Honiara in the Solomon Islands will play host to an exciting infusion of talent, skill and prowess, as the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup kicks off today.
With four Pacific Island nations such as Fiji, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Tahiti preparing for what is expected to be four days of riveting football action, Fiji is also preparing itself diligently for the tournament.
Fiji’s campaign in the Solomons over the next four days will be observed under the watchful eyes of coach Jerry Sam, who stated in a pre-tourney media conference of the side’s intent to gain experience and learn to their fullest.
The national side will field the likes of dynamic powerhouse players such as captain Tevita Waranivalu and Madhwan Gounder, who are expected to miss their opening match against PNG.
While coach Sam remains hopeful of Fiji’s campaign opener, despite the absence of those players, the team itself, when viewed analytically, is a younger side putting newer players at the helm to spearhead the national side’s efforts over the next four days.
Meanwhile, the captains and coaches of the four participating teams appeared in a press conference over the weekend where they informed the media on the development and progression of their teams, as the tournament kicks off today.
Fixtures:
Today: 2pm – Fiji v PNG, 4pm – Tahiti v Solomons. Tomorrow: 2pm – Fiji v Tahiti, 4pm – Solomons v PNG. Thursday: 2pm – PNG v Tahiti, 4pm: Solomons v Fiji. Friday: 2pm – 3rd Place, 4pm: Final.
