SOLOMON Islands national veteran footballer and Solomon Warriors forward Dennis Ifunaoa has announced his retirement from national football after his debut in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Prime Minister’s Cup (PM’s) 2024 in Honiara.
Ifunaoa is one of the true legends of the game, having shown commitment to football at both the national team level and club level for many years until he made his final debut for the Solomon Islands National Development Team in the MSG-PM’s Cup last month.
Ifunaoa, in a statement, posted online after the 2024 MSG-PM’s Cup said 2024 is a year to remember as it is his final international tournament.
“What a year to remember. It is my final international tournament, having debut with the National Development Team. With years of football commitment and hard work in representing our national flag and our country in few international tournaments, I can say this is my final international tournament.
“With great honour, I want to thank Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF), the coaching staff and my colleagues. Thank you so much for the opportunity given to me for the past years. I’ve learned a lot from you guys.
“On this note, I want to wish all of you a brighter soccer future at the international level for 2025 and beyond. To my club level (Solomon Warriors) Head Coach Franco Ne’e, thank you so much for guiding me all through those years with the club.
“Football has given me everything in life today. If it is not for football, I maybe a criminal, drug addict or something else.
“Lastly but not the least, thanks to my family, my partner, my kids, my red army family (Solomon Warriors) and to those who helped me in one way or the other or crossed paths with me,” Ifunaoa said.
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
