The much-anticipated Gizo Inter-Ministry League has resumed its matches after a long break.
This followed the conclusion of the Western Cup Men’s Senior Tournament, which was held at JFK Stadium in Gizo, the provincial capital of the Western Province last month.
The league finally kicked off on Thursday with the first matches and is set to run for a total of nine weeks.
The league is now in its third week of pool matches.
According to Jim Ben, Vice President of the Western Football Association (WFA), the league is back on track, and participating teams should be prepared as the pool matches have already been scheduled.
Ben emphasized that all teams must complete their registration fee of $500 before participating in any matches.
He also urged teams and their management to adhere strictly to the requirements and criteria set by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the inter-ministry league.
“Please be advised that players must be employed by the organization or office they represent, and their age must be 30 years or above. If it’s a spouse, then they are eligible to play in the league,” Ben said.
“The LOC will be strict as time progresses to ensure the league is well organized,” he added.
Ben noted that the league has only completed three weeks of pool matches, with six weeks remaining to conclude the tournament.
Additionally, he mentioned that the Capital League is set to begin this week, with both tournaments taking place simultaneously but on different days.
The Inter-ministry League matches will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while the Capital League matches will be played on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“This is part of the current WFA calendar, and we are working to fit in these sporting events before November when the JFK Stadium will undergo upgrades by FIFA,” Ben explained.
In the first match after the league’s resumption on Thursday, Education Bulls defeated Green Barrets with a score of 3-1.
The theme for the Inter Ministry League is ‘’Health, Fitness and Friendship.
Last year’s league, Flying Fish consist of workers from Gizo Hotel and other resorts in and outside Gizo island walked away with the top prize.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
