THE Solomon Islands National Women’s Football Team are undergoing intensive preparations for the PacificAusSport four nations tournament, which is set to take place in Canberra, Australia, from February 19 to 25.
The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) yesterday confirmed the participation of the Solomon Islands National Women’s Team in the second edition of Football Australia’s PacificAus Sports Four Nations tournament.
The PacificAusSport four nations tournament will see four national women’s teams battle each other in a robin round format. The other three teams are the Vanuatu National Women’s Team, Thailand U20 and off course, the hosts – Australia U20.
SIFF confirmed that the Solomon Islands squad have been in full preparation since early January and that Head Coach Batram Suri will once again lead the charge.
A 28-player roster has been finalised as the team gear up for this prestigious invitational tournament.
The 28-member women’s squad are as follows: Salome Masi, Alisha Donga, Almah Gogoni, Claudia Votu, Corrina Sangagole Rotoava, Edith Nari, Kalinsa Hailifu Fiua, Ileen Pegi, Ivy Sade, Jemina David, Joan Hangigaro, Lisa Solo, Lorina Solosaia, Margareth Kofela, Mesalyn Saepio, Sandy Tahiri, Sharoly Saeni, Rawina Rotoava, Naelyn Metake, Eileen Lovelyn, Veronica Tolivaka and Donna Kairi.
According to the tournament schedule, Solomon Islands will play three matches in the tournament.
Solomon Islands will face Thailand U20 on Wednesday 19at the Viking Park, Canberra, before facing the hosts Australia U20 on Saturday 22 also at the Viking Park. Their third and final match against Vanuatu is set for Tuesday 25 at the Deakin Stadium.
According to SIFF, Football Australia officially announced the tournament yesterday.
It said the competition is proudly backed by the Australian Government through the PacificAus Sports programme.
SIFF said building on the success of the inaugural 2022 edition, this year’s tournament continues to strengthen ties between the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), marking another milestone in women’s football following the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.
Football Australia Head of National Teams, Gary Moretti said:
“We warmly welcome the Senior Women’s National Teams of Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, along with the Thailand U-20 Women’s National Team and acknowledge the support of their Member Associations for engaging in this exciting cross-confederation collaboration.
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ demonstrated how strategic co-operation between the AFC and OFC can result in a profound impact for the nations involved and women’s football in the Asia-Pacific region. It is a unifying force in the region and presents moments to share and celebrate in a meaningful cultural exchange.
“As the CommBank Young Matildas embark on their next cycle, this first assembly is important in laying down the foundations for the next two years as they work towards qualification for an unprecedented third straight FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™. The PacificAus Four Nations Tournament provides another valuable opportunity to broaden talent identification, enhance match minutes and reward players who have been excelling in their A-League Women’s and National Premier Leagues home environments.
“We extend our gratitude to the Australian Government, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for their partnership in this tournament and look forward to collaborating on more expansive initiatives to support women and girls in the Pacific region,” Moretti said.
In addition to the on-field action, the visiting teams will participate in cultural engagements, as well as an official tournament dinner to be held at Parliament House.
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
