THE Solomon Islands National U19 Women’s Football team are now in Tonga for the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship – Qualifying Stage, which will run from March 7 to 13.
The team left for Tonga last Saturday via Nadi, Fiji.
The OFC U-19 Women’s Championship – Qualifying Stage – will feature 3 nations: Solomon Islands, Tonga and American Samoa.
They trio will be competing for a spot in Group A alongside Fiji, Samoa and Cook Islands in the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship 2025, which will take place in Tahiti from September 21 to October 4.
Leading the Solomon Islands National U19 Women’s Team to Tonga is Head Coach Priscilla Tariga, who has been guiding the team in all their preparations for the championship.
The team consists of 3 goalkeepers, 8 defenders, 8 midfielders and 4 forwards.
Here is the squad:
Goalkeepers: Fiona Goroani, Ina Puiah and Anicah Maefasia.
Defenders: Teisika Rotoava, Helen Ruebinson, Catharine Ramokoloa, Leandry Konare, Junelyn Lau, Coldina Maesikeni, Primerose Maetoloa and Brendalina Areni.
Midfielders: Eileen Ama, Betty Oriana, Mulan Oihanua, Angie Ragaruma, Gertrude Oritaimae, Rose Aba, Freda Gwali and Joy Tobi.
Forwards: Luisa Silobo, Graceter Kini, Junita Popu and Anna Ellen.
Head Coach Tariga told the local media upon the announcement of the final squad that she was confident that the team is ready to compete for a spot in the main competition from September 21 to October 4 in Tahiti.
She said she has seen improvement in the team, adding that the girls have been playing with each other throughout the youth stages as a development team through to U-16 and now U-19 and it is an advantage putting them together again.
“I am confident with the girls and hope for a qualification spot for the main tournament from September 21 to October 4. Our goal is to qualify and I’m confident about it.”
The team will play their first match against the hosts Tonga this Friday at the Loto Tonga Soka Centre before their second match next Monday against American Samoa.
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
