Courtesy: Solomon Times


Dr. Sikua Appreciates Kurukurus

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

BY JOANNA SIREHETI

Prior to leaving for the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil, Prime Minister Dr. Derek Sikua invited the Kurukuru Futsal Team to the National Parliament as an acknowledgement for the team's achievement.

Dr. Sikua said that the Kurukuru team has done the Nation proud for "representing the Oceania region and the Solomon Islands at the 7th FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil in October, 2008." (Futsalplanet note: 6th championship)

Dr Sikua spoke on behalf of all Solomon Islanders, in wishing the Futsal Team every success in their games and stated that the team will depart knowing that they are supported and have done Solomon Islands proud.

Dr. Sikua then went on to acknowledge sporting organizations in the Solomons.

The Kurukuru team will leave this afternoon to fly our flag higher in the upcoming Futsal World Cup.

Prior to the games, the Kurukurus will spend two weeks in Australia and another two weeks in Brazil as part of their training camp, before the World Cup begins in October.

Good Luck Kurukurus!



Courtesy: Solomon Times

Government Shows Support to Kurukuru

By GINA MAKA'AT

The Kurukuru made history again today when they became the first sporting group to have been acknowledged in the National Parliament.
Hon. James Tora the Minister of Home Affairs congratulated the Futsal team as they prepare to travel to the World Cup this afternoon.

"I would like to wish them a safe journey and all the best in their preparations towards the World Cup in Brazil," says Mr. Tora.

The Kurukuru Futsal Team received SBD$155,000 towards their trip.

"I would like to thank the Minister of Finance for ensuring that the money was given to the team as they prepare to travel," says Hon. Tora.

Kurukuru Coach Victor Wai'ia told Solomon Times that they have been quite honored to receive the money and to have been the first sporting team to have been congratulated in Parliament.

He said that what the Government did for them was unexpected and they have been touched by the support.

"My boys were very excited to meet the decision makers of the country,"

"Solomon Islands will put in the best that we can to win our games. As we continue to trust in the Lord, we hope to make this nation proud," concludes Coach Wai'ia.



Courtesy: Solomon Star


Kurukuru leaves for Sydney en route to Brazil

Tuesday, 02 September 2008

The Solomon Islands National Futsal team – Solomon Kurukuru left this afternoon for Sydney where they will spend about a week there before they depart for Brazil.

The Kurukuru are traveling to Brazil to participate in the FIFA Futsal World Cup making them the first ever island team to have qualified for this renowned competition.

This morning they paid a visit to the National Parliament where the Prime Minister Dr. Derek Sikua tabled a special congratulatory motion.

Among other speakers who showed words of encouragement was the Leader of Opposition Manasseh Sogavare, Minister of Education Hon. Job Duddley Tausinga, Minister Responsible for Sports Hon. James Tora and other two MPs.

It was a moving moment and members of the Kurukuru Futsal team and their management really appreciate the gesture and respect given them by Members of Parliament.



Courtesy: Solomon Star


We’ll give our best: Ragomo

By CHARLES KADAMANA

Tuesday, 02 September 2008

KURUKURU captain Elliot Ragomo promises they will give their best in the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil.

The team leave Tuesday for Sydney and where they’ll spend a week playing friendly games with New South Wales sides before flying to Brazil.

Ragomo, who captained the team in the OFC qualifying round and now to the World Cup, says the boys are full of confidence.

"From our training sessions everyone has shown great commitment and we are prepared to meet our opponents,” he said. "We know we have no proper facilities to build us up but we will try and prove we can play," he said.

Kurukuru head Coach Victor Wai'ia says his boys are well prepared and now focus on the first match against Cuba on September 30, Brazil on October 2, Japan on October 4 and Russia on October 6.

He said every participating country has their aims and objectives and that is to win. “Likewise we too have the same aim and objectives. What I want from the boys is to put their best," he said.

Players are: Elliot Ragomo, Alick Lioka, James Egeta, Micah Lea’lafa, Jack Wetney, Philip Houtarau, Jenan Kapu, Moffat Sikwa’ae, Francis Lafai, Ron Gino, Stanley Puairana, Lenson Bisili, Samuel Osifelo, Junior Kogua.

COACH: Victor Wai’ia

Draws for FIFA

Group A: Brazil, Russia, Japan, Cuba, Solomon Islands

Group B: Italy, Portugal, Thailand, Paraguay, USA

Group C: Argentina, Ukraine, China PR, Guatemala, Egypt

Group D: Spain, Czech Republic, Iran, Uruguay, Libya




Courtesy: Solomon Times


Kurukuru Boys Confident

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

BY JOY BASI

In a celebrity send off yesterday, the first leg of the Kurukuru journey to the Futsal FIFA World Cup began.
Prior to the ultimate showdown of their lifetime, there will be a month of training camp in both Australia and Brazil, before their games in October.

Dickson Kadau, the Kurukuru's Assistant Coach stated that the boys are quite confident following their preparation for the World Cup.

"There is a need of great support for the boys from all Solomon Islanders as we are not going as individuals but rather as ambassadors of our country. We continue to ask for everyone's support," says Mr. Kadau.

The team consists of very young players who began playing at the age of twelve and according to Coach Kadau, it is quite challenging to face up to high ranked players, however the team moral is quite high which is a good sign.

Kurukuru player, Moffat Sikwa'ae although the games will be challenging they will need to focus on their trainings prior to the games.

"We are excited and quite confident but we need to focus on our trainings," continues Moffat.





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