Supporters want change of squad line-up for next stage
Football supporters have called for change in the current lineup of the Solomon Islands men’s national football team.
Supporters said there should be a change in preparations for the third stage of the OFC World Cup Qualifiers.
They said there should be a new structure put in place so players can work on and also make good use of the time left before the next phase of the Qualifiers kicks off.
“We need change in the squad, coach, players, game structure, discipline and commitment before the next stage of the World Cup Qualifiers
“Our performance depends on our preparations.
“The team was not ready for the Nations Cup; they went into camp only a few weeks before the competition, they needed more time.
“Now that we have until next year to prepare for the next stage we must make good use of the time left.”
The call came following what was described by many as poor performance in the recent Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Nations Cup competition.
Solomon Islands only won one game out of four matches played; they defeated Vanuatu 1-0 in their opening group match.
Despite having only a win they made it into the semi finals but were denied a spot for the grand final playoff following a 1-0 defeat to hosts, Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Supporters also questioned why many players were on the bench for the whole campaign.
“For us fans and supporters we would like to see at least all the players try it out in the matches played.
“Surprisingly that was not the case, players like Moffat Kilifa, Dennis Ifunaoa were at the bench the whole time, these players we believe can make an impact to our performances.”
They called on SIFF to look into making changes starting with the coach and some of the players.
In a recent interview with the squad’s head coach Moses Toata, he said the game plan was done according to the technical advisor, Ramon Tribulliex
Many fans and supporters are well behind the team despite the poor performance which brought too many criticisms.
“Well done coach and the players, you went out there and did your best.
“Despite not performing to much of our expectation you strived through and reached the semi finals, a big achievement indeed.
“We look forward for the team to step up and do better in the third stage of the World Cup Qualifiers.
“You can do it,” they say.
Toata told Star Sports early this week that the sooner the training starts the better as there is limited time before the next stage of the qualifiers kicks off.
He admitted there is work to be done both in and off the field for both coaches and players.
He also revealed there will be some changes to the lineup of the squad however stressed it will be minimal.
While he calls for early preparation, Toata admitted he is not clear of his fate to continue lead the team as coach but revealed he has a good feeling he and the team can do better in the next stage.
“I’m not sure if I will still continue as head coach or not.
“I have a very good feeling that I can do better.
“If SIFF decides to engage Ramon or any overseas coach to help out, we need to engage him earliest.
“He is a very good coach, he has very high standards.
“His process is one of the best but as I said it needs a little time to get the players to get use to that process,” he said.
Toata is awaiting the arrival of the SIFF president to arrive from his overseas trip then discussions for the resumption of training shall start.
By CARLOS ARUAFU
