A FINAL squad for the upcoming Oceania Futsal Challenge next month in Fiji has been named last Friday.
Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) together with the Kurukuru assistant coach Jerry Sam announced the names.
The tournament will be held from February 8 to 13.
The selection panel has named a 18-man squad to represent the country in the FIFA Oceania World Cup qualifier.
Out of the 18 players four are non-travelling players.
Sam told Star Sports that the selection process was not an easy task but managed to put together a team, which he’s confident, will perform well in the competition.
The final line up comprised of mostly all the old Kurukru players except for only two new players, Alwin Hou and beach soccer star Robert Laua.
Both Hou and Laua proved their worth why they should be selected for the national squad during the recent tour in Australia last year.
Then, of course, there is Ragomo, the man who has all along being named the captain of the Kurukuru team and who aims to take out the challenge title once again under his leadership.
The non-traveling players are strongly urged to continue to train with the traveling squad as they can replace any players who might get injured during their preparation before the competition kicks off next month.
Sam said Kurukuru sqaud will be camping at the SIFF’s Academy next week and will be travelling to Sydney, Australia, on the 18th of January for their final camp and few friendlies before heading to Fiji.
“In Australia we will be having two friendly matches against the Australian national futsal team and few matches against Dural Warriors before heading to Fiji.
“Our head coach Juliano Schmeling will also team up with us on the 21st of this month in Sydney before heading to Fiji.
“We are expected to be in Fiji four days before the official competition kicks off,’’ the Kurukuru assistant coach said.
Final squad for OFC Futsal Championship 2016
1 Anthony Talo (GK)
2 Paul Huia (GK)
3. Alwin Hou (DFD)
4. George Stevenson (FWD)
5. Elliot Ragomo (UTILITY)
6. Samuel Osifelo (DFD)
7. Francis Lafai (WING)
8. James Egeta (UTILITY)
9. Micah Lea’alafa (UTILITY)
10. Jeffery Bule (DFD)
11. Coleman Makau (FWD)
12. Mathias Saru (WING)
13. Robert Laua (WING)
14. Jack Wetney (WING)
NTR: Non- traveling
15. Phillip Mango (GK) (NTR)
16. Moffat Kiriau (WING) (NTR)
17. Albert Wetney (FWD) (NTR)
18. Junior Wane (WING) (NTR)
By CROFTON UTUKANA
