Sun Sports

Sun Sports Updating you about sports athletes, tournaments, events happening in and around the Solomon Islands

The national U19 Womenโ€™s team from Solomon Islands is the first team to reach Tonga for the OFC U-19 Women's Championshi...
04/03/2025

The national U19 Womenโ€™s team from Solomon Islands is the first team to reach Tonga for the OFC U-19 Women's Championship โ€“ Qualifier.

The group left Nadi for Tonga last night after departing Honiara on Saturday.

The Solomon Islands will compete against host nation Tonga and American Samoa in the qualifying tournament set for March 7th to 13th at Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku'alofa.

The winner of the Qualifying tournament will secure a spot in the main competition set for September in Tahiti.

ALL DOCUMENTS SAFEBY ELTON LONARATHA JNR THE National Hosting Authority (NHA) has confirmed that all financial documents...
25/02/2025

ALL DOCUMENTS SAFE

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE National Hosting Authority (NHA) has confirmed that all financial documents are secure as the Pacific Games 2023 audit process continues to progress smoothly.

Executive Director, Christian Nieng addressed concerns in a conversation with SunSPORTS, urging the public to refrain from speculation and allow auditors to complete their work.

Nieng emphasized that the audit is ongoing and that no conclusions have been drawn yet.

"Itโ€™s better to wait for auditors to conclude their reports before jumping up and down," he said.

Nieng reassured that all financial records are being kept securely, with no documents missing or destroyed.

"The only thing we are waiting for is for auditors to conclude their reports and state their opinions on how we manage NHA," Nieng explained.

He further urged the public to respond to official audit findings rather than engage in speculation.

The NHA is awaiting the completion of the audit reports to determine the timeline for its official dissolution.

The NHA is expected to close down once the audit reports are finalized and presented in Parliament, with hopes for this to occur by the end of the first quarter of 2025.

As the audit process unfolds, the NHA remains committed to transparency and accountability.

๐Ÿ“ธ....NHA Director Christian Nieng-PHOTO ELTON LONARATHA JNR

NOMINATION SILENCEโ€ฆ.๐‘น๐’–๐’ˆ๐’ƒ๐’š ๐‘ณ๐’†๐’‚๐’…๐’†๐’“๐’”๐’‰๐’Š๐’‘ ๐’‚๐’• ๐’‚ ๐‘ช๐’“๐’๐’”๐’”๐’“๐’๐’‚๐’…๐’”BY ELTON LONARATHA JNRWITH just six days remaining before the Honiar...
25/02/2025

NOMINATION SILENCE

โ€ฆ.๐‘น๐’–๐’ˆ๐’ƒ๐’š ๐‘ณ๐’†๐’‚๐’…๐’†๐’“๐’”๐’‰๐’Š๐’‘ ๐’‚๐’• ๐’‚ ๐‘ช๐’“๐’๐’”๐’”๐’“๐’๐’‚๐’…๐’”

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

WITH just six days remaining before the Honiara Union Rugby Association (HRUA) hosts its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election congress for a new executive, no nominations have yet been submitted.

The AGM is scheduled for March 5, 2025, following a 14-day notice period mandated by the constitution, which became effective on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

HRUA President Brian Taupiri expressed concern over the lack of nominations for the upcoming election.

โ€œAt the moment, there are no nominations sighted for the election of the new executive,โ€ he told SunSPORTS.

Taupiri also noted that the association's major sponsor, Solrice Company Limited, has withdrawn, marking the conclusion of his five-year term as President.

Reflecting on his tenure, he stated, โ€œI have worked to develop the game not only for passionate athletes but also to change the lives of many within the rugby community.โ€

He stressed the importance of the new executive in renegotiating with Solrice Company, the previous sponsor.

โ€œMy leadership has concluded its term as President, and I will not contest again for the Presidency post,โ€ Taupiri confirmed.

Describing the role as challenging, he called for fair nominations and expressed hope for the future of rugby.

โ€œItโ€™s going to be a huge challenge, and I believe the new executive can do better. Itโ€™s not the end of rugby, but we just need the right people to run HRUA.โ€

Taupiri reminded all HRUA clubs to submit their nominations for the new executive positions, urging them to ensure that capable individuals are chosen to lead the association.

โ€œEnsure to put in the right people in order to have good rugby,โ€ he added.

As the deadline approaches, the HRUA remains hopeful that nominations will be submitted in time for the upcoming AGM, highlighting the need for strong leadership to guide the future of rugby in the region.

๐Ÿ“ธ...HRUA President Brian Taupiri

THREE DEFEATSTHE national Womenโ€™s team earned three defeats at the PacificAus Sports Four Nations Cup 2025 in Canberra.C...
25/02/2025

THREE DEFEATS

THE national Womenโ€™s team earned three defeats at the PacificAus Sports Four Nations Cup 2025 in Canberra.

Coach Batram Suri and the girls suffered an 8-0 loss to Thailand U-20 at Viking Park, followed by a 12-0 defeat to the Young Matildas in their second game.

The team recorded its third loss, facing a 1-0 defeat to Vanuatu at Deakin Stadium today.

VOLLEYBALL SECURES ACCESS TO TRAINING FACILITIES BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR THE Solomon Islands Volleyball Federation (SIVF)...
25/02/2025

VOLLEYBALL SECURES ACCESS TO TRAINING FACILITIES

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE Solomon Islands Volleyball Federation (SIVF) is poised for success as it maintains a strong partnership with the National Sport Council (NSC), ensuring access to top-notch training facilities in preparation for the upcoming Palau Mini Games later this year.

This positive development comes in the wake of the NSC Act, which mandates that all sports federations register annually to gain access to essential facilities and funding support.

While many federations are navigating the complexities of compliance, SIVF President Maitaki has confirmed that all volleyball athletes will benefit from world-class training facilities, generously provided by donor partners of the Pacific Games 2023 and currently managed by the NSC.

Following the recent approval of its registration membership with the NSC on February 17th, 2025, the SIVF has swiftly implemented its activity program, setting the stage for enhanced athlete development.

Volleyball joins the ranks of Hockey, Football, and Athletics as the fourth sport federation to successfully comply with the NSC Act.

This compliance not only grants access to vital training facilities but also secures ongoing funding support, underscoring the commitment of these sports to prioritize athlete development through quality training programs.

As the SIVF gears up for the Palau Mini Games, the federation's proactive approach and collaboration with the NSC signal a promising future for volleyball in the Solomon Islands.

๐Ÿ“ธ....SIVF President Morris Maitaki

WARRIORS TO SIT OUT UPCOMING SEASONโ€ฆ.๐‘จ ๐‘บ๐’†๐’‚๐’”๐’๐’ ๐’๐’‡ ๐‘บ๐’Š๐’๐’†๐’๐’„๐’† ๐’‡๐’“๐’๐’Ž ๐’•๐’‰๐’† ๐‘ฌ๐’Š๐’ˆ๐’‰๐’•-๐‘ป๐’Š๐’Ž๐’† ๐‘ช๐’‰๐’‚๐’Ž๐’‘๐’Š๐’๐’๐’”BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR THE eight-t...
24/02/2025

WARRIORS TO SIT OUT UPCOMING SEASON

โ€ฆ.๐‘จ ๐‘บ๐’†๐’‚๐’”๐’๐’ ๐’๐’‡ ๐‘บ๐’Š๐’๐’†๐’๐’„๐’† ๐’‡๐’“๐’๐’Ž ๐’•๐’‰๐’† ๐‘ฌ๐’Š๐’ˆ๐’‰๐’•-๐‘ป๐’Š๐’Ž๐’† ๐‘ช๐’‰๐’‚๐’Ž๐’‘๐’Š๐’๐’๐’”

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE eight-time Super League champions, Solomon Warriors Football Club (FC), will not compete in the upcoming football season, which is set to kick off in April.

This decision comes from the club's management, following directives from the club owners, who have opted to take a break this season.

Coach Franco Neโ€™e, who has enjoyed two successful seasons with Solomon Warriors FC, expressed his disappointment over the decision but acknowledged the necessity to continue his coaching career.

In an interview with SunSPORTS, Neโ€™e revealed that he will be returning to his former club, Kossa FC, to prepare them for the 2025 football season.

โ€œIt is my duty to continue with my coaching role and remain active, as an OFC C license holder,โ€ Neโ€™e said.

โ€œIt would be a waste of time and hard work if I didnโ€™t make use of my Coaching Certificate for the next few years as a dedicated coach aiming to reach the next stage.โ€

Neโ€™e emphasized that he would have preferred to stay with Solomon Warriors FC had the club owners decided to continue this season. However, the decision to take a break has left him with no choice but to prioritize his coaching career by joining Kossa FC.

As the football community processes this unexpected news, the focus will now shift to how both clubs will navigate the upcoming season and the impact of these changes on their respective futures.

Solomon Warriors FC will be missed in the league, but Coach Neโ€™eโ€™s commitment to his coaching journey remains strong as he embarks on this new chapter with Kossa FC. Kossa FC officially announced his appointment last week.

๐Ÿ“ธโ€ฆ.Warriors celebrate a goal during the OCL 2023-PHOTO OFC

LEAโ€™I IMPRESSES IN WOLVES TRIUMPHBY ELTON LONARATHA JNR SOLOMON Islands striker Raphael Leaโ€™i showcased his impressive s...
24/02/2025

LEAโ€™I IMPRESSES IN WOLVES TRIUMPH

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

SOLOMON Islands striker Raphael Leaโ€™i showcased his impressive skills as the Wollongong Wolves secured a commanding 3-0 victory over St George City last Wednesday at Macedonia Park.

This match marked the conclusion of a previously abandoned fixture from Friday, February 14, at Win Stadium, which had been halted in the 35th minute due to lightning, with the Wolves leading 1-0 thanks to a goal from Nicholas Olsen, assisted by Leaโ€™i.

When the match resumed on Wednesday, February 19, it picked up from the 31st minute, and Leaโ€™i quickly reestablished his rhythm, continuing to build on his strong partnership with teammates, including fellow new signing Olsen, who has emerged as one of the teamโ€™s key scoring assets.

Although Leaโ€™i didnโ€™t find the back of the net himself, his contributions were vital in maintaining the Wolves' dominance throughout the match. The teamโ€™s cohesive and aggressive performance overwhelmed St George City, culminating in a decisive 3-0 win at full time.

With this victory, the Wolves now share points with Sydney Olympic at Belmore Sports Ground as they move into round 3 of the season.

๐Ÿ“ธ....Lea'i in action against St George City-PHOTO NPL

CONTAINER CHALLENGEโ€ฆ๐‘ฏ๐’†๐’‚๐’๐’•๐’‰ ๐‘น๐’Š๐’”๐’Œ๐’” ๐‘ณ๐’๐’๐’Ž ๐’‚๐’• ๐‘ป๐’๐’˜๐’ ๐‘ฎ๐’“๐’๐’–๐’๐’… ๐‘น๐’–๐’ˆ๐’ƒ๐’š ๐‘บ๐’•๐’‚๐’…๐’Š๐’–๐’ŽBY ELTON LONARATHA JNR SHIPPING containers owned by Ch...
24/02/2025

CONTAINER CHALLENGE

โ€ฆ๐‘ฏ๐’†๐’‚๐’๐’•๐’‰ ๐‘น๐’Š๐’”๐’Œ๐’” ๐‘ณ๐’๐’๐’Ž ๐’‚๐’• ๐‘ป๐’๐’˜๐’ ๐‘ฎ๐’“๐’๐’–๐’๐’… ๐‘น๐’–๐’ˆ๐’ƒ๐’š ๐‘บ๐’•๐’‚๐’…๐’Š๐’–๐’Ž

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

SHIPPING containers owned by China United Limited (Ltd) are currently stored inside the Town Ground Rugby Stadium, and they will remain in place despite not complying with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations.

This situation raises significant concerns regarding the potential risks to athletes' health and safety, as the containers pose a risk of injury or illness to players and detract from the professional image of the sports venue.

Local rugby supporters have expressed their concerns, emphasizing the urgent need to remove the containers to improve both the stadium's appearance and compliance with turf regulations.

Chief Executive Officer of the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF), Alivereti Mocelutu, underscored the importance of addressing this issue, stating that the presence of the containers is a violation of OHS standards.

However, SIRUF President George Temahua clarified that the containers will remain in their current location.

"The containers are the property of China United, and SIRUF has legal grounds for them to stay where they are," Temahua explained.

"Any complaints regarding their presence would need to be directed to SIRUF, as we are the landlords and China United operates on our land."

China United Co. Ltd entered into an agreement with SIRUF to construct the rugby stadium and the adjacent shopping complex, now known as Solplaza, located at Townground.

The company has committed to working collaboratively with SIRUF to fulfill their mutual expectations regarding the completion of the rugby stadium.

๐Ÿ“ธ.....Containers stored at the rugby stadium-PHOTO ELTON LONARATHA JNR

National team defender and captain Javin Alick Wae made a notable debut for Campbelltown City SC in an intense season op...
23/02/2025

National team defender and captain Javin Alick Wae made a notable debut for Campbelltown City SC in an intense season opener against fierce rivals and former champions, NE Metrostars, at the Steve Woodcock Sports Center.

Unfortunately for the home side, they faced a tough start to the National Premier Leagues South Australia season, suffering a 3-0 defeat.

๐Ÿ“ธโ€ฆWae in action for Campbelltown City SC-CSSC

SIFF CONFIRMS SIX PLAYER TRANSFERS BY MORRIS NAFU THE Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) has officially confirme...
23/02/2025

SIFF CONFIRMS SIX PLAYER TRANSFERS

BY MORRIS NAFU

THE Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) has officially confirmed the transfer of six players to clubs in Fiji and Vanuatu, signaling an exciting development in the region's football landscape.

Earlier this month, during the opening week of the transfer window, SIFF's Transfer Administration announced the first three transfers.

Notably, national team goalkeeper James Doโ€™oro and Henderson Eels center back Christian Ohasio have joined Galaxy FC in the Port Vila League in Vanuatu. Additionally, Kossa FC defender Steven Koti has signed with Nadroga FC in the Fiji Premier League.

Koti made his debut in a challenging match, where Nadroga FC faced a 1-3 defeat against Navua FC at Lawaqa Park.

This week, SIFF revealed three more transfers involving national U-19 representatives.

Paul Francis, Jimson Abana, and midfielder Philip Maeta, all from the eight-time champions Solomon Warriors FC, have received their International Transfer Certificates (ITC), allowing them to join their new teams under the Fiji Football Association.

Paul Francis is heading to Nasinu FC in the Fiji FA First Division, while Jimson Abana and Philip Maeta will compete in the Fiji Premier League, representing Labasa FC and Nadi FC, respectively.

Both clubs have expressed enthusiasm about their new signings, with Nadi FC welcoming Maeta and Labasa FC eager to integrate Abana into their squad.

Maeta made an impressive debut for Nadi FC, contributing to a commanding 3-0 victory over Tavua FC at Garvey Park yesterday.

SIVF UNVEILS CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR 2025BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR THE Solomon Islands Volleyball Federation (SIVF) Presiden...
23/02/2025

SIVF UNVEILS CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR 2025

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE Solomon Islands Volleyball Federation (SIVF) President Morris Maitaki has announced an action-packed calendar of events for 2025 during a press conference at the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) Conference room this week.

Maitaki expressed enthusiasm for another promising year, encouraging the volleyball community to keep the ball flying.

One of the key highlights of this yearโ€™s calendar is the Oceania U18 Beach Volleyball Championship, scheduled for April 5th to 9th, which is expected to feature 15 young teams competing for regional honors.

Additionally, the Honiara Volleyball League 2024 (HVL 24) will resume, with both the Premiership and Divisional A League competitions set to be completed this year.

Another significant event is the National Provincial Volleyball Championship 2025 (NPVC25), taking place from April 14th to 21st.The tournament will have a registration fee of $2,500 per team, with a total prize pool of $100,000. Teams are encouraged to register, with two teams allowed per gender.

Maitaki also confirmed that the federation will host its Elective Congress (AGM) in Honiara, where eight provincial associations are expected to attend. This congress will elect new leadership for the federation for the next four years. In March, the School League 2025 will be held, aiming to identify and nurture potential talent from the school level.

Plans are also in place for friendly matches between the Queensland women's team and the Solomon Islands national women's team in preparation for the Pacific Mini Games in Palau, set for June 29th to July 12th, 2025. The National Volleyball Club Championships are scheduled for July 4th to 12th, promising to be another highlight for the volleyball community.

Further events include the National School Cup Champions planned for September, followed by the Beach Volleyball National Championships in October. The year will conclude with the proposed 4 x 4 Club Championships in November.

๐Ÿ“ธ.....Volleyball action at HCC Multi-Outdoor court -PHOTO ELTON LONARATHA JNR

TACKLING PRIZE DELAYSโ€ฆ๐‘ฏ๐‘ญ๐‘จ ๐‘ช๐’๐’Ž๐’Ž๐’Š๐’•๐’” ๐’•๐’ ๐‘ช๐’๐’†๐’‚๐’“๐’Š๐’๐’ˆ $100๐‘ฒ ๐’Š๐’ ๐‘ถ๐’–๐’•๐’”๐’•๐’‚๐’๐’…๐’Š๐’๐’ˆ ๐‘ท๐’“๐’Š๐’›๐’† ๐‘ท๐’‚๐’š๐’Ž๐’†๐’๐’•๐’”BY MORRIS NAFU THE Honiara Football Ass...
23/02/2025

TACKLING PRIZE DELAYS

โ€ฆ๐‘ฏ๐‘ญ๐‘จ ๐‘ช๐’๐’Ž๐’Ž๐’Š๐’•๐’” ๐’•๐’ ๐‘ช๐’๐’†๐’‚๐’“๐’Š๐’๐’ˆ $100๐‘ฒ ๐’Š๐’ ๐‘ถ๐’–๐’•๐’”๐’•๐’‚๐’๐’…๐’Š๐’๐’ˆ ๐‘ท๐’“๐’Š๐’›๐’† ๐‘ท๐’‚๐’š๐’Ž๐’†๐’๐’•๐’”

BY MORRIS NAFU

THE Honiara Football Association (HFA) has pledged to resolve its outstanding cash prize payments for the winners of the 2024 season.

Despite the prolonged wait since the partial distribution of prizes during last year's official presentation, HFA President Dekon Trevor Koung assured SunSPORTS that the association is dedicated to settling all outstanding payments before the commencement of the 2025 season.

โ€œWe are working on finalizing prizes and medals, and we anticipate settling all clubs before kicking off the 2025 league season,โ€ Koung said.

He acknowledged the challenges the HFA has faced, particularly the limited support from league sponsors, which has contributed to the delays in prize distribution.

โ€œI appreciate the patience and understanding of all clubs as we navigate these financial hiccups. We have more than $100,000 worth of prizes yet to be paid,โ€ he added.

Among the teams awaiting their prizes are the Super League champions and runners-up, Henderson Eels FC and Mars United FC, along with Division 1 champions and runners-up FC Real Varane, Jr Warriors FC, Walas FC, and Lauru FC. Division 2 champions and runners-up Real ISA FC, San Marcos, West Coast FC, and Kossa FC are also affected.

Mars United FC, the runner-up of the 2024 season, has expressed growing frustration over the HFA's failure to settle outstanding payments. As the new season approaches, concerns have been raised regarding incomplete prize distributions for the HFA Super League 2024 season.

An anonymous source within Mars United FC revealed that the HFA has only disbursed $8,000 of the expected $20,000 for their second-place finish.

Repeated inquiries to the HFA administration have reportedly resulted in nothing but false promises, further fueling the club's frustrations.

The situation is exacerbated by the fact that Henderson Eels FC, the Super League champions, have also received only half of their prize money and are still awaiting the remainder.

๐Ÿ“ธ....HFA Super League Grand final action between Henderson Eels FC and Mars United FC last season at Lawson Tama Stadium-PHOTO ELTON LONARATHA JNR

WESLEY AND SEWA RELEGATEDBY MORRIS NAFU WESLEY United FC and Sewa Nuts FC will not be competing in the Solomon Islands F...
23/02/2025

WESLEY AND SEWA RELEGATED

BY MORRIS NAFU

WESLEY United FC and Sewa Nuts FC will not be competing in the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Super Futsal League this season, having been relegated after a challenging 2024 campaign.

Their exit paves the way for the promotion of Strides FC and Real Lights FC, who have secured their spots from the Sport and Leadership Training (SALT) and Bulk Shop Hope Community League 2024.

The SIFF has confirmed the lineup for the upcoming 2025 national futsal league season, which will include a notable rebranding, as St Nicholas FC transitions to Dunamis FC.

Wesley United and Sewa Nuts had previously earned their places in the top division through a two-legged playoff format. However, they faced difficulties competing against the newly promoted teams, Strides FC and Real Lights FC.

The new national futsal league season is set to kick off on March 1st, 2025.

The ten confirmed teams for this season are: ๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿ‘‡

ANOTHER DEFEATThe national womenโ€™s team earned another 12-0 loss against the CommBank Young Matildas in their second mat...
22/02/2025

ANOTHER DEFEAT

The national womenโ€™s team earned another 12-0 loss against the CommBank Young Matildas in their second match of the PacificAus Sports Four Nations tournament at Viking Park in Canberra this evening.

The team will face Vanuatu in their last match on Tuesday next week.

SI TO HOST U18 BEACH VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR THE Solomon Islands is set to make history as H...
21/02/2025

SI TO HOST U18 BEACH VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE Solomon Islands is set to make history as Honiara has been confirmed as the host city for the U18 Beach Volleyball Oceania Championships 2025.

The event, organized by the Oceania Zonal Volleyball Associations (OZVA) in collaboration with the Solomon Islands Volleyball Federation (SIVF), will take place from April 3rd to April 10th, 2025, showcasing the talents of young beach volleyball athletes from across the region.

SIVF President Morris Maitaki expressed his pride and gratitude for the opportunity to host such a prestigious international tournament.

โ€œThis will be the first time for Solomon Islands to host such an event,โ€ Maitaki said.

The OZVA Secretary General and Finance Director, Terry Sasser, also confirmed the event's hosting, emphasizing the importance of recognition from the Solomon Islands Government.

โ€œThank you for your bid presentation in Portugal during the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Congress. In principle, Solomon Islands was awarded the bid for the first U18 Oceania Beach Volleyball Championship,โ€ Sasser noted in the confirmation letter.

Sasser further elaborated on the investment being made in the event, which aims to provide major global publicity due to its historic nature. The event will receive support from the FIVB, the International Olympic Committee, and Olympic Solidarity, ensuring a high-profile platform for the young athletes.

โ€œThis is going to be a historic event, and we are pleased that the Solomon Islands Government continues to host top sporting events following the very successful 2023 Pacific Games, which included both indoor and beach volleyball competitions,โ€ Sasser added.

OZVA expressed its gratitude to the Solomon Islands Government and commended President Maitaki for his leadership, under which the SIVF has flourished.

๐Ÿ“ธ.....Beach Volleyball action during the PG23-PHOTO ELTON LONARATHA JNR

COUNTDOWN BEGINSBY ELTON LONARATHA JNR WITH just 128 days remaining until the official opening ceremony, Team Solomon is...
21/02/2025

COUNTDOWN BEGINS

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

WITH just 128 days remaining until the official opening ceremony, Team Solomon is gearing up for the 12th Pacific Mini Games, set to take place in Koror, Palau, from 29th June to 9th July.

This yearโ€™s games will feature 12 sports, including athletics, archery, basketball, swimming, and volleyball, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and determination.

In a press conference held this week, National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) President Martin Rara expressed his confidence in Team Solomon preparations.

โ€œThrough unity, we can rise to the occasion,โ€ Rara said.

โ€œWe are 128 days away from the opening ceremony, and I would like to take this moment to call on the 14 National Federations (NFs) participating in this event,โ€ he continued.

โ€œThe Palau Mini Games will not only showcase our athletesโ€™ skills but also serve as a vital opportunity to assess our national readiness for future competitions.โ€

Rara emphasized the importance of intensifying preparations in the lead-up to the games, ensuring that athletes are in optimal condition to represent the Solomon Islands with pride.

โ€œEvery NF must work collaboratively to enhance training regimens, boost athletesโ€™ morale, and foster a spirit of unity and excellence,โ€ he urged.

โ€œOur performance in Palau will reflect not only our individual sports but also our collective identity as a sporting nation. Stay focused, stay motivated, and let us work hard to make the Solomon Islands shine at the Palau Mini Games 2025,โ€ Rara added.

He encouraged all federations to update their training plans and share best practices, ensuring that they are prepared to face the challenges ahead with the same dedication and passion that marked their achievements in 2023.

Rara also took a moment to salute the sporting community for their commitment to the development of sports in the nation.

โ€œAs we look ahead to the 2025 Palau Mini Games, we want to emphasize the importance of this event as a critical test of our teamโ€™s strength and resilience following the successful hosting of the Pacific Games 2023 at home,โ€ Rara noted.

Team Solomon is set to compete in a diverse range of sports, including archery, athletics, baseball, basketball (3x3), judo, swimming, table tennis, triathlon, vaโ€™a, volleyball (both beach and indoor), weightlifting, and wrestling. As the countdown continues, the excitement builds for what promises to be a remarkable showcase of talent and sportsmanship in Palau.

๐Ÿ“ธ..NOCSI President Martin Rara-PHOTO ELTON LONARATHA JNR

WOMEN'S TEAM FOCUSES ON IMPROVEMENT BY MORRIS NAFUFOLLOWING a challenging 8-0 defeat to Thailand on Wednesday, assistant...
21/02/2025

WOMEN'S TEAM FOCUSES ON IMPROVEMENT

BY MORRIS NAFU

FOLLOWING a challenging 8-0 defeat to Thailand on Wednesday, assistant coach Christal Bakolo has called for improvement as the Solomon Islands women's team gears up for their next match against the Australian U-20 women's team tomorrow.

Despite the heavy loss in their first match of the PacificAus Sport Four-Nations Cup 2025, Bakolo commended the players for their efforts, highlighting that this was their first encounter with an Asian team.

"We did our best. We have six weeks of preparation ahead of us, and my thoughts during the game were that Thailand is technically very strong," she said.

"Competing against an Asian team has been a valuable experience, allowing us to scale our level of ability."

Bakolo acknowledged the significant lessons learned from the match, emphasizing the need for growth.

"We have a lot to take in, and there are many areas for improvement that we will focus on for our next game," she added.

Looking ahead to the upcoming challenge against Australia, Bakolo recognized the difficulty of the matchup.

"We know that Australia presents a higher level of competition, but we are here to test ourselves against them. It will not be an easy team to beat," she noted.

She also mentioned that this match serves as crucial preparation for the upcoming OFC Nations Cup in July.

Bakolo expressed gratitude to the Solomon Islanders based in Australia for their support, which she said has motivated the players to give their best in the match.

The Solomon Islands will face Australia on Saturday, February 22, in what promises to be a challenging yet invaluable experience for the team as they continue to develop and prepare for future competitions.

๐Ÿ“ธ....Solomon Islands national womens team-PHOTO PACIFICAUS SPORTS

COACH SMITH ON PLAYERSโ€™ TRANSFERS TO AUSTRALIATHE process of recruiting national players to Australia marks a significan...
20/02/2025

COACH SMITH ON PLAYERSโ€™ TRANSFERS TO AUSTRALIA

THE process of recruiting national players to Australia marks a significant step in the development of football as national team head coach Josh Smith opened up about his vision of finding players with both the skill and mindset to succeed.

Over four months of international competitions and training camps, Smith and his technical teamโ€”both in the Solomon Islands and Australiaโ€”scouted players.

They built detailed player profiles using match footage and performance data, which were then presented to Australian clubs ahead of the 2025 season.

This thorough approach has ensured that the selected players were well-prepared for the challenges of professional football abroad.

โ€œEach player brings something different to the table, and different clubs were interested for different reasons. However, what unites them is their willingness to step outside their comfort zone in pursuit of a better future in football.

โ€œThat mindset is why they are the first group to land in Australia and begin this journey.

He then highlighted the significance of this move for Solomon Islands football.

โ€œThis is a huge step in the right direction for our football.

โ€œMany people want to see our players go straight to Europe, but itโ€™s about ensuring they take the right steps when theyโ€™re ready.

โ€œPlaying in Europe can be extremely challengingโ€”cold climates, difficult living conditions, and language barriers can all impact a playerโ€™s ability to adapt. The ultimate goal is Europe, but we need to prepare our players properly so they donโ€™t return after just half a season.

The Player Performance Project (PPP) in Adelaide played a crucial role in facilitating these transfers. The PPP team, which includes physiotherapists, sports scientists, and data analysts, worked behind the scenes to support the players throughout the process.
From visa applications to securing training facilities, the PPP team ensured everything was in place for the players to succeed.

โ€œThree or four months isnโ€™t enough to fully implement an effective culture, playing style, and standards at the national level, but we saw glimpses of what this squad is capable of.

โ€œThe real benefits will come if we continue on this path, with solid investment in player development and coaching resources.

Securing these opportunities wasnโ€™t without its challenges โ€“ funding was a major hurdle, particularly around visa and flight costs.

However, with support from the Australian High Commission in Honiara, the team was able to overcome these obstacles.

Smith also emphasized the need for sustainable pathways to ensure more players can follow in the future.

With his vision, he plans to launch the National Elite Development Program in Honiara, which will include a squad of around 25 players. The program will focus on physical, technical, and mental development, ensuring a new group of players is ready to step up when the time comes.

Additionally, Smith aims to support S-League coaches by bringing in high-level professionals to run workshops and share strategies.

โ€œThis year, I want to support S-League coaches as much as possible, potentially bringing in high-level professional coaches to run workshops and provide them with more strategies to develop players within the constraints they face.

Smith and his team will continue to travel to Australia to build relationships with clubs and expand their network.

A trip to New Zealand is also on the cards, to create more opportunities for Solomon Islands players.

---SIFF Media

๐Ÿ“ธ....National team head coach Joshua Smith

Address

In The Zone Building, Point Cruz
Honiara
677

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Sun Sports posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Sun Sports:

Videos

Share