Former Solomon Islands international Stanley Waita says he wants to put on the national colours for his country once more in the Pacific Games in Samoa.
He revealed his intentions on the eve of his departure saying that he would like to represent his country once more with the aim to assist Solomon Islands qualify for World Cup play off in 2008. Waita left for New Zealand yesterday.
The attacking midfielder who plays for Naha FC in the local competition moved to Waikato in New Zealand last year and signed for Northern League club Ngaruawahia United. After helping Ngaruawahia United surge towards promotion Waita was immediately snapped up by Waikato FC in the New Zealand Football Championship (NZFC).
Waita says Solomon Islands players playing in the NZFC includes Commins Menapi, Benjamin Totori, Alick Maemae, Junior Fa’arodo, Nelson Sale, George Suri, Batram Suri and himself should give Solomon Islands an upper hand in the South Pacific Games.
The South Pacific Games form the first phase of FIFA World Cup qualification with the top three teams progressing to the second phase group where they will play New Zealand. Each team will play six matches, three home, three away, with the winner of the second phase progressing to the third phase in Asia Football Confederation (AFC).
The OFC qualifier will join nine teams from AFC in two groups of five with the top two in each group qualifying for FIFA World Cup – South Africa 2010. The two third placed teams will play off for the final qualification slot in a home and away playoff.
Waita was part of the team that helped Solomon Islands qualified for World Cup playoff with Australia in the Oceania Nations Cup and World Cup playoffs two years ago.