THE Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) has announced the National Women’s Football team for the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Women’s Olympic Qualifiers in Samoa next month.
SIFF made the announcement yesterday after the coaching staff finalized the squad.
Looking at the 23-member women’s squad, Head coach Batram Suri has added some young energetic talents with the inclusion of a former U19 player and this is Bridget Aleleand Gertrude Oritaimae who is set to play alongside Ha’arosia FC custodian Joan Hanigaro.
The squad comprises three goalkeepers, eight defenders, nine midfielders and three forwards.
Goalkeepers are Margaret Kofela, Sylvester Maenu’u and Joan Hanigaro.
The Defenders are Edith Nari, Lisa Solo, Kalinsha Fiua, Jacklyn Ikama, Rashida Mekawir, Sheroly Saeni, Claudia Votu and Iva Sade.
Forwards are Mesalyn Saepio, Alisha Donga, Sandy Tahira, Veronica Tolivaka, Bridget Alele, Mary Maefiti, Almah Gogoni, Gertrude Oritaimae, Madelyn Arukau, Ileen Pegi and Lorina Solosaea.
According to the OFC women’s Olympic qualifiers, Solomon Islands are placed in group A alongside Papua New Guinea, Fiji and American Samoa.
SIFF has confirmed that the squad will leave for Samoa on 1 February ahead of the competition which will kick off from the 7th to the 19th of February.
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
