The Solomon Islands national men’s Beach Soccer team has begun its final training preparations leading into the 2009 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Dubai this 16-22 November.

According to the team manager, Rueben Oimae, this week marks the start of an intensive training regimen that is aimed at taking the team one step further than they’ve been before – into the knockout stages at the World Cup.

From this week the team will have daily training sessions to help the players to sharpen their skills for the ultimate competition in this form of the ‘beautiful game.’ The team is also aiming to go into camps dedicated to nothing other than group training every two weeks.

The training camps will help the players to develop a bond that will be essential in maintaining morale when the team is far away from the home and loved ones. Regular gym sessions are also planned for the team to help them build strength and conditioning.

Manager Rueben Oimae stressed that a full and intense preparation will be vital if the Bilikikis are to improve on past efforts at past World Cups at this year’s event in Dubai. Oimai went on to say that an unconfirmed number of friendly warm-up matches are currently being arranged and added that the team met with Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) officials in Auckland to discuss how OFC can help the team in its preparations.

“These (potential) matches will help the team to identify any weaknesses and strengthen them before the actual tournament’ Oimae said.

The Solomon Islands qualified for the 2009 Beach Soccer World Cup after beating Vanuatu 1-0 in the final of the Oceania Football Confederation World Cup Qualifiers on Moorea Island in Tahiti last month.

It is the fourth year in a row that the Bilikiki will represent Oceania at the Beach Soccer World Cup. 

Bilikiki Training Squad

1. James Naka (C)

2. Fred Hale (VC) (GK)

3. Felix Ray Jnr. (GK)

4. Henry Padaverana  (GK)

5. Abraham Izomo (GK)

6. Gideon Omokirio

7. Eddie Ngaitini

8. Timothy Wale

9. Robert Laua

10. Gibson Hosea

11. Franco Ne’e

12. Nicholas Muri

13. Augustine Anisi

14. Michael Taeman

15. Elliot Ragomo

16. George Wagena

17. Hickley Rence

18. Henry Fa’arodo

Team Manager  –  Rueben Oimae

Coach    –  Henry Koto

Team Doctor  – Dr. Patrick Houasia

Courtesy of SIFF Media