HONIARA - The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) women’s open category competition kicked off with Guadalcanal and Honiara drawing their first pool match.

After a goalless first half, Guadalcanal got onto the score sheet first through Veronica Tolivaka after they conducted several raids into the Honiara territory.

But any hope of a win was washed away when Lynda Seda scored the equalizer to help her team share points with Guadalcanal in the opening match.

Speaking after the match, Guadalcanal Hornets coach Tom Ini says he was satisfied with the result.

“Honiara is a strong side but my girls fighting spirit kept us in the match right through,” he adds.

Ini stresses that he will not take other teams lightly as all teams have prepared well for this competition.

“We will not regard any team as weak and will take each match as it comes.”

Referring to the result, he says he was satisfied with the draw because as he puts it, “we are playing a quality side which has national players.”

“I’m satisfied with the draw…..but had we won it would be a bonus,” says Ini.

Honiara’s coach Timothy Inifiri was philosophical when approached for his comments saying that his girls played a very fit Guadalcanal team.

“We had to defend in the first half and gave away that goal in the second half but we held on and managed to get the equalizer.”

Like Ini, Inifiri says he is looking forward to their next match on Friday.

OUR TELEKOM CUP UPDATE: 

Temotu Arrows scored the biggest victory in Our Telekom Cup by far with a 8-0 win over a hapless Lauru Kuvojo from Choiseul province.

Bilikiki and KOSSA player Joe Luwi led the striking force for the Arrows who had to much fire power for the Kuvojo.

Going two up in the first half, flood gates opened for the Arrows in the second half when they scored a further six goals to open their campaign on high note.

It was a magnificent piece of play from the Arrows who showed no mercy and went on a goal scoring spree.

Story courtesy SIFF Media Officer Francis Pituvaka 

PAGO PAGO - As part of the approved FIFA Roadmap activities in collaboration with Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) to restore football under an elected administration in American Samoa, a Founding Congress of the Football Federation of American Samoa (FFAS) was held on Saturday 3^rd November 2007.

The Founding Congress recognized that football in American Samoa had regained its credibility over the past two years and that FIFA, OFC and the Normalization Committee considered that the normalization period had established the harmonious platform for the local football community to restore its equal standing among FIFA's 208 member associations.

In accordance with FIFA and OFC approved criteria, among the 27 clubs registered with ASFA Normalization Committee for 2007 football activities, 25 clubs were eligible to vote at the FFAS Founding Congress. However 2 registered clubs did not attend the Founding Congress leaving procedural matters to be voted on by delegates representing 23 clubs

Following an opening prayer by Normalisation Committee member Maselino Tautu, Chairperson Ms Pou Supapo formally opened the Founding Congress by acknowledging the tremendous support provided by the clubs to reach this stage of the Roadmap activities – to “move football forwards in the territory for the real benefit of the youth of today and tomorrow”.

A roll call and appointment of scrutineers followed then an activity report presented by the Normalization Committee that illustrated milestones and achievements during the past two years. Throughout the presentation it was clearly evident of the clubs support and contributions for football to be recognized as a well organized, professional and innovative sport.

Moving onto the business proceedings, FFAS Founding Congress delegates were presented with a list of new members of FFAS which had been approved by the Normalisation Committee that satisfied the criteria set out by FIFA, the new FFAS Statutes and the new FFAS  Standing orders of the congress.

90% of the Founding Congress delegates and subsequently FFAS members formally approved these items presented by the normalization committee, and therefore FFAS was created.

At this time and with a clear mandate from the FFAS members, Chairperson Ms Pou Supapo confirmed that the date for the Inaugural Congress of the Football Federation American Samoa would be held on Wednesday 12^th December 2007.

A number of club delegates expressed their sincere thanks to FIFA, OFC, Normalisation Committee and staff for their combined efforts to reach this milestone in the development of football in American Samoa looking forward to harmony and a solid football family for the future.

FFAS NC Chairperson Ms Pou Supapo in closing the Founding Congress thanked the members for their attendance, support and expressions of solidarity for the future development and growth of the federation.

Story courtesy Football Federation American Samoa (FFAS) 

HONIARA - Alongside Fiji star Inosi Ratu Cava former Auckland City FC striker and Papua New Guinea international striker Reggie Davani is Solomon Islands first ever overseas football import with the pair now starring for KOSSA in the Honiara-based DJ League.

Davani took time out to speak with OFC Media about his experiences in Solomon Islands, what it means to play in the OFC O-League, his opinion of the DJ League, NZFC and Telikom NSL Cup, and the sadness of missing out on competing at the XIII South Pacific Games with the Papua New Guinea national team.

OFC Media: How many people turn up to watch the DJ League matches?

Reggie Davani: My first game for KOSSA was played on a Thursday afternoon and there was a crowd of about 6,000 at Lawson Tama Stadium – it was crazy for a mid-week fixture. It was overwhelming the attention KOSSA attracted and it was flattering. Not many foreign players go to play in Solomon Islands and so it was a novelty to be given so much attention by the public and media here. I only hope I can try and repay that encouragement by scoring goals for the club. The other import here at KOSSA is Inosi Ratu Cava and we both feel honoured by the response.

OFC Media: Why did you sign for KOSSA?

Reggie Davani: Two reasons. First was because its an opportunity to play in the OFC O-League and secondly after I left Auckland City FC I thought the chance of playing at that level again had passed me by.

When KOSSA asked me to sign, I jumped at the chance to experience a new league, with a reputation for an attacking style of play and also for the new experience.

My contract is only a short term one and that meant I could see if I liked the atmosphere before committing to something more long term.

OFC Media: Who approached you to play for KOSSA?

Reggie Davani: I got an email from my good mate Vivian Wickham who helps with the KOSSA club and also the manager Willie Lau who is part of the coaching team. Willie said the club was committed to playing with a bit more freedom individually with the emphasis on free flowing attacking football. With Moses Toata and Jacob Moli also involved with the club and with big reputations as former players it was an attractive prospect overall.

OFC Media: Which of the players has impressed you most in Solomon Islands?

Reggie Davani: James Naka – he has great potential and would benefit from being in a more professional environment. James has done great things for Beach Soccer with his performances for the Bilikiki Boys at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Brazil over the past two years. Gideon Omokirio is another player I rate highly – he has loads of experience and is a born winner – he’s another one from the Bilikiki Boys who is a top quality footballer.

OFC Media: What comparison can you make between the standard of the DJ League and the New Zealand Football Championship (NZFC) or Papua New Guinea Telikom Cup?

Reggie Davani: Well, the NZFC is more organised when you play, tactically speaking, there is a strong plan. NZFC is much more physical and probably quicker paced. In Honiara you can’t play at that pace because the heat will get you so the build-up play is more patient. The DJ League is technically better player for player than the NZFC. In Papua New Guinea, the Telikom Cup is similar to the DJ League – but it’s the same as the rest of the island nations; there is a need for better organisation, better tactics rather than relying on individual talent by itself. The NZFC could benefit from a bit more flair though!

OFC Media: Which team has been the most difficult so far?

Reggie Davani: People are saying Marist FC will be tough and Makuru have made a good start, so I guess its those two clubs so far. Makuru will very tough.

OFC Media: Is there any extra pressure in being one of the first ever imported players to a new country?

Reggie Davani: Yeah, I guess there is but I try not to let it get to me.

OFC Media: Is playing in the DJ League making up for not appearing at the XIII South Pacific Games with Papua New Guinea international team?

Reggie Davani: It does…a little…playing in the OFC O-League is a great honour and its good to share the experience with another foreign player like Inosi who is from Fiji. We both struggled in the opening weeks of the season but we’re used to the heat and fine now.

I felt we had a good chance of making an impression in Samoa and to not get that chance hurt everybody but especially the players who missed out on the FIFA World Cup and OFC Nations Cup.

We lost 2-1 to Solomon Islands in a friendly international just before the South Pacific Games and we didn’t field our strongest team so there was a sense of emptiness at what might have been had we been given the chance to play in Samoa.

OFC Media: Do you play up front with James Naka?

Reggie Davani: Not really, James plays just in behind me and we do like to link up play. We’re slowly building up an understanding and its great when a move pays off. Things were disrupted a little by James travelling to Brazil for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup but I’m positive we’ll be back on track. All the players in Solomon Islands love to attack but that brings problems too in a general way. But we’re slowly getting there. Losing so many players to the Bilikiki Boys Beach Soccer campaign really hit our DJ League hopes.

OFC Media: How different is life and culture from Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands?

Reggie Davani: There are dramatic differences! At first I thought there would be similarities but it’s the small things you notice like not being able to drink tap water, so I use a water tank; food is really expensive and the everyday living standard is not as high. I’m not being critical or anything, its just different and the country is still developing. The internet is fine – football is always on the radio, television and newspapers and if you’ve got Sky Pacific you can get the FA Premiership matches and other international football. DJ League is restricted to radio coverage but football means everything to people here.

OFC Media: Can KOSSA win the O-League and/or DJ League?

Reggie Davani: Sure, but it won’t be easy. It’s the old cliché of taking it game by game. We’re confident in our own ability and we’ve got great support here in Honiara so anything is possible.

OFC Media: What was the atmosphere like when Solomon Islands were knocked out of the XIII South Pacific Games and consequently the FIFA World Cup?

Reggie Davani: Oh, man, you really have to be here to understand the sadness. People here cannot stand talking about the subject for too long it brings up too many bad memories for them. KOSSA is now flying the flag for Solomon Islands football so there is some compensation for missing out on Stage 2. But it still hurts the locals.

HONIARA - KOSSA’s misfortune continues in the DJ League Premier Division following its second consecutive defeat in the hands of a vastly improved Walas FC.

It was disappointing especially for PNG international Reginald Davani who was clearly frustrated at the lack of cohesion from his team mates.

Trailing 2-0 at halftime, KOSSA was thrown a lifeline when Samson Wa’ahero was brought down inside the penalty area and Davani made no mistake from the penalty spot to reduce the score line.

But Walas hit back again through Michael Taeman to increase the score line to 3-1.

KOSSA’s coach Jacob Moli made quick substitutions and it paid dividend when their second goal was scored.

They had a couple more chances but simply unable to score them.

Walas held on to record their second consecutive win in the league which also elevates them up the leagues table from 10^th to 6^th position.

Meanwhile in the other matches played on Saturday, Marist humiliated Rangers in a 5-1 hammering while Koloale managed a 1-1 draw against Hana in a spectacular match.

Bilikiki beach soccer boy, Richard Anisua scored the equalizer after they trailed Hana for much of the match. He had his penalty shot saved which denied them all three match points and likely move to second position.

DJ LEAGUE – PREMIER DIVISION

Standings – 27.11.07

HONIARA - 'Our Telekom' Cup National Under 23 soccer championships got underway in Honiara at the weekend following an float parade from Town Ground to Lawson Tama on Friday afternoon.

The late afternoon showers did little to dampen the spirits of all those who participated in the official opening programme.

The parade ended at Lawson Tama where the teams had waited for the final part of the opening ceremony - a declaration by the Honiara City Mayor Cr. Alfred Maetia.

Speaking before be officially declared the competiton open, the City Mayor sent a message to the participants that highlighted that youths make up the majority of population of the country and are under utilized and have a crucial role to play in future of the Solomon Islands.

Maetia said 'Our Telekom' leads the way in ensuring Solomon Islands youths are utilized by engaging them in a national soccer competition.

“Sports build bridges between people of all backgrounds and this competition will help promote friendship and understanding amongst the participants,” he adds.

'Our Telekom' CEO Martyn Robinson could not hide his feelings saying it was a great for him to witness the opening of Our Telekom Cup competiton.

He reminded all the participating teams to play in through spirit of sportsmanship adding ‘May the best team wins.”

Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) President Martin Alufurai says football continues to unite the country despite the current political situation.

Alufurai said in the face of all the civil unrest of recent years, football continues to build bridges bringing people from Temotu in the east to Choiseul in the West to participate in the 'Our Telekom' Cup soccer competition.

Alufurai told the players that the competition provided them with lifetime opportunity to be seen and perhaps selected to represent Solomon Islands in the OFC Olympic qualifiers in Fiji early next year.

He urges all the players to give their best in the competition.

Our Telekom provided more than SBD$200,000 for the hosting of the competiton.

Meanwhile, on the football pitch, Kakamora, Central Shields and Guadalcanal Hornets won their opening encounters on Match Day One of the 'Our Telekom' Cup competition on Saturday.

Our Kakamora from Makira Ulawa Provinces defeated Central Honiara Eels 3-1, Central Shields humbled Avaiki Chiefs of Renbel Province 4-2 and Guadalcanal Hornets brushed aside West Honiara to cap off a successful day one of competition for all provincial teams over city teams.

Waitakere United captain Danny Hay is excited to represent Oceania at this year’s FIFA Club World Cup but admits to being a realist ahead of their encounter with Iranian heavyweights Sepahan in Tokyo on December 7th.

“We’re a team full of plumbers, electricians and teachers playing against professional footballers,” said Hay. “But I have tasted FIFA tournaments before and on the day you never know. Hopefully we will do the nation proud.”

The FIFA Club World Cup consists of the champions of each continent and the host nations winner, competing for a total prize pool of 16 million dollars. Last years competition drew more than 300,000 spectators.

Waitakere are guaranteed a $500,000 pay packet for their attendance at the tournament, a figure that will double should they win their opening game.

The Waitakere side was officially welcomed to the tournament today by FIFA delegate John Schumacher on behalf of FIFA president Joseph S Blatter.

Waitakere coach Chris Milicich said he was excited but not overawed by the challenge infront of him.

“It is up to us to ensure that qualification from Oceania to this tournament continues to exist,” said Milicich. “I saw 60,000 screaming fans at the playoff game between the reds (Urawa) and Sepahan but at the end of the day its just 11 v 11. If we do what we can do there are opportunities to get a result.”

Waitakere United will complete a dream run when they play in the tournaments opening game in Tokyo. They were not even qualified for the 2007 Oceania Champions League but a late withdrawal offered them a last minute opportunity to enter the competition. Waitakere then went on to win their group and then the final against Fijian Champions Ba in a home and away series.

Waitakere executive chairman Rex Dawkins described their position among some of the world’s elite as a dream come true.

“It’s a memorable occasion and an exciting time for the club”, said Dawkins. “It’s a dream but if you believe in dreams there comes success at the end.

Hay said that his squad were well aware of how lucky they were to have this opportunity.
“What a chance of a lifetime for our guys. Many of us will never have a chance to be in something like this again.”

The O League champions tournament organised by Oceania was seen as a huge success by Oceania general secretary Tai Nicholas. “The league attracted 60,000 spectators in five countries,” said Nicholas. “The O league is growing in momentum.”

Auckland City were the last Oceania representatives to compete in the club world cup when they were defeated 3-0 by Asian champions Jeonbuk FC and 2-0 by African champions Al Ahly.

The Fijian New World National Football League has a new champion after Labasa thrashed their way to the title – their first in 16 years.

Labasa proved to have the most potent attack in the league with Fijian international Roy Krishna and Pita Bolaitoga doing most of the damage.

Bolaitoga scored a hat-trick in Labasa’s 5-0 thrashing of Navua, while Kirshna also scored three in their 4-3 win over Suva in Super Six action.

The win ended Ba’s hold on the title, which they held since 2001 and was a memorable day for Labasa who last tasted glory in the national competition in 1991.

Navua boasted a team featuring some high profile imports including former All White and Coventry City player Che Bunce, former Waikato FC captain Matt Williams, along with goalkeeper Fred Hale and Stephen Morrell.

However they couldn’t find the cohesion and combinations to counter Labasa. Bunce and Williams took command of the midfield after coming on at halftime, but couldn’t break down the resilient Lambasa defense.

Krishna opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Bolaitoga made it 3-0 with strikes in the 25th and 42nd minute. Henry Dyer made it 4-0, two minutes from half-time and Bolaitoga got his hat trick in the 68th min.

Labasa president Abhinesh Kumar was full of praise for his team and their two star strikers.

"They have been playing very well and scoring goals in almost all matches," Kumar said. "While they have played very well, I would like to say that without a team effort we wouldn't have achieved anything. It is through the commitment, discipline and dedication of the players,
officials and coach which has bought us this win."

Lambasa will now be one of the favorites to win the Inter District Cup title, though Kumar said that they were wary of all teams and will not underestimate anyone.