More time is needed to prepare a winning team says Solomon Mamula assistant coach Jacob Moli upon their arrival on Tuesday at Honiara International airport.
“Our campaign has been hampered by the limited preparation we had before the tournament. Had the team prepare say for six months and players get more international matches we should be in good stead at the tournament,” he adds.
Moli described the match against New Zealand and Vanuatu as give-away.
“We had the chance to win both matches with two beautiful chances missed that would have determined the final result.”
Debutant John Manebona’s early exit because of suspected broken leg also dealt a huge blow to the team.
“He has the pace to beat any defender and we definitely missed him,” says Moli.
Manebona played in the opening match with New Zealand in which both teams drew 1-all.
The former national midfielder says Solomon Islands has all it takes to beat other countries and it is up to those in authority to ensure team preparations start early with at least some international exposure for the team.
The Solomon Mamula team arrived back minus the head coach Airton Andrioli who is in Australia for a brief break with his family before taking up his next assignment with the Solomon Islands National Under 17 team.