Ragomo was put under close supervision following the injury he sustained against Spain, but was allowed to continue training and played in both friendly matches against Thailand and Australia.
However there was some doubt as to whether he would make a full recovery when he limped from the court in the match against Australia.
Ragomo has had a tough run since departing on the Kurukuru’s pre-World Cup tour as prior to the injury he sustained against Spain he also had to deal with malaria, which struck him soon after leaving home.
A treatment regime was started in Australia, the team’s first stop in the tour, but it took Ragomo some time to recover and regain the weight he had lost.
Head of delegation Joseph Boso says the Kurukuru skipper deserves a lot of credit for his fighting spirit.
“The week after his knock he was slow to get back into training but now he is well and picking up his fitness,” Boso says.
“It was a big ask of him but given his commitment to the team it was sort of expected that he would make a full recovery.
“The amount of courage that Elliot has is remarkable and he is greatly admired for this. On the way to the World Cup he has had to overcome malaria and now this injury but still he is looking forward to playing.”
It has been a nerve-wracking week for the Kurukuru management who had limited options in terms of available players, so Ragomo’s recovery has been warmly welcomed.
Boso says with Jack Wetney and Lenson Bisili out of the campaign there was effectively no replacement for Ragomo leaving a major attacking gap in the team.
Several other players are also nursing minor injuries, James Egeta is recovering from a toe injury and Samuel Osifelo and George Stevenson are recovering from knocks, though they are all expected to be fit for the World Cup.
Having transferred to their official accommodation at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers, the Kurukuru are looking forward to having a base close to the training and match venues.
Team manager Mapuru Tausinga says it is a relief to settle down and get over the feeling that they are still travelling.
“After a lot of travelling in the last couple of weeks everyone is happy that we are now in our official home for the World Cup,” Tausinga says.
“The journey was tough for the players and the management is pleased to bring them to this point safely as now we can focus fully on the task at hand. Everyone from now has to go into World Cup mode – both the players and the management.”
Tausinga has also thanked supporters of the team, and families back home in the Solomon Islands, and called for national unity behind the Kurukuru.
“This is now the most important period of our campaign and was ask the whole of the Solomon Islands to be with us every step of the way.”
The FIFA Futsal World Cup opens tomorrow, November 1, while the Kurukuru’s first match will be on Saturday November 3 against Russia.
They will then play Colombia on Tuesday November 6 followed by their final pool match against Guatemala on Friday November 9.
For more on Solomon Islands football go to www.siff.com.sb

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