HONIARA – Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) President Martin Alufurai is doing his part to completely wipe out violence from football in the Solomon Islands.

Alufurai spoke at the conclusion of the Oceania Football Confederation Senior Coaching course at the SIFF Academy at the weekend and encouraged the coaches to return to their clubs and educate players, supporters and fans to rid violence from football altogether.

Alufurai told the coaches who attended the course that they should play an active part in ensuring violence in football is completely wiped out.

The president had highlighted this in his recent speeches and used the occasion to hammer home his message to the participants.

He said it saddens him to see coaches abusing match officials and sometimes encouraging their players to hurl abuse at match referees and their assistants.

“I’ve also witnessed team officials from losing teams refusing to embrace officials of winning teams and this must be stopped,” he added.

“We did not bring the teams and match referees to Lawson Tama to be abused or sworn at by fans and spectators of opposing teams.”

The SIFF president reiterated that violence and those who wants to entertain it have no place in football in Solomon Islands.

The coaches who attended the one-week theory and practical sessions at the SIFF Academy had the opportunity to practice what was learnt in class and in outdoor practical sessions.

Alufurai challenged the coaches to use the coaching knowledge gained at the course to improve their clubs whilst at the same time pass on the message of a violence-free atmosphere at football matches.

OFC’s Technical Director Jim Selby who is one of two resource persons who conducted the course told the coaches that this course was conducted under FIFA banner.

“Unlike previous courses where participants received certificates of participation, those who successfully completed this course will be accredited,” Selby said.