THREE time Telekom S-League winners Solomon Warriors are buoyant to begin the 2017/2018 season on a positive start against Real Kakamora today at Lawson Tama.
Warriors head coach Moses Toata told Star Sports they are determined to take vengeance over their third place finish last season.
Toata and company missed out on OFC Champions League qualification as they missed out on the two automatic qualification spots behind arch rivals Western United and champions Marist FC.
“I’m looking for a good start on Saturday (today) and will definitely make some improvements after the first game,” he said.
The former champion’s title challenge last season was believed to be mired by lack of fire power in their squad.
But this season players who left Warriors have re-sign with the club.
The Feni brothers, Gagame Feni, Matson Feni and Molis Gagame rejoin from cross town rivals Western United.
Ian Paia, Gibson Daudau, Kency Tangis and John Alick complete the array of players lured from Vanuatu.
“We have our Vanuatu imports as well and I’m pretty optimistic and hopeful of a very strong campaign this season,” Toata stated.
Playermaker and former captain Judd Molea, who looks to revive his career, will operate from the middle of the park.
Meanwhile, New Zealand based duo Benjamin Totori and Micah Lea’alafa are believed to be training with the club pending confirmations to resign.
Captain Haddis Aengari will lead from centre defence in partnership with national side colleague Emanuel Poila.
“Since I started coaching the team in 2012, I never had such a strong team at my disposal.
“I can never tell who will start every game because everybody in the team is equal in all aspects,” Toata added.
The match kicks off at 4pm.
By SIMON ABANA