Gordon Iro, the 19-year-old central defender from the Solomon Islands, has been a standout player for Real Kakamora in the Telekom S-League (TSL) and recently represented his country in the OFC Men’s U19 Championship.
Despite his team’s valiant effort, Solomon Islands fell just short of qualifying for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile in 2025, succumbing to a 3-2 extra-time defeat against New Caledonia. Despite even scoring in the match, Iro and his teammates had a downfall of performance in the decisive parts of the match that lead to a disappointing defeat.
Reflecting on his season with Real Kakamora, Iro shared his thoughts on his development and aspirations.
“Yes, it’s been a good season, but I’m just starting. Playing in the TSL this year has been a great experience,” he remarked, underscoring his positive outlook on his current progress.
Iro, who previously played for Central Coast FC U19, is determined to gain more experience beyond the TSL.
“It’s been good, but I want to build up my experience and confidence more outside the country. I really need to play out of the TSL league,” he expressed, highlighting his ambition to broaden his horizons and enhance his skills on an international level.
The recent match against New Caledonia was a tough pill to swallow for Iro and his teammates.
He candidly shared his feelings about the loss: “I’m not sure what to say about the game against New Caledonia because I think we gave away the game.”
Despite the disappointment, Iro remains steadfast in his long-term goals.
“My aim is to take our beautiful nation to the World Cup, even though we lost. Despite that, maybe not today or tomorrow, but one fine day, I will play in the World Cup,” he said with determination.
Iro’s resilience and drive to succeed reflect the spirit of his team and nation. As he continues to grow and seek opportunities beyond the TSL, his aspirations of representing Solomon Islands on the world stage remain as strong as ever.
Source: Oceania Football Centre
