The manager of Vanuatu’s Amicale Football Club, Andrew Leong has hit back at head coach of the Solomon Islands men’s national football squad, Moses Toata saying he has never stopped any player from their national duties.
Toata on Monday expressed disappointment against Vanuatu’ Amicale FC manager, Andrew Leong’s for “luring three of the country’s national players” ahead of their Australian tour.
Leong said the three players James Naka, Freddie Kini and Joses Nawo are contracted players
SIFF has sent an email to Leong and ask if the boy’s can go to Vanuatu for the O’league preparations after they return from the National Team Tour but Leong refused to differ travel arrangements adding the boy’s need to be with Amicale now.
Leong in an email sited by Star Sports yesterday defended his decision stating it was not about refusing to allow the players from their national duties but the fact is that they are contracted players and should also be with the club for the pre-season preparations.
“I am very surprised that you went to the media showing your disappointment.
“I have never stopped any player to represent his country for national duty,
“I stated clearly to you and SIFF that the players are returning to Vila to join the team for pre –season training and this was planned six to eight weeks ago.
“These players are getting paid and have a contract with Amicale FC.
“You are responsible to call the players to join the squad and at the same time you are responsible to arrange a return ticket to wherever they are based,” Leong said.
Toata in his response apologized for expressing his disappointment not knowing that the trio are contracted players with Amicale FC at the first place.
“Firstly, I understand your retort and secondly, I knew which players were currently playing overseas and when I selected the team for this tour, James Naka and Nelson Sale were already out of this tour.
“When Naka showed up, he indicated his intentions to be with the team for the Sydney Tour but as for Nawo and Kini, I admittedly have no prior knowledge that they where your contracted players.
“I have no intention of bringing in any overseas players especially those you already contracted,” he said.
Toata stressed he has made his position clear to all other squad players that while they may have a thousand choices, he has only two options for them either to join the National Team or not.
He then clarified that the trio, James Naka, Joses Nawo and Fred Kini will not be part of the Solomon Islands National Team tour to Sydney.
By CARLOS ARUAFU
