Name to be announced soon by SIFF
By CROFTON UTUKANA
The Solomon Island Football Federation (SIFF) has identified a national coach to lead the senior men’s national team.
SIFF confirmed this via a statement, Wednesday.
“A long-term coach for the national men’s football team will be named soon after a preferred candidate has been identified from more than 40 professional applicants for the top job.”
SIFF Technical Director Moses Toata said they’ve identified the best candidate for the top post however SIFF President Willie Lai will formally announce the successful applicant soon.
“The period for application has closed and SIFF has identified the best candidate,” he said.
“The president will announce that on a later date. We have received 45 applications from all over the world since the post was advertised.”
He added the selection criteria are based on qualification, experience in working in the region including the Solomon Islands.
Start Sports understands Stanley Waita and Eddie Marahare are looking after the senior team training, however, training has been postponed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) precautionary measures.
The technical director also stressed that hiring a professional is an expensive practice but this is possible with the help of partners like La Liga.
‘In the past, the cost of hiring an overseas coach for a short term is 10,000 £uros per month plus accommodation, internal transport, and flights to the country and return.
“If the government can support football by sharing the cost of hiring a professional coach, we can do that.
“At the moment SIFF is also looking at a partnership with La Liga to help meet the cost of hiring the coach for a longer-term,” Toata added.
Meanwhile, Toata is calling on all selected national players to keep fit by having regular exercise during the break.
“If anyone needs help with a football work out plan, please contact the technical department and we can assist you with a periodized plan that you can follow to keep fit and healthy,” he stressed.
Football is still halted for an indefinite period in the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
