We are profiling the eight teams who will compete for the OFC Champions League title in Vanuatu next month. This week we look at Solomon Islands side Solomon Warriors FC
The Solomon Warriors FC formerly known as Uncles FC are the most successful club in the Solomon Islands. Based in the capital Honiara, they play their matches at Lawson Tama Stadium, the biggest stadium in the country. They have won the Telekom S-League seven times and have been a regular in the OFC Champions League.
How Solomon Warriors qualified for the 2023 OFC Champions League
The Solomon Warriors had a terrific battle against arch rival Koss FC over two legs in February. The first leg ended 1-1 with the Warriors winning the second leg 2-1 to advance to the OFC Champions League 3-2 on aggregate. They had to dig deep after coming from a goal down in the second leg and scoring what turned out to be the winning goal in the 64th minute before surviving a late onslaught from Koss FC.
The coach’s approach and hopes for the tournament
Franco Ne’e
“We have 18 fully fit players but we are underdone being in pre-season. Two games next week against Hekari United from PNG will be invaluable for us before we face Auckland City in our first game of the tournament. I am confident we can get through the group and make it to the semi-finals.”
Star Player: Norman Winford
The 20 year old has graduated from the Academy team to the senior side and has made an immediate impact. He has speed, silky skills and can beat opponents one on one and uses both feet to score goals.
Solomon Warriors Fixtures (Luganville)
Sunday May 14: v Auckland City FC. KO: 12:00
Wednesday May 17 : v Lupe Ole Soaga KO: 12:00
Saturday May 20: v Suva FC KO: 15:00