BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
IT was a joyous occasion for the fans of Henderson Eels when Rafael Lea’i goals helped the Eels defeat the Southern United at the Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara and lift the Telekom Super League Cup in 2021.
It was the club’s first Telekom Super League Cup triumph. Now, Rafael Lea’i has another chance this year to win the golden boot race against five leading scorers of this year’s 2020-21 Telekom Super League season.
“For me….. I still have faith, hope, and confidence in my teammates to assist me with set-piece goal opportunities in our final match of the season this weekend against Honiara City, but this will not come easy,’’ said Raphael Lea’i. “It’s a challenging race, and I am working more on my finishing upfront particularly in the 18 yards. Now, I am working with my teammates on how to finish the golden boot race.”
Rafael Lea’i currently has 12 goals over 21 games to give him an opportunity in the race.
His movement off the ball has created space for other forwards in Eel’s attack and is currently in the running for the golden boot. Meanwhile, he has marked his first appearance for Henderson Eels over the weekend with two goals after recovering from a fractured arm sustained during the Solomon Islands Kurukuru tour in Europe two months ago.
Rafael now levels his 12 goals with two Solomon Warriors FC golden boot contenders, Dennis Ifunaoa and BejaminTotori. Whilst leading the current golden boot race is Kossa FC Gagame Feni with 14 goals sitting above another Solomon Warriors FC Molea Tigi on the second spot with 13 goals.
Henderson Eels will play their final match against Honiara City this weekend – Saturday 20, at 4 pm, Lawson Tama Stadium.
