Australian Josh Smith has been named the country’s new national football team head coach.
Smith is in Suva, Fiji to join the national squad for the Tri-Nations series against Fiji and Hong Kong China this week.
The much-anticipated announcement came after months of waiting by soccer fans since the departure of the former coach Felipe Vega-Arango in June.
Vega-Arango is now the new coach for Papua New Guibea (PNG) national football side.
He arrived with his family in Port Moresby over the weekend.
SIFF in a statement today says, Technical Director Toata – the interim Head Coach revealed that Smith will be using the international friendlies this week to watch and get acquainted with the players before taking over for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in October.
Smith is no stranger to the local football set up – having known for his contribution to Pacific Football through the Dural Football Ministry.
He also being the man behind some of the prolific names to play in Australia.
BACKGROUND
Clubs coached with in Australia,
Adelaide City, FK Beograd, Adelaide Cobras, Adelaide United & Central Coast Mariners.
Vanuatu National Team Technical Advisor.
COACHING CREDIENTIALS
AFC A License
Bachelor Degree in Health Science
Run a High Performance Football Centre in Australia (Player Performance Project) which specialises in sport science and athletic development for footballers.
According to the schedule Solomon Islands will take on Fiji on Monday 2nd September in Suva.
Then on Thursday, 5th September, Solomon Islands will take on Hong Kong China again in Suva.
The final match between Fiji and Hong Kong China will be played at Lautoka on Sunday, 8th September.
The friendlies are important for Fiji and Solomon Islands to prepare for the World Cup qualifier in October.
In March this year, Solomon Islands hosted Fiji in a two leg friendly series which was won by Fiji.
Schedules:
Fiji v Solomon Islands
Date: September 2
HFC Bank Stadium, Suva
Solomon Islands v Hong Kong China
Date: September 5
HFC Bank Stadium, Suva
Fiji v Hong Kong China
Date: September 8
Churchill Park, Lautoka
This event provides an excellent opportunity for both South Pacific nations to test their capabilities against a stronger Asian side.
For Fiji, this marks their first encounter with a non-OFC opposition since 2019 when they faced Mauritius at Churchill Park and secured a 1-0 victory courtesy of a goal by Roy Krishna. On the other hand, Solomon Islands had two friendly matches in 2023, drawing 1-1 against Singapore and losing 4-1 to Malaysia.
The Tri-Nations tournament promises to be an exciting event, offering valuable international experience for all participating teams and thrilling football action for fans.
