The Oceania Football Confederation joins the Solomon Islands football community in mourning the recent passing of former national team coach Noel Wagapu.
A moment of silence was observed during the final Group D matches of the OFC Champions League at Lawson Tama last week in recognition of the contribution Wagapu made to football in Solomon Islands and the region.
OFC President Lambert Maltock said the influence Wagapu had on football in Solomon Islands is evident in the outpouring of messages following his passing.
“Noel was passionate about football in every sense of the game and the many messages on social media from former colleagues and players he has coached over the years is evidence of the immense impact he has had,” Maltock said.
“On behalf of the OFC Executive Committee I offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends for their loss.”
Wagapu was a former youth development officer and technical director at the Solomon Islands Football Federation. He also held roles coaching both youth and senior national teams with his involvement in the game spanning over 20 years.