Coach Henry Koto has named a strong squad featuring both experienced campaigners and exciting youngsters to achieve that goal and says the players have gelled together nicely.
“We have worked hard on our combinations during our training sessions and I am quite happy with how well the players have done,” Koto says.
“The players in this team are also highly talented as individuals and this will make our combinations effective. I also believe that this team has the determination to win and the players have the fighting spirit within them.”
Koto took up the position of head coach in 2008 and, ominously for rivals Vanuatu, Tahiti and Fiji, says the current crop are the best he has had the pleasure of coaching.
“This is a good squad composed of good players who are committed to their training and I can say from my experience this is the best group I have worked with since becoming coach of the Bilikiki.”
Solomon Islands have been champions of Oceania in all three of the last regional championships and have represented the region in four FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup tournaments, including the 2009 event in Dubai where they defeated former finalists Uruguay 7-6 in their opening match.
The majority of the players who travelled to the United Arab Emirates remain in the squad and have been joined by newcomers McPhillip Aisa, John Oita and goalkeeper Izomo Bird, who trained with the 2009 team but was not able to compete in that year’s OFC championship.
“Selection for the team has not been as straightforward as the previous ones,” team manager Rueben Oimae says. “We have had to find a balance between the experience of senior players and the talent and energy of the new ones, so some tough choices had to be made.”
Veterans Hickley Rence and Michael Taeman have not been able to retain their places in the team and will miss out on the Oceania qualifiers but may return if the Bilikiki make it to the world cup.
Oimae says the new additions have worked hard to get themselves into the squad and the coaching staff are confident they will do well.
“The three new players in the line-up are a great addition to our team because they enhance the strength we already have. I am also impressed with their positive attitude towards training.”
Most of the players have extensive experience of international competitions, including a number who have participated in all four of the Solomons’ world cup campaigns.
The defensive duties will fall mostly to Gideon Omokirio, who also has a role to play off the field as assistant coach. He will have good support from Eddie Ngaitini and Timothy Wale while the midfield will be controlled by Franco Ne’e and the talented Aisa, who also has a keen eye for goal.
Key player James Naka will lead the attack with the support of youngster Robert Laua and Gibson Hosea, who is recovering from a knee injury but has been cleared to play.
“I have nothing less than full faith in this team,” Oimae says. “We have worked harder than ever because we want to qualify again and do better in the FIFA World Cup.”
Solomon Islands matches at the OFC Beach Soccer Championship
Wednesday 23 February
vs Fiji
10.30am local time
Jardin de Paofai, Papeete
Thursday 24 February
vs Vanuatu
10.30am local time
Jardin de Paofai, Papeete
Friday 25 February
vs Tahiti
12.30am local time
Jardin de Paofai, Papeete
For more on Solomon Islands football go to www.siff.com.sb