HONIARA: The visiting Vanuatu national team spoiled Solomon Bonitos’ independence party beating them 2-1 in the final match of the inaugural Telekom Wantok Cup here in Honiara on Monday.

Goals from substitute Jean Robert Yelou and stand-in captain Seimata Chilia was enough to cancel out Lency Saeni’s opener and become the runners up behind Solympics in the three days tournament.

Vanuatu made few changes from their original line up against Solympics on Saturday with experienced Chikau Mansale starting in goal defending the western end of Lawson Tama in the first half.

Derek Malas also started with coach Malas Williams opting to retain his two forwards in Jean Nako Naprapol and Michell Kaltak.

Solomon Bonitos looked lethal upfront with Commins Menapi and Godwin Bebeu leading the attack, Mostyn Beui, Judd Molea, Ian Ngahu and Saeni in midfield.

The first half though seemed tough, each side failed to utilise its chances as the goal drought continued.

Vanuatu had their fair share of the game with Naprapol missing his golden chances trying to bury the ball behind Bonitos keeper Leon Lekezoto.

The ever reliable Nelson Sale, Martin Ruhasia, Arnold Keni and Mahlon Houkarawa started for Bonito in defence.

But Vanuatu’s midfield combination of Seimata and captain Moise Poida were outstanding, orchestrating clinical moves from the centre for their wingers and forwards.

Poida also tested Lekezoto towards half time with a blistering shot, but the Bonito held on to a nil all draw going into the break.

The second half promised more drama as Bonitos brought in Matthew Okamae to strengthen the defence when Keni almost let Vanuatu took the lead.

When Vanuatu looked sharp to score, Menapi shot straight at Mansale at the right eastern end of Lawson Tama and Saeni scored from the rebound for the opener.

From then on, the match became tough and rough as both sides searched high and low for goals.

Then as Naprapol missed another chance, coach Malas brought in Yelou who scored the only goal in their 1-2 defeat to Solympics on Saturday.

The introduction of Yelou made a huge impact as he contributed to both goals for Vanuatu in the second half.

He scored the equaliser when he came face to face with Lekezoto after his midfielders split open the Bonito’s defence.

Yelou also won the free kick when Sale brought him down outside the penalty area, which Seimata curled home past Lekezoto for Vanuatu’s second and winning goal.

Poida and Jeffry Lego Gete left the field of play on stretcher, which perhaps summed up Bonito’s frustration on the day.

And when Vanuatu’s substitute Selwyn Tari handed Seimata the captain’s arm band from injured Poida, he (Seimata) delivered the killer free kick to give the visitors a deserved victory.

Solympics who drew 3-3 with Bonito last Thursday and win 2-1 against Vanuatu on Saturday won a trophy, gold medals and the $40,000 Solomon dollars cash prize as champions with four points.

Vanuatu came second with three points and won a $20,000 cash prize and silver medals whilst Solomon Bonito came third with a $10,000 cash award and bronze medals earning just one point. 

Story by Priestley Habru all pictures from Island Sun Newspaper

Solomon Bonito: Third Place

Vanuatu: Runners Up

Joe Roger (19)of Vanuatu attempts to dribble past Judd Molea Solomon Bonito in the final match of the Telekom Wantok Cup in Honiara on Monday. Vanuatu won 2-1.

Vanuatu goal scorer Jean Robert Yelou, left, contests for the ball against Solympics defender Welchman Houkarawa on Saturday. Solympics won 2-1.

Commins Menapi in action for Solomon Bonito against Welchman Houkarawa of Solympics. Both sides drew 3-3 last Thursday.

AUCKLAND - New Zealand Football named former music industry executive Michael Glading as its new Chief Executive on Monday.

Glading (54) will assume the role on July 16, replacing Paula Kearns who has been acting in the role since Graham Seatter’s departure from the Albany-based national body in April.

Having spent 19 years as Sony Music New Zealand’s managing director and six years previously as the company’s finance manager, Glading said there were plenty of similarities between his old and new industries.

“Football, like music, is an industry where there are many different stakeholders with a lot of emotion invested,” Glading said.

“The test for me in previous roles has been to turn that into commercial success.

“It’s an exciting challenge to do the same in the sport I’m so passionate about.”

In the last ten years under Glading’s stewardship, Sony achieved year-on-year profit growth, in a reducing and highly competitive market.

While still over a week away from his first day in the role, Glading had already identified one of his priorities.

“We have to make sure that as an organisation and a sport we’re all on the same page.”

“By maintaining a highly professional organisation, I believe that excellence off the field will lead to excellence on it.”

New Zealand Football commissioned recruitment agency Momentum Consulting in April to head the search for a new CEO. The agency prepared a shortlist and then interviewed candidates with members of NZF’s board.

Following the sport’s annual congress on June 25, the newly-elected full board met with the final candidates and made the appointment.

“The agency presented us with many high-calibre candidates,” NZF Chairman Frank van Hattum said, “but the things that struck the board about Michael were his strong financial sense and business acumen combined with excellent relationship-building and communication skills.”

“Michael can really drive the move towards financial sustainability, while strengthening the links across football in New Zealand”

After Sony’s merger with BMG, Glading has spent the last three years as a contractor on projects in publishing, sports management and concert promotion while serving on the boards of New Zealand on Air and various media industry trusts and bodies.

Michael Glading (pronounced: “glay-ding”)

Managing director of Sony Music NZ for 19 years (1986- December 2004)
Six years as finance manager of Sony Music NZ (1978-1984)
Business manager for Sir Bob Charles 2005-2008
Served as president of Recording Industry Association for nine years
Board member of New Zealand on Air
Board member of New Zealand on Screen (Government-owned Trust)
Chairman of Play it Strange (Charitable Trust)
Chairman of New Zealand Music Performance Committee (Radio body)
Signed and developed numerous New Zealand  recording artists, including Bic Runga and Brooke Fraser
Since 2005, promoted and organised tours by numerous international recording artists, including Pavarotti, INXS, Stevie Nicks, UB40, and Paul Potts
Married with three daughters
Has been a football player for over 25 years
Qualified accountant (B.Com - Auckland)

Story and Photo courtesy of NZF Media. For more information please visit www.nzfootball.com

BA will become the first foreign team in eight years to feature in the prestigious Durand Cup at the Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi, India this August.

The Men In Black have been invited to play in the month long tournament which feature 30 teams.

Muktijoddha Krira Chakra of Dhaka and Bhutan XI were the last foreign teams to participate in the tournament in 2000.

The Durand Cup which was started by Sir Mortimer Durand in Simla in 1888 is the third oldest football tournament after the English and the Scottish FA Cups.

Ba Football Association president Rishi Kumar said they are proud to be part of a historical event.

Kumar said the visa arrangements for the Ba to travel to India were in the process.

He said Ba was going to India with the hopes of the nation.

"We will be representing the whole country and not Ba as a district," Kumar said.

"This is an exciting trip and it is a first for any district in the country."

Durand Cup secretary Joginder Singh told the website www.hindu.com that it was a big boost to have a team with the credentials of Ba playing in their tournament.

The tournament will begin with a qualifying round of 18 teams on August 8.

The main round of competition will start on August 18.

Four teams from the qualifying round will proceed to the pre-quarterfinals, where they will be joined by 12 directly seeded teams.

Royal Scots Fusiliers won the inaugural Durand cup in 1888 defeating Highland Light Infantry score 2-1.

New signings, Maciu Dunadamu, Pita Bolaitoga, Joshua Wilson and Manueli Kalou played key roles for Vodafone Ba in its 3-1 thumping of Rewa in the New World National Football League Super Six in Fiji.

The four were signed in the June transfer window and had strengthened the Men in Black side which is building up for the O League.

Dunadamu, who is the most feared striker in Fiji circles, was on the score sheet in his debut match.

He played for Suva and Labasa earlier this season.

"First of all I want to thank the Lord for putting me in a great team such as Ba," the 21-year-old said.

"Playing for Ba has always been a dream for me it's easier to get into the Fiji team than to get into the Ba side.

"I'm really proud to have scored for Ba on my debut. I'm aiming to become the top goal scorer this year

"I want to score in every game, even when I face Labasa."

A goal to Josaia Bukalidi put Ba ahead 1-0 at the breather.

Further goals to Wilson and Dunadamu put the hosts out of reach.

Rewa scored a consolation goal to striker Cama Qerewaqa.

League leaders, Vodafone Labasa Lions team remained unbeaten when it defeated Lautoka 2-1.

The match at Subrail Park in Labasa saw more than 2000 home crowd witness the third win of the so far unbeaten Labasa team.

Veteran Lautoka striker Salesh Sami scored first to give the visitors the lead.

However, Labasa’s Vanuatu import, Joseph Namariau, and Fiji defender Apisalome Turuva got two goals to give the hosts the win.

Labasa coach Bal Sanju Reddy said his side could have scored more then two goals but wrong decisions on the field didn’t allow them to.

“We could have scored more goals but some decisions of game plan by the boys on the field made us miss all the opportunities of extra goals,” Reddy said.

“That is something we will work on before we meet Nadi in our next match. The players need to make fast and effective decisions of playing while on the field so we will focus on that.”

Solomon Islander Vahid Namo inspired V Energy Drink Nadi to a 4-2 victory over Power Electric Suva at the National Stadium on Saturday evening.

Namo, a new recruit was lethal in attack scoring a brace of goals in the New World Super Six fixture.

Namo fired the opener for Nadi. The visitors went up 2-0 after former Tavua and Lautoka rep Mohammad Shameem scored.

Leone Damudamu pulled one back for the hosts from the spot kick before half time.

Nadi made it 3-1 after Namo scored his double.

Suva reduced the gap after Maleli Nakalavo scored from another penalty.

Josefa Dugucagi sealed the win with Nadi remaining unbeaten.

In the Bottom Four, Navua kept its 100 percent record for the season with a 5-0 thumping of Nadroga.

Lanky Apisai Smith got a hat trick for Navua while striker Epeli Saukuru and Simione Maikali added one each for the Fiji FACT champs.

Nasinu coached by former national hero, Ravuama Madigi thumped Tavua 3-0.

Solomon Islander Aldrine Kilua got a double while striker Nathan Kumar scored a goal in the impressive victory.

Super Six

Bottom Four 

HONIARA: The Solympics have secured Solomons fate in the Telekom Wantok Cup tournament following their 2-1 victory over the visiting Vanuatu side at Lawson Tama on Saturday.

A win for Vanuatu in their final match against Solomon Bonito this afternoon will not affect the standing as Solympics is on four points having played two matches already.

Solympics’ win had elevated them to the top of table and a chance to scoop the $40,000 cash prize and trophy that is up for grabs. However, if the Bonitos beat Vanuatu by three goals and not concede any, they stand a descent chance to top the table and claim the top prize.

Both Bonito and Vanuatu would want to end the tournament on high and it is anticipated that there will be plenty of drama in the final match.

Vanuatu is bent on avenging their loss to what is regarded as Solomons next senior national players in waiting and would definitely line-up its best for this match.

Having conceded two goals from the Solympics they would want to keep a clean sheet in their match with the senior boys – a feat that only the 90 minutes of play will determine.

In their match against the Solympics, Ezra Sale was the toast of his side. He mesmerised the Vanuatu defence with his blistering pace to score his sides’ two goals in each halves of the match to secure three important tournament points which will play a huge part in their final position.

Solympics head coach, Luke Eroi, had gambled with his players going into this match because he knew little about the Vanuatu team.

Speaking in a post match interview prior to their game with Vanuatu, Eroi said he had no idea about them [Vanuatu] adding that if his boys could settle down inside the first 15 minutes then he predicted a win for them.

Vanuatu Head Coach Malas Williams was philosophical about the defeat when asked about what his boys did not do right resulting in their loss.

He said he had to replace some of his boys because they had not performed in the match.

Williams hinted that players who did not perform would be sidelined in the second match against Solomon Bonito.

A likely starter in this afternoon for Vanuatu would be one of Oceania’s top goalkeepers Chikau Mansale who ply his trade in Brisbane Australia.

The Vanuatu coach said the team to play against the Bonito would be different from the one that played the Solympics.

Meanwhile, presentation of prizes will be conducted straight after the match this evening at Lawson Tama.

HONIARA: Two goals from Makuru FC striker Ezra Sale in each half was enough for Solympics Team to disappoint the visiting Vanuatu side 2-1 in the second match of the inaugural Telekom Wantok Cup in Honiara on Saturday.

Sale scored just before halftime to take Solympics 1-0 into the break but Jean Robert Yelou equalised for Vanuatu in the second half to make the match more exciting.

But the hosts made sure the Telekom Wantok Cup does not live Solomons’ shores and scored the winning goal late in the second half through a hardworking Sale.

When Fijian referee Leonie Rakoroi started the match, it seemed Solympics would find it hard to penetrate the western end of Lawson Tama field manned by Vanuatu national regulars Fedy Vava, Geoffrey Lego Gete and Ken Masauvakalo.

The only missing Vanuatu experienced player was Chikau Mansale in goal, but his team mate John Presley Garae took on the role.

Captain Moise Poida and Seimata Chilia were other notable Vanuatu players controlling the midfield.

Solympics made three amends from their 3-3 draw with Solomon Bonito with Stanton Hila coming in defence, Nathan Kera in attack and Mahlon Maemania in midfield.

The match started strongly with both sides creating scoring opportunities, and Vanuatu playing more technical football.

Solympics played a fast game, continually moving the ball ahead whenever they were in possession.

Kera had a lot of running in front alongside Sale and had two missed opportunities which he could have converted.

In defence, Hardis Aengari, Welchman Houkarawa, Timothy Joe and Hila were always alert to quell any attack by Vanuatu.

The pacy Michell Kaltak and Jean Nako Naprapol had few chances, but were either denied or saved by Solympics captain and keeper Shadrack Ramoni.

Sensing it was their final match, Solympics needed goals and Johan Doiwale came in for tiring Kera.

It made an impact as Doiwale created the goal for Sale on the stroke of halftime.

The move started from Joe at the eastern end of Lawson Tama, before Doiwale drilled a through ball for Sale to finish it off past Garae.

The lanky Vanuatu players stood tall than their opponents and the aerial balls and corner kicks were always going to be dangerous as the second stanza resumed with a goal down for the visitors.

Vanuatu pressurised the Solympics from the restart with Seimata sending a free kick high and Moida creating some chances for his forwards.

It paid off when Yelou squeezed a rebound past Ramoni to level the score 1-1.

Substitutions were made by both sides as they searched for the winning goal.

But Solympics coach Luke Eroi’s decision to send in Jeffrey Bule in his unusual right wing position was perhaps a gamble, but  vital.

Bule eventually curled in the most important cross which Sale blasted home for his second and Solympics win of the inaugural Wantok Cup.

The final match of this competition will be between Vanuatu and Solomon Bonito at Lawson Tama.

VANUATU: John Presley Garae (22), Fedy Vava (6), Geoffrey Lego Gete (17), Ken Masauvakalo (3), Samson Obed (2), Robert Tom (18), Moise Poida (7), Seimata Chilia (12), Jean Robert Yelou (21), Michell Kaltak (15), Jean Nako Naprapol (9).

SUBSTITUTES: Chikau Mansale (1), Roger Joe (19), Iaka Tess (16), Peter Shem Toa (8), Selwyn Tari (10), Fernandez Terong (13), Jeffry Nimanian (14), Derek Malas (5), Rexley Tarivuti (4).

SOLYMPICS: Shadrack Ramoni (1), Hardis Aengari (17), Timothy Joe (6) Welchman Houkarawa (2), Joe Manu (13), Gibson Daudau (3), Presley Futa (9), Ezra Sale (10), Stanton Hila (5), Marlon Maemania (8), Nathan Kera (7).

SUBSTITUTES: Mark Constantine (20), , Richard Mama (12), Jeffery Bule (19), Andrew Waimora (16), Kluivert Dagi Jnr (15), Johan Doiwale (14).

Referee: Leonie Rakoroi

Asst 1: Matthew Taro

Asst 2: Jackson Akoeasi

4th Official: Nelson Sogo

++++++++++++++++++++

HONIARA:  The Telekom Wantok Cup got off to a perfect start on Thursday with the two local sides, Solomon Bonito and Solympic sharing competition points following a 3-all draw.

It was the Bonitos that opened the scoring when national striker Godwin Bebeu got on the end of a perfectly weighted through ball which fell just behind the Solympic defenders, and was able to lob it past an advancing Shadrack Ramoni.

Then minutes later, Bebeu again split the Solympics defense to score his second leaving Ramoni in no mans land and Solympic coach Luke Eroi and his boys a mountain to climb.

It was apparent the Solympics would never lay down their guard as they raised their tempo to score two goals, cancelling out Bonitos two goals before the halftime break.

However, an own-goal by Solympics defender Milton Bata Furai helped Bonito regained their lead and set them on the path to victory.

Solympic’s coach sensing the urgency to find the equalizer, introduced new players who instantly shot into action.

The match was evenly contested from then on with both sides having chances to score. But just when Bonito thought they would go away with three points, Solympics Presley Futa booted in the equalizer.

The Solympic bench erupted into wild celebrations and not long after the final whistle was blown to end the match.

SOLOMON BONITO: Leon Lekezoto #1, Marlon Houkarawa #6, Nelson Sale #2, Martin Ruhasia #16, Arnold Keni #3, Mostyn Beui #15, Judd Molea #10, Ian Ngahu #8, Lency Saeni #, Commins Menapi #11, Godwin Bebeu #9. SUBSTITUTES: Navusu Kitu #22, Seni Ngava #14, Matthew Okamae #4, Moffat Kilifa #20, Patrick Miniti Jr #20, Leonard Rokoto #7, Richard Anisua #5, Oscar Sara #12, Stephen Sikou.

SOLYMPICS: Shadrack Ramoni #1, Hardis Aengari #17, Timothy Joe #6, Welchman Houkarawa #2, Joe Manu #13, Milton Bata Furai #4, Fulton Temoa #18, Gibson Daudau #3, Presley Futa #9, Ezra Sale #10, Billy Olomani Jr #11. SUBSTITUTES: Mark Constantine #20, Stanton Hila #5, Marlon Maemania #8, Richard Mama #12, Jeffery Bule #19, Andrew Waimora #16, Kluivert Dagi Jnr #15, Nathan Kera #7, Johan Doiwale #14.

Referee: Lency Fred (Van)

Asst 1:   Hamilton Siau (Sol)

Asst 2:   Jovita Qila (Sol)

4th Official: Chris Saeni

++++++++++++++

An invitation to officiate at a FIFA tournament is an honour for any referee or assistant referee. For three OFC officials, their invitation to the Beijing Olympics later this year is a very prestigious appointment and a positive sign of OFC’s growing focus on referee development.

“In terms of recognition, the Olympics is probably only second to the FIFA World Cup. To be invited to participate in an Olympic Tournament is very exciting and we all looking forward to the opportunity to represent our countries and OFC” said Mike Hester, a FIFA referee from New Zealand.

Mike will lead an OFC Trio consisting of Michael Joseph from Vanuatu and Tevita Makasini from Tonga.

Team work amongst officials is a vital component for successful match control and the trio have worked together in the South Pacific Games in 2007 and more recently in Fiji for the Olympic Qualifiers.  The OFC has been looking for opportunities for the trio to work together as often as possible as they prepare for the Games.

As a result, the trio recently completed a six day preparation camp period during 5 – 11 June in Auckland.

During the build up phase, the trio officiated on two Northern Region Premier League matches and underwent a fitness test. This was supplemented with a daily program of coaching, testing on the laws of the game, video analysis, recovery sessions, and practical sessions focussed on teamwork and communication techniques.

Hester said that the opportunity to work together and further develop the trio’s teamwork and communication techniques has been invaluable.

“The standard and pace of the games at the Olympics will be very fast so we need to ready for that individually and as a team.”

The trio have their preparatory fitness test in Fiji on 12 July and then one final game together in PNG on 19 July (appointment yet to be confirmed). They fly out to China on 30 July and will undergo a week of acclimatisation and preparation before the tournament starts on 6 August 2008.