Solomon Islands national beach soccer team might not be competing in an official beach soccer tournament for almost six years but the 2013 Oceania champions are back in this year’s beach soccer world cup qualifiers edition.
Oceania and Solomon Islands top beach soccer player, James Naka is looking to make his last tournament a memorable one. The veteran beach soccer sensation was called up by his former team mate and current head coach Gideon Omokirio.
“This is my last tournament. For sure, I might as well make it a memorable one. The team got new fresh players so we the old ones can blend in really well. We’ll play every game as if they are our final,” Naka said.
Indeed, the Solomon Islands beach soccer fans are excited for the news of their team competing again but also aware of the supremacy of Tahiti over the past few years.
The Solomon Islands national beach soccer team, the Bilikikis are taking this tournament seriously and team manager Rueben Oimae make sure his players are up for it mentally.
“Every game is a final for us. I keep that main topic in the team’s mindset. Tahiti is obviously favourites but when we’re there. It is competition time! We will try our best and this time we believe in ourselves,” Oimae expressed.
The Bilikiki boys completed their final training session last week and will fine tune themselves for their opening match against New Caledonia today.
By Alex Waimora
