National squad takes on All Stars today
THE Solomon Islands national men’s football team will play their first friendly match today after weeks of resuming training.
They will take on the All Stars team at 3pm at the Lawson Tama Stadium this afternoon.
All Stars team is a team comprised of top provincial players selected from the recent Solomon Cup tournament.
The All Stars team will be led by the coaches of the top four teams in the Solomon Cup, Terry Oiaka of Malaita, Tome Kiki of Central, Alick Wickham of Western and Addie Rukumana of Choiseul.
The coaches strongly anticipate a good game against the squad today.
According to the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF), a tough and young team like the All Stars will give a good test run for the squad players.
Both teams are high in spirit since they have been actively taking part in their respective competitions and trainings for the past weeks.
Whilst it is good for the preparation of the country’s national team for the Oceania World Cup Qualifiers final, it will also help expose the provincial players and to feel the strength of the country’s national team.
National Head coach, Felipe Vega Arongo will no doubt use this match to see weak areas which needs to be addressed before the World Cup Qualifiers finals.
All Stars team manager, George Rausi told Star Sports yesterday that
The team is in camp at the SIFF Academy.
He said they are looking forward for two friendly matches but is yet to confirm the second friendly match.
He assured the players will be given allowances by SIFF.
Meanwhile the entrance fee for both the grandstand and the hill side will be $10.
Goal keepers
Jimmy Awa (Western Tutles)
Jerry Tom (Malaita)
Defenders
Andrew Rarangia (Malaita)
Martin Rence ( Western)
Roven Malan (Central)
Rabuka Sipele (Lauru)
Mensah Nelson (Lauru)
Holland Silikesa (Lauru)
Sammy Osifelo (Isabel)
Fox Pute (Temotu)
Midfielders
Clifton Aumae (Malaita )
Oscar Sara ( Central)
Steven Simon (Central)
Conley Rata ( Western)
Ale Vatoki (Lauru)
Ian Ngahu (Makira)
Bwagi Oswin (Makira)
Eugene Tekobi (Renbel)
Michael Patiti (Guadalcanal)
Forwards
Clement Baegeni (Malaita)
Kenedy Watemae (Central)
John Kamavae (Lauru)
David Tome (Honiara)
By CARLOS ARUAFU
