High Commissioner encourages team to ‘build on’ from loss during farewell lunch
MEMBERS of the Solomon Islands National Mens Football Squad were hosted to a farewell lunch in Suva, Fiji over the weekend to acknowledge their effort in the opening clash of the World Cup qualifier.
Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Fiji based in Suva His Excellency (H.E) Joseph Ma’ahanua hosted the lunch on Saturday prior to the team’s return.
The national side were due back in the country on Sunday.
His Excellency Ma’ahanua organised the lunch to acknowledge the boys for their effort following their first clash against Fiji on Thursday night which they narrowly lost by a goal.
During the lunch, he took the time to encourage the boys to build from their loss and face the next two matches against New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) next month.
He commended the boys for continuing flying the country’s flag where ever they play.
“I congratulated and thanked the boys who carry the responsibilities as sports ambassadors for Solomon Islands.
“I told them the result is a bygone and encouraged them to build on from where they left here,” he said.
The country’s envoy also commended the boys for their good behaviour while in Suva.
“I equally thanked and urged them to continue the way they had conducted themselves with good behaviour and respect while here in Suva.”
He wishes the team all the best in their preparation and for the upcoming matches in Port Moresby, PNG.
“I wished them all the best for their remaining games in Port Moresby, PNG.”
The Team Manager who also spoke at the lunch expressed gratitude for support shown by members of the Solomons community in Suva.
The manager also highlighted the need for the team to move forward by learning from the game on Thursday night.
All players were accorded time to express thanks and thoughts during the lunch.
H.E Ma’ahanua concluded by wishing the team all the best in their next two matches.
The side unfortunately lost their first match on Thursday night to a ten men Fijian side.
A 13th minute goal by Fiji’s captain Roy Krishna was enough to seal the victory for the host side following a defensive blunder for two of the back defenders.
To get a chance of qualifying for the next round, they need to work hard and ensure they win their remaining two matches.
And coach Josh Smith knows that he had huge task ahead in the remaining five weeks to prepare the boys.
He was reportedly disappointed with the loss because of the team’s poor decisions and mistakes which cost them the match.
Fiji was a man down just before the end of the first half and had been playing a defensive game through the second half.
Despite the loss, Smith is confident of a strong come back in their next two final matches.
Mid next month Solomon Islands is facing New Caledonia in Port Moresby, on Thursday 14th November for its second match.
Then on Sunday 17th November, it would face host PNG also in Port Moresby.
New Caledonia defeated PNG 3-1 in Suva, on Thursday night in the Group B clashes.
