It will almost be like a home match for many of the Amicale players as 11 of the squad’s members, including the likes of Alick Maemae, Stanley Waita and Jack Wetney, hail from the Solomon Islands.
Maemae, Wetney and three of Amicale’s other Solomon stars – Lenson Bisili, Mostyn Sanga and Edika Maeta – have been in Honiara for much of this week to train with the national team, who are preparing for the impending Pacific Games. They linked up with their team mates on Tuesday when the rest of the Amicale squad arrived.
The Solomon contingent has played a key role in the O-League this season as Amicale have surprised many onlookers by all but booking a place in the final. They are almost certain to line up against New Zealand side Auckland City in the two-legged final and a victory over Koloale on Saturday would remove what little doubt there is.
Andrew Leong, team manager and vice-president of Amicale, says the club believes in promoting homegrown talent, a statement backed up by the success of local hero Fenedy Masauvakalo, who has been in fine form this season and leads the golden boot race with six strikes.
But Leong is also unapologetic about the club’s policy of looking offshore for potential stars and says the impact of Amicale’s overseas signings cannot be denied.
“They come with the experience of playing in foreign leagues in New Zealand and Fiji and add a lot of value to the team,” he says.
Radio commentator Mose Stevens agrees.
“The majority of Amicale’s foreign players only come from the Solomon Islands and they play really good football,” he says.
“Everyone has enjoyed watching them play alongside our Vanuatu players. It lays down a challenge for us in Vanuatu – can we be like the Solomon Islanders?”
Batram Suri, who has achieved legendary status after carving out a highly-successful career in New Zealand and for the national team, was one of the first Solomon stars to head to Vanuatu and his arrival has paved the way for many more to follow.
“People ask me why we have 11 Solomon players at our club,” Leong says. “To be honest, I brought in Batram Suri first and from there I thought I could recruit more good players.
“We need good players to play quality football and achieve good results. I think we can do this with a mixture of Solomon and Vanuatu players and thus attract more fans and sponsors.”
Former Hekari United midfielder Waita feels at home in Port Vila and says the Amicale imports have enjoyed the hospitality of the Vanuatu people.
He says the homegrown players are physically stronger than his countrymen but believes the Solomon Islanders add a touch of skill and flair to proceedings.
“We are not that strong but are good with the football on the ground,” Waita says. “If you mix the Solomon and Vanuatu players together, it is possible to get the results like we have against quality teams in the O-League.”
Leong says taking care of the foreign stars is one of the club’s top priorities.
“Our duty is to look after them and support them with accomodation and food. They have all signed contracts with the club and I am sure they are happy with what we have to offer them,” he says.
“After the O-League, the players who want to stay can sign new contracts and those who want to move on can do so as well. We will then start to shop again.
“I have a lot of respect for our Solomon players. They have been very good to our Vanuatu players and I want to thank them for their honesty.”
For more on Vanuatu football go to www.vanuafoot.vu