning hat-trick at 4R Stadium Govind Park in Ba, Fiji, sending Central Coast into their first-ever continental final after a pulsating encounter against their Melanesian rivals.
OFC Media, in its post-match report issued yesterday, described the semi-final as a “heart-stopping” and “pulsating” contest, with Central Coast eventually surviving Galaxy’s second-half comeback before Lea’i delivered the decisive blow in extra time.
Central Coast made the perfect start, taking the lead in the 15th minute after Hudyn Irodao’s effort came back off the crossbar before Bobby Leslie’s header was blocked, allowing Lea’i to react quickest and fire home.
Lea’i then doubled the advantage just before half-time, combining with Leslie and Barrie Limoki on a swift counter-attack before confidently drilling his second past Galaxy goalkeeper Michael Laulae.
Central Coast went into the break 2-0 ahead and appeared firmly in control.
But Galaxy, the tournament’s highest-scoring side, responded strongly after the interval.
Their Brazilian marksman Willian Dos Santos Medina, who had scored nine goals before the semi-final, finally found a way through in the 69th minute before drawing Galaxy level eight minutes later with his second of the evening.
The equaliser forced the contest into an additional 30 minutes, with both sides creating opportunities as fatigue began to set in.
Just when the match appeared destined for penalties, Lea’i struck again.
With only three minutes remaining, substitute Fordney Junior capitalised on a defensive mistake and supplied Lea’i, who unleashed a powerful finish high into the net to complete his treble and send Central Coast into the final.
The victory also underlined Central Coast’s defensive effort in limiting Medina for long periods before the Galaxy striker eventually found his range.
The semi-final carried an added Melanesian flavour, with Central Coast coached by Solomon Islands national Jacob Moli and Galaxy led by former Solomon Islands international Batram Suri.
But it was Moli’s side that prevailed in a contest that swung dramatically from a comfortable Central Coast lead to a Galaxy comeback before Lea’i settled the tie.
Central Coast will now face defending champions Auckland City FC in Saturday’s final, with the Solomon Islands side moving within one victory of claiming Oceania’s biggest club football prize.
Central Coast FC previously reached the OFC Champions League semi-finals on their competition debut in 2023. Their return to the final four this year has now gone a step further, with Lea’i’s treble securing the club a historic first appearance in the continental final.
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek
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BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR
In Hamilton, New Zealand
BELLONA Rugby Union Association (BRUA) is preparing to relaunch rugby activities on the island next month following its Annual General Meeting on 31 July at Suani Accommodation in Bellona.
Representatives from seven affiliated clubs attended the meeting, where a new executive committee was elected to lead the association for the next four years.
Newly elected president Nigel Soaika told SunSPORTS that the committee is planning a competition next month as part of a wider push to revive rugby in Bellona.
Soaika said BRUA also intends to work with school leaders and sports masters to introduce tag rugby in schools before launching an Under-16 competition.
“We thank every rugby club for their trust and for giving us the privilege to serve BRUA over the next four years,” Soaika said.
BRUA has also received a timely boost from the East Rennell Rugby Union Association (ERRUA), which donated five rugby balls to support the planned programme.
Soaika thanked ERRUA president Newton Moana for the donation and acknowledged outgoing BRUA president Nick Hatigeva, who had led the association since 2021.
The new BRUA executive committee is:
President: Nigel Soaika
Vice-president: Frank Paikea
Secretary: Sharon Tepai
Treasurer: Walter Baiabe
Women’s representative: Elisa Soaika
Ordinary members: Darley Tesu’Atai, Nick Na’amoana and Leslie Puia.
Photo: Supplied
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BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR
In Hamilton, NZ
FOOTBALLERS from Guadalcanal Province who are currently involved in any Solomon Islands Football Federation active leagues will not be eligible to play in next month’s Guadalcanal Cup (G-Cup) 2026 in Honiara.
The Guadalcanal Cup Championship 2026 is scheduled to kick off on Monday, 21 September, with team registration now open at a fee of $3,500 per team.
The tournament will bring together teams representing the province’s eight constituencies.
Guadalcanal Football Association Secretary Joshua Kera told SunSPORTS that each team must register 23 players, including three goalkeepers, and five team officials, including a team manager, head coach, assistant coach and other relevant officials.
Kera said players must either be from the Guadalcanal constituency they intend to represent or have lived there for at least the past six months.
“Players currently residing in Honiara or participating in HFA or other PFA competitions will be considered outside the GFA jurisdiction and are not eligible,” Kera said.
“Players from Guadalcanal or other provinces who participated in previous TSL seasons may participate, provided they do not have an active registration with a current S-League club and meet the other eligibility requirements,” he said.
Kera confirmed that each team may register a maximum of five former TSL players, a measure aimed at creating more opportunities for young and emerging players from the eight constituencies.
“Players who are currently registered and participating with clubs in the current S-League season are not eligible to take part in the Guadalcanal Cup Championship 2026.
“Players currently participating in SIFF active competitions, including futsal, are also not eligible, in accordance with the applicable league regulations,” he said.
Kera urges teams to carefully check the eligibility of their players before submitting final registrations.
“Any players or team officials who are suspended or serving a ban imposed by SIFF from previous competitions are not eligible to participate in the G-Cup Championship 2026,” he said.
He also encourages teams to appoint coaches who hold MA Coaching certificates or OFC coaching certificates to manage their sides.
Meanwhile, this year’s tournament will introduce a women’s division, giving female footballers from across Guadalcanal the chance to represent their constituencies and showcase their talent.
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BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR
In Hamilton, NZ
BUALA Football Academy (BFA) has received recognition from the Solomon Islands Football Federation, with the national body donating eight soccer balls to support the academy’s grassroots football development programme.
The academy operates under Buala Football Club (BFC), one of the longest-established and most decorated football clubs in Buala, Isabel Province.
Founder, technical director and coach Ataban Sizah thanked SIFF’s youth development officer for acknowledging the work being done to develop young footballers in the province.
Sizah said the recognition follows a recent visit to Honiara by an Isabel sports delegation that included the provincial sports coordinator, the deputy premier and the Isabel Football Association vice-president.
“They highlighted my academy programme, and SIFF decided to support us with eight soccer balls.
“The academy is very thankful for the support. It shows we are on the right pathway in developing players from a very early age.
“We have a strategic plan to start producing quality players for Isabel Frigates and, in the future, the Solomon Islands national teams,” he said.
Sizah said Buala Football Academy looks forward to working with SIFF to achieve its goals of identifying and developing football talent from rural communities.
Photo: Supplied
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Rafa Lea’i scores a hat-trick as Central Coast FC beats Galaxy FC 3-2 in extra time to reach the OFC Champions League Final. A hat-trick from Rafa Lea’i sent Central Coast FC into the OFC Champions League Final with a heart-stopping, pulsating 3-2 extra-time victory over Galaxy FC in a semi-final match for the ages [...]
The post LEA’I HAT-TRICK SENDS CENTRAL COAST FC TO FINAL appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
A NEW futsal competition in Henderson is using the sport not only to bring young people together, but also as a platform for character building, community development and faith.
Established in April this year, the Kaliki Futsal League has already grown to 21 teams, with matches played every Saturday at the organisers’ family property along Bloody Ridge Road.
Kaliki Futsal League chairperson Sharon Hou said the competition was established with a clear purpose of reaching young people through sport.
“Kaliki Futsal League was established earlier this year in April 2026 with the main objective of bringing youths from surrounding communities to know Jesus through futsal,” Hou said.
The league operates on a round-robin format, with a committee led by Hou organising fixtures and managing regular updates through its Facebook page, which serves as the main communication platform.
But beyond competition, Hou believes the league can play a wider role in the lives of participating youths.
She said the competition provides young people from Kaliki and surrounding communities with a space to develop character and a sense of belonging.
“I believe when we create space for our youth to have a sense of belonging they build trust and respect of that space,” Hou said.
She added that this can contribute to the mental and emotional growth of young participants, with wider social and community benefits.
The fledgling competition has also received support from key football stakeholders.
Sports and Leadership Training (SALT) helped kick-start the competition through guidance and a donation of footballs, while the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) has provided technical training.
Hou said SIFF support included a MA Youth Futsal Coaching Workshop in August 2025 and Futsal Referee Courses in March and July this year.
“We are immensely grateful for their support and guidance over the past two years in continuous preparation toward the league,” she said.
The organisers now want to build on that foundation.
Hou said the league plans to run annually, introduce other categories and sports, and provide additional training and workshops for youths.
They also hope to see more churches become involved in sporting programmes while developing players and eventually forming a team to represent Kaliki.
“Our vision is for our youth to come to know God through futsal/sport,” Hou said.
Based in Henderson, the Kaliki Futsal League runs every Saturday and has attracted 21 teams since its establishment in April 2026. Organisers see futsal as more than competition, using sport to create belonging, develop young people and strengthen community connections.
Photo credit: Kaliki Futsal League File
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Central Coast FC faces Galaxy FC tomorrow night with historic OFC final spot at stake
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands representative Central Coast FC will face Vanuatu’s Galaxy FC tomorrow night in a high-stakes OFC Men’s Champions League semi-final, with a place in Saturday’s grand final at stake.
The two Melanesian sides will meet at 7pm at 4R Stadium Govind Park in Ba, Fiji, with Central Coast chasing a historic first appearance in the continental final.
OFC Media, in a media release issued yesterday, confirmed that defending champions Auckland City FC, hosts Rewa FC, Galaxy FC and Central Coast FC are the four clubs remaining in contention for the 2026 title.
Central Coast advanced to the semi-finals after finishing second in Group A and have grown stronger as the tournament progresses.
Head coach Jacob Moli had earlier admitted that his side was undercooked heading into the competition, but their match fitness has improved and the team has produced some impressive football in Fiji.
Their squad has also been strengthened by eight players with OFC Pro League experience, providing valuable regional experience ahead of the knockout stage.
Standing in their way is a Galaxy side that has impressed throughout the tournament.
The Vanuatu champions topped Group B with three wins, with Brazilian striker Willian Dos Santos Medina emerging as one of the competition’s standout players after scoring three consecutive hat-tricks.
His combination with fellow Brazilian Roberson Dos Santos Ribeiro has helped Galaxy develop one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacks.
The semi-final will also carry a strong Solomon Islands connection, with former Solomon Islands international Batram Suri coaching Galaxy, while Solomon Islanders Michael Laulae and Aengari Gagame are also part of the squad.
“It will be special playing against a club from my country. Business is business though, and I coach Galaxy, so I am Vanuatuan now,” Suri said.
Moli, meanwhile, said Central Coast must respect their opponents and prepare carefully for the crucial encounter.
“We respect Galaxy FC. They have been one of the teams to watch at this tournament and impressed during the group stage,” Moli said.
“We have to go back to the training ground and make sure we prepare well for the semi-final.”
Tomorrow’s match will also decide which Melanesian football nation ends a lengthy wait for a place in the final.
OFC Media noted that it has been 12 years since a Vanuatu club last reached the final, while Solomon Islands have waited 17 years since their last club appearance in the decider.
Central Coast previously reached the semi-finals on their OFC Men’s Champions League debut in 2023, but exited at the group stage on home soil last year.
The first semi-final tomorrow sees 13-time champions Auckland City FC take on hosts Rewa FC at 3pm, before Central Coast and Galaxy meet at 7pm.
The two winners will meet in Saturday’s final for the 24th OFC Men’s Champions League title.
Both semi-finals and the final will be available live and free on FIFA+ via DAZN.
The OFC Men’s Champions League is Oceania’s premier club football competition, bringing together the region’s top domestic champions.
Central Coast FC are carrying Solomon Islands’ hopes into the final four in Fiji, with victory over Galaxy tomorrow night potentially sending the club into its first-ever continental final.
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek
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