The new campaign has seen the landscape change somewhat as the top clubs from the previous season have found it hard, and at times impossible, against the league’s so-called lesser names.
For instance, last season’s wooden spooners Real Kakamora have already bagged the scalps of two giants in Koloale and Kossa – an amazing turnaround for a club that notched only two points in the 2010/11 competition.
See below for a review of the peformances of each team in the opening half of the 2011/12 Telekom S-League.
Western United
Current ranking: 1
Last season: 4
Key players: Nathan Kera, Moffat Kilifa, Felix Ray Jnr
Western United have been impressive through the first round. They opened with a win against Kossa and have dropped points only once, against Koloale in a 3-1 loss. The pace of Nathan Kera has been a key to the attack but Moffat Kilifa has offered additional options on the right. At times, the Western backline has looked vulnerable but the side has done well to keep their opponents busy in their own half. One of the important ingredients to the winning run has been a strong sense of discipline, instilled by coach Stefan Metanomski.
Malaita Kingz
Current ranking: 2
Last season: 5
Key players: Charles Irobina, Michael Taeman, Leon Fox
Malaita Kingz have been the surprise package of the season. They were unimpressive in their opening matches but turned things around from the third game and are now second on the ladder. Much of the success is based on new players such as Douglas Gwalu and Andrew Rarangia, as well as former Marist Fire midfielder Clifford Huta. The defence has stood up to most of what has been thrown at it but finishing is one area in which Malaita Kingz have been lacking. If this can be addressed, they will be a potent side and a match for anyone.
Solomon Warriors
Current ranking: 3
Last season: 2
Key players: Dennis Ifunaoa, Judd Molea, Hardies Aengari
Solomon Warriors have displayed a tighter and more disciplined style of play this season, characterised by accurate passing and sharp movement by the forwards. The inclusion of Judd Molea into the line-up has boosted the strength of the midfield and, with the strike pairing of Micah Lea’alafa and Dennis Ifunaoa supported by Jerry Donga, they have a frontline to fear. The new coaching duo of Moses Toata and Batram Suri has overseen only two hiccups thus far – losses against Western United and Real Kakamora – but will need to keep the players on their toes to go one better than last season’s runners-up placing.
Real Kakamora
Current ranking: 4
Last season: 8
Key players: Johan Doiwale, Nicholas Muri, Willie Garo
Real Kakamora have enjoyed a huge turnaround in form compared to their eight-place finish last season. They currently lie fourth on the ladder – a remarkable achievement for a team that was glued to the bottom of the table for the entire 2010/11 competition. The improvement this season can be attributed to a change in management and the signing of key new players. Kakamora now have a coaching trio of head coach Peter Konata, assistant Sam Wa’aria and tactician Barnabas Loloito. They have pieced together a suitable game plan and, significantly, signed attackers Nicholas Muri and Johan Doiwale.
Koloale
Current ranking: 5
Last season: 1
Key players: Benjamin Totori, James Naka, Shadrack Ramoni
Koloale have not been enjoying the smooth passage they were granted at this stage last season, though, to be fair, they have played only five of their seven matches from the round. But questions are being asked about their quality as they have won just three of those matches, one of those losses including an embarassing 3-2 defeat to previous wooden spooners Real Kakamora. The addition of Molis Gagame Jnr and Willy Daudau has provided extra options in the midfield but the duo has not yet been fully utilised. Much of the problems stem from a backline that is not performing at its best.
Hana
Current ranking: 6
Last season: 6
Key players: Tony Otini, Trevor Suinao, Martin Saleimanu
Hana started the season in fine form with wins over Marist Fire and Kossa and lost their concentration after that bright start and sit sixth. The team has plenty of talent but tapping into it remains a challenge for coach Rex Masuaku. Stanley Waita was a notable addition to the squad but is yet to produce the goods for his new club. The biggest problem has been scoring enough goals but the Hana line-up does feature players of good skill and vision and tbey have every chance of climbing the table.
Kossa
Current ranking: 7
Last season: 3
Key players: Phillip Ashley, David Ramosaea, Seni Ngava
Kossa have so far not reproduced the play that helped them finish third last season and have failed to register any wins from their seven matches, earning only two points from a pair of draws. As they now find themselves at the wrong end of the table, Kossa have little chance of joining the race for the title but the squad does possess the ability to hit back in the second half of the season. There have been some moments of brilliance from the former O-League finalists but injuries to key players such as Stanton Hila and David Ramosaea have dented their quality.
Marist Fire
Current ranking: 8
Last season: 7
Key players: Richard Tolinao, Alfred Pamoana, Casper Beliga
Marist Fire have not have a good run in the S-League and are desperate for an upturn in fortunes after mustering no wins from their six matches. The team has enough ability to enjoy plenty of possession and have played well at times but failed to put the ball in the net when most needed. Several players have been brought in from Papua New Guinea club Hekari United and, while they have made an impact, it has not been enough to make a significant difference. Patrick Miniti and his men will need to turn around quickly in the second round to have any chance of taking something from the season.
For more on Solomon Islands football go to www.siff.com.sb