Photo Credit: Solomon Islands Football Federation
Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) is deeply saddened at the passing of Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Media and Marketing Director Simon Abana.
Simon played a key role in the development and promotion of football in the Solomon Islands for many years, highlighting the passionate love for the game that is evident throughout the country.
Having joined SIFF in 2018 following graduation from University, Simon was an influential figure in the growth of the organisation’s media and digital presence, including the development of live streaming of all Telekom S League domestic matches in the country for the first time.
During OFC-hosted events in the Solomon Islands, Simon was an outstanding resource, working alongside the OFC media team to provide media and communications support, as well as helping to develop relationships with local media.
His experience also extended to tournaments outside of the Solomon Islands. For the 2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup, Simon was appointed Team Manager for the Solomon Islands ‘Kurukuru’ side, OFC’s representative following their victorious 2019 OFC Futsal Nations Cup campaign.
One of his final projects was the development of SIFF’s use of the football management platform, COMET – including travelling to Croatia for a FIFA workshop in July and August of 2023. This has been a crucial step in building the SIFF’s capacity for both domestic competition governance as well as participation in OFC tournaments.
A hard-working, passionate, and engaging individual, Simon will be greatly missed by all of those who he worked alongside. His tireless efforts in promoting football in his role at SIFF will continue to have a lasting positive impact on the growth of the sport in the Solomon Islands for years to come.
Simon Abana
1988 – 2024