Tight security will be mounted today
TWO visiting provincial teams have proved their worth resulting in the Solomon Games soccer grand finale a provincial affair.
Makira Kakamoras yesterday removed hosts from the final equation as Isabel Frigates downed Malaita Eagles in tough semi-final encounters yesterday at Lawson Tama.
This leaves two provincial teams for the top spot battle scheduled for this afternoon.
In the first semi-final match, Isabel Frigates flew higher than the Eagles with 4 unanswered goals.
The second semi-final was a tight battle which resulted in a penalty shoot-out. Makira beat hosts in the shoot-out.
The loosers final has been scheduled for 1pm this afternoon while the grand final was scheduled for 3pm.
Meanwhile security will be upgraded for the finals with large numbers of police and other personnel expected to be on the ground to ensure safety.
The organising committee of the Solomon Games football tournament said security is of paramount importance and the safety of patrons and officials is something the committee has seriously considered.
Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) competitions manager, Gideon Omokirio, announced that the organising committee is working closely with police for security arrangements for the football finals.
“We have had several meetings with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and we feel confident with the organisation of security for the event,” says Omokirio.
“We took on board advice from the police and shared with them our concerns as well. Hence, I think everyone understands what needs to be done.”
At the same time an appeal is made to the public to be aware of security arrangements and enjoy the matches in a positive manner.
“We look forward to the finals and ask that spectators come to enjoy the event and celebrate the football on the field displayed by our provincial teams,” says Omokirio.
The organising committee is maintaining the ticket rates for the group stages in the finals with grandstand tickets $20.00 and hillside adults $10.00 and hillside children $5.00.
Tickets will be sold from one central location and only ticket holders will be allowed to enter the gates.
Exhibition matches featuring players from the Honiara Football Association (HFA) football excellence programme will take place before the semi-finals and grand final matches.
By STEPHEN DIISANGO
