THE country’s National U-17 player Barrie William Limoki has secured a one-year scholarship to study at Scot College, New Zealand.
Solomon Islands Football Federation’s (SIFF’s) Media & Marketing Officer, Simon Abana who helped facilitate Limoki’s application confirmed this to Star Sports yesterday after their submission was approved.
“Scots College has approved Limoki’s application to do his one year study at the College,’’ he said.
Mr. Abana, however, clarified that the application was not facilitated by SIFF.
Star Sports also cited approval from the College’s Director International Services Guy Pascoe.
“This is to confirm that Scots College has offered Barrie William Limoki a full-time scholarship to study in year 10 in 2020. The College hereby undertakes to guarantee financial support for Barrie for full 2020 Academic year,’’ Pascoe said.
“The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, insurance, and uniform. Barrie will leave in the college boarding house during term time.
“Homestay accommodation will be provided during school holidays,’’ he added.
Abana also explained the process to secure a scholarship at Scots College.
“The process is first Scots College show interest in the players,’’ he said.
“Then we applied online via Scot College enroller for a place at the school.’’
“The international students ‘officer then looks through the application to see if the student is eligible to study at Scots College.
He said once the application is accepted a provisional offer’ will be granted.
Abana than confirmed that Limoki will be heading to New Zealand at the end of this month to commence his study at the College.
He stressed they are now waiting for his visa.
“We applied online for a student visa prior to departure.
Star Sports understands Limoki will be the fourth player from the Solomon Islands who received a scholarship from the College.
Raphael Lea’I and Leon Kofana were the first two players from the Solomon Islands who received scholarships from the college.
Unfortunately both Lea’I and Kofana prematurely turned down their 2020 scholarships and opted to pursue a pathway Henderson Eels FC arranged for them in Australia.
Star Sports also understands Alden Suri is the third local player studying at the College. He will be shortly joined by Limoki at the end of this month.
“Both Alden and Barrie have received a full scholarship for one-year with options to extend based on academy performance and sports development,’’ Abana said.
Abana also expressed his gratitude for assisting the local players to pursue better education overseas.
“I am happy to help our young lads secure a better education and pursue their dream of playing football.
“It is something I do for the love of football and my heart for young Solomon Islanders,’’ he added.
By CROFTON UTUKANA
