BILIKIKI DELAYS WILL NOT HAMPER TEAM SPIRIT

HONIARA: There is no let up in the Bilikiki beach soccer team’s training programme despite a further delay to their travel itinerary.

Bilikiki team manager, Reuben Oimae said his boys had pledged 100 percent commitment to their training.

Speaking to local media at the DC Park yesterday afternoon, he said it was disappointing that the proposed camp in Switzerland had fallen through, however, that had not hampered their preparation.

“It’s definitely a setback for the team at not being able to play a friendly international match before the World Cup. But in saying that, we are mindful too that sometimes delays like this are unavoidable,” said Oimae.

The delay was caused by the late arrival of the team’s passports from PNG. The passports were sent there to the French Embassy for French visas about a fortnight ago and were expected back early last week 

However, the passports only arrived on Friday by which time it was already late as the Australian High Commission office here has already closed.

The long Independence Anniversary break did not help either because of the public holiday on Monday and Tuesday.

The new arrangement now is for the team to get to France on July 13 and kick off their beach soccer World Cup campaign on July 17 against Italy.

Meanwhile, Bilikiki’s talisman James Naka is confident of a good showing in France saying he will lead by example when they take on their opponents.

“This is my third World Cup appearance and I really look forward to scoring more goals in this competition against our opposition teams.”

Asked who his favourite player is, he named Madjer of Portugal as his icon because of his ability to strike the ball from anywhere on the sand court.

“He’s pretty smart particularly with the way he scored his goals that is why I liked his style,” Naka said.

The former Malaita rep was first noticed for his talent when he represented his home province in 2005 in the Solomon Cup tournament.

He quickly established himself as an icon in the abbreviated soccer code-beach soccer when Bilikiki participated in both the OFC qualifiers and beach World Cup finals in Brazil.

Naka said he feels confident and positive about their chances to progress beyond the pool stage in France.

“This year we will try to make it beyond pool play and that is our ultimate goal,” he added.

His views were well supported by his two colleagues Henry Padaverana and Eddie Ngaitin who spoke of Naka’s ability as striker.

They said Naka is a team player who can adapt quickly to any game plan which is plus for them ahead of the third FIFA beach soccer appearance.