Solomon Telekom and Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) signed a sponsorship deal worth around SOL$1.4 million($300,000NZD) to assist the country’s senior men’s team and two national domestic football competitions.

Under this deal, the Solomon Telekom will provide 100 percent assistance to the senior national team for its preparations and competition. It will also fund the national clubs championship finals and Solomon Cup tournament. The essence for the major sponsorship by Our Telekom is because of the passion that Solomon Islanders have for football nationwide.

“Football captures the spirit of our people anyone can play anywhere there is green space in every community in our country. Whether at international or national competitions, when our teams perform well we celebrate when they don’t we are devastated. Football unites our country.”

The level of commitment demonstrated today has never been done before in this country by a corporate body.

Telekom believes that football must strive for higher levels of performance and achievement never before seen,” said John Beverly – Chairman Telekom Board of Directors. Beverly urged SIFF to use the funds properly so that the partnership will go a long way to satisfying the football passion of all Solomon Islanders. SIFF President Martin Alufurai in his reply assured the Telekom management that his federation will provide report as required under the sponsorship deal.

“We have proper appointed auditors and my federation will report as required,” he said.

Referring to Telekom’s sponsorship deal, Alufurai says this is a historic occasion as this is the first major sponsorship deal since Telekom was established.

He stresses that Telekom’s sponsorship deal augers well with what is happening world and over. Alufurai describes Telekom’s commitment as important for football especially with FIFA and OFC now recognizing the Pacific Games as a qualifying competition for the World Cup playoff in this part of the world.

This means only the three top teams will qualify for the World Cup playoff with New Zealand.