FOLLOWING the departure of the first three Solomon Islands young footballers Raphael Le’ai, Rovu Boyers and Javin Wae to Australia last week after securing moves to various clubs in Australia for the Australia National Premier League (NPL) 2025/2026 season, another three Solomon Islands footballers have followed suit.
Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) confirmed this upon announcing the transfers of Micah Lea’alafa, Junior David and William Komasi who have all received the green light to join their respective Australian teams last week.
Komasi and David left the country last Friday afternoon, while Lea’alafa has been in Australia since last year playing for the Boegard FC.
Lea’alafa, who has played for FK Beograd in South Australia for the past 2 seasons, will now don the colours of Adelaide Vipers FC, while William Komasi is set to strengthen Adelaide Omonia Cobras and the versatile defender Junior David will link up with Croydon FC.
According to SIFF, the Adelaide Vipers Head Coach Maged Ibrahim expressed his excitement over Lea’alafa’s signing:
“We are thrilled to welcome Micah to Adelaide Vipers. He’s an exceptional attacking player who brings creativity and experience to our front third. We’re confident he’ll be a vital part of our squad for years to come as we continue to build for success.”
Adelaide Omonia Cobras Head Coach, Matt Prodanovski, highlighted Komasi’s work ethic and potential:
“As Senior Coach, I’m delighted to welcome William to our playing squad. His determination and performances with the national team convinced us he’s a perfect fit. William’s tenacity, quality passing, and high work rate align with our playing style. I’m excited to see him grow into a more dominant player as the season progresses. He’ll be a key addition as we aim for honors in 2025.”
Meanwhile, Croydon FC Head Coach, George Tsonis, lauded Junior David’s versatility and impact:
“After watching Junior’s recent performances, we’re thrilled to have such a versatile athlete join our squad. His ability to play multiple roles with high quality will be invaluable for our young team. We’re eager to see the impact he’ll have in the upcoming season.”
SIFF, in a statement, revealed that these moves were also made possible through partnership with the Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands – a four-year SBD18.4 million (AUD3.5 million) investment in football.
The Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton, in a statement, said the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership programme will develop more Pacific football superstars, inspire the next generation and strengthen Australia’s close connections with the Solomon Islands.
“We believe this Solomon Islands – Australia Partnership program will develop more Pacific football superstars, inspire the next generation and strengthen Australia’s close connections with the Solomon Islands. Iumi wan thru sport,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
