SOLOMON Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Technical Director Filipe Vega-Arango Alonso says the country is so passionate about football but development wise we have very little in place.
The Spaniard told Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) media in an interview this week.
“People love football in the Solomon Islands, whereas in Fiji, Samoa and New Zealand they love rugby more. Solomon Islands is pure football, and I find it strange to have a country this passionate about football but with very little in place.
“It’s going to be difficult to change, but a good learning experience.” He said.
It is always challenging for a foreigner to cope with the realities in the country’s football and the Spaniard has underlined the challenges he faced since taking up the job as Technical Director.
“It’s been interesting for me, and very different. I’m coming from the professional football environment in Spain so it’s the first time that I’m learning and working at this kind of level,” Vega-Arango Alonso added.
“Some have passed through the same kind of challenges so you get to learn from their past experience but at the same time, speaking with all of them, the situation in the Solomon Islands is extreme, they have never been through anything like that,” he stated.
Reports reaching Star Sports stated he is also guiding the National Team in preparation for the home and away ties with PNG next month.
Since his arrival, the national setup has been overhaul and there are few surprise faces brought into the national side camp.
Recent additions are national U-17 captain John Aeta and U-20 captain Richard Ramo and Real Kakamora defender Richard Iromana.
The recent call-up saw mixer of experience and youth in the rank of our national men’s football side.
Speaking to Star Sports recently, veteran Henry Fa’arodo said the squad is undergoing a high intensive, fitness and technical program.
“The team is working very hard under the guidance of the Technical Director.
“It’s a totally new approach from the TD and the boys are slowly but surely adapting to his style,” he said.
Fa’arodo further stated that the mood in the squad is positive and the lads are well aware of the task in hand.
“What is more important is the team is aware of what is at stake and we believe if we keep going like this we will be tough team to beat,” Fa’arodo added.
By SIMON ABANA
