Fiji Live


Kurukuru’s Independence Day challenge

July 07, 2009

The Solomon Islands FUTSAL team preparing to take on hosts Fiji tonight has been psyched up to battle on the day marking their Independence from British rule on July 7 1978.

The Dickson Kadau mentored side has gained motivation from their country’s 31st year of independence.

The young Kurukurus who look the top candidate to win the OFC championship in Suva are expected to face tough competition from the bigger and more physical Fijians who edged Vanuatu 2-1 last night.

But the individual brilliance of the Solomon players and their knowledge and skills in the abbreviated code of football will be something that the Fijians will have to be wary of.

In last season’s championship, the Fijians despite putting on a brave challenge were outclassed 11-6 by the Elliot Ragomo led side and fans can expect interesting competition again tonight.

Meanwhile, Solomon Islands last season coach Victor Wai'ia, who guided the team to victory in the tournament in Suva and took them to the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil believes the team will retain its title again this season.

Wai’i’a who is currently attending a Futsal referees instructors course in Suva told OFC that the young brigade from last season has matured and should not be taken lightly at all by other teams.

“I think Solomon Islands are in an even better position to win than last year because they have been working hard on their defensive strategy,” said Wai’ia who now works as the Futsal/Beach Soccer Development Officer for the Solomon Islands Football Federation.



Fiji Live


Fijians plan to take Solo to the wire

July 07, 2009

Hosts Fiji, is all geared up to hand top guns and defending Oceania FUTSAL champions, the Solomon Islands the game of their lives in the feature match of Day 2 at the Oceania Football Confederation FUTSAL Championship in Suva tonight.

Fiji lost to the young Kurukurus 11-6 in last season’s tournament but is now looking to turn the tables when they face off tonight.

Fiji manager Jainendra Sukhu said the morale in camp is high and the players are raring to take the courts and give their best against their plucky opponents.

“We know they are the champions and have all the international exposure but are not unbeatable.”

“It’s all about playing your cards right and doing things correctly and with confidence on the court.”

“They have overseas based players and better facilities compared to us but we don’t see this as a drawback and will give in our best tonight.”

“Fiji FA president Dr Sahu Khan also visited the boys in camp and has given them all motivation and encouragement ahead of the big clash.”

“He also emphasized the importance of donning the national jumper and national pride to the team.”

“My only plea to soccer lovers in the southern division is to come out in numbers and support the boys as we have a new team with only 4 members from last season and need backing and encouragement from the fans” he added.

Captain Kamal Hassan, vice captain Simione Tamanisau, Mira Sahib, Sandeep Nair and Aisea Codro are expected to make the starting team for Fiji while the Solomon Islands is expected to field Alick Lioka, Elliot Ragomo, Jack Wetney, Francis Lafai and Micah Lea’alafa.

The much anticipated match kicks off at 8pm while Vanuatu and New Caledonia clash off at 6pm.







Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com