THE national women’s U16 team jetted out of the country over the weekend ahead of the OFC Women’s U16 Championship in Fiji.
The ladies joined the national men’s team that left the country on Saturday afternoon on the same flight for Nadi before traveling on to Suva.
The ladies have already settled in Suva ahead of their competition scheduled to commence this weekend on Sunday.
The tournament will run from September 8 to September 21, at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, which will serve as the qualifying tournament for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2025.
The 23-player squad was selected by Head Coach Patrick Miniti after undergoing intense preparations over the past four months.
Many of the players in the current team were part of the National U15 side that competed in the OFC Women’s U15 Development tournament in April, bringing valuable experience to the lineup.
Coach Miniti also included in the team a New Zealand-based player, Bella Fa’arodo – daughter of former Solomon Islands International Henry Fa’arodo Jr who will be joining the team in Fiji this weekend.
Coach Miniti expressed pride in the team’s dedication and the development they’ve achieved through demanding training sessions.
“These young players have shown remarkable growth and commitment throughout the preparation phase,” he noted.
“We are now focused on giving our best performance and making our country proud.”
In the tournament, the Solomon Islands has been drawn into Group B, where they will face tough competition from New Caledonia, New Zealand, and Tahiti.
Coach Miniti acknowledges the challenges ahead but emphasizes the importance of building the players’ confidence and staying focused.
“It will be a challenging task, but the most important thing is to stay focused and allow these young girls to grow and develop in such competitions.”
Squad List:
Goalkeepers:
Fiona Goroani and Fernado Fosimo
Defenders:
Brenda Areni, Hellen Reubinson, Catherine Ramokoala, Teisika Rotoava, Junita Popu
Mavis Kofela, Anna Stephen, Freda Gwali, Bella Fa’arodo, Mulan Oihanua and Leandry Konare
Midfielders:
Betty Oriana, Agnes Afia, Angie Ragaruma, Hilda Kuisea and Joyce Siosi
Forwards:
Anna Ellen, Joy Toby and Rose Aba.
