The much anticipated grand-final showdown of the 2024 Honiara Masters Football League is set to rock Lawson Tama this weekend.
S-Titans and SIFF Legends face off as the familiar foes set out to prove ‘form is temporary’ and ‘class is permanent’ in what is expected to be a fierce battle between the old guards.
The grand final is scheduled for this Sunday 24 November at the home of football, Lawson Tama Stadium. The early kick-off at 2pm will be a clash between TKO and Solomon Ports as they look to restore some pride after their respective semi-final defeats.
Unbeaten through the group stages, both teams boost several former members of the Solomon Islands national team, players that have donned the green, yellow and blue with absolute pride during their prime and have since hanged up their boots.
The Titans were made to work hard for a place in the final following their 2-1 comeback win against a determined TKO outfit in the semis. The Legends on the other hand went down the wire with Solomon Ports to sudden penalties after the scoreline was locked after fulltime and the first five penalty kicks.
Legends captain and former national defender, Gideon Omokirio is confident his side will take that winning mentality into the final come Sunday.
“In the semi-final we come out with full force, and we are very encouraged by the team’s fighting spirit until the very end. We will take that same fighting spirit into the final,” the former national team captain, Omokirio, said.
Omokirio pointed out that both teams always play against each other in friendlies and the fact most of the players in the Legends and Titans sides are former teammates for club and country during their playing days.
“A lot of the former national reps we play together during our time. The final on Sunday will be very tough because we know each other well,” he said.
His opposite number, the player/coach for the Titans, Leslie Leo says both teams are just one game away from winning the first ever Honiara Masters Football League.
“Its anybody’s game,” Leo said.
“I have outmost confidence in our team, and we head into the final full of enthusiasm and ambition. We have a lot of respect for our opponents, but we also have a lot of confidence because we have had a good tournament so far,” the former national defender, Leo, said.
The Titans defence has been rock solid throughout the group stages and the semis, however, they have conceded six goals already.
The inclusion of Tome Faisi will strengthen the Titans defence already consisting of Leo, Jeffery Siepe and Sammy Tagini.
Judd Molea’s accuracy and pinpoint passing will be key as he controls the engine room for the Titans in mid-field supported by the likes of George Lui, Richard Fugui and William Misibini with the injured Francis Wasi an option from the bench.
In attack the Titans have scored 14 goals coming into this final and led by former under-23 striker Yohan Doiwale who already has seven goals and leading the golden boot race.
On the other end of the pitch, the Legends assembles an equally impressive line-up of former national reps.
Fred Hale, who was the hero for them in the semi-final penalty shootout, will start between the sticks protected in defence by Hardis Aengari, who just recently hanged up his boots, Eddie Edwin and captain Gideon Omokirio. Nelson Sale also featured for the Legends in the group stages.
In mid-field Richard Anisua, Franco Ne’e and SIFF President Donald Marahare will be providing the service to their attackers. And the Legends are not short of options upfront with Willie Beuka and former national left footed striker Moses Toata with the ever dangerous Batram Suri operating from the left wing.
“The Legends will do our best. I know Titans will do their best as well and may the best team win. But we also want to win the final,” Legends captain, Omokirio, said.
Titans coach, Leo, said this will be a special occasion.
“It’s going to be a difficult game because it’s a final, at the same time this will be a special game for some of us.
“Most of the players are former national team players, and to come together in the final of our social competition even when our days of playing competitively is over is something special,” Leo said.
The 2024 Honiara Masters Football League was organized for the first time this year to promote a healthy lifestyle and exercise for those in Honiara who are interested in playing the beautiful game.
Despite the fact there’s always going to be only two teams playing in the final for the right to be called champions, everyone, the teams and players who have participated in this social football competition since September are all winners.
For without everyone, the first ever Honiara Masters Football League would not eventuate.
BY PHILIP LILOMO
