MALAITA Eagles coach Terry Oiaka urged his players to setup in their next match of the Solomon Cup this weekend.
The Eagles could not turn their dominance of the encounter with Western Turtles into victory.
Speaking to the press after the 1-1 draw with the Turtles on Tuesday, Oiaka said his boys need to step up in their crucial second match.
“Our first game was quite hard and credit to Western for a good game.
“We need to step up in our next game this coming Saturday as the boys are looking forward to take on Isabel,” he said.
Just like other provincial sides in the national football tournament, there are quite a good number of young guns in the Malaita Eagles side.
Oiaka said the tournament provides a great platform for young players to perform.
“It is a good experience for my boys as we have some very young players in the team.
“I think for them to play in front of such a huge crowed is something special for the young players,” he said.
Malaita Eagles will play its second crucial match against Isabel.
“We just need to work on our weakness in preparation for the next game.
“We have big respect to Isabel as they are a good side,” the Eagles head coach added.
Isabel was runners-up in the Solomon Games football tournament last year and many football fanatics in the capital expect a battle when the two teams meet on Saturday.
The lads from the longest Island held Telekom S-League champions Marist to a nil all in their final friendly match yesterday at Ports Field.
The Solomon Cup will resume on Friday with two Group A matches.
Malaita Eagles are the cup holders as their 2009 all conquering side was the last to lift the trophy.
By SIMON ABANA
