THE Solomon Islands National Men’s U19 team has finalized its 27-man squad following a series of trials that concluded last week.
Among the selected players, five have been picked from the provinces, showcasing the diverse talent pool across the country.
Batram Suri, a former international player and the previous coach of the national women’s team, has been appointed as the head coach of the U19 team.
“We were just done with the trials last week and now we started getting into the more tactical and strategic side of things,” he said.
After making the extended cut the side was tested, going up against the senior men’s team in a series of friendly test matches.
“Things begin to work out well, in terms of the transition from defense to attack and I’ve seen a lot of improvements and there’s still room for more.
Suri’s appointment comes on the back of his crucial involvement in the SIFF Talent Identification scouting program.
In early April, this program spanned four active provincial stations, aimed at discovering and nurturing young football talents.
Suri’s extensive experience and his dedication to fostering a balanced and inclusive team have been pivotal in shaping the current squad, working with the SIFF Youth Development Officer and also a former national player, Eddie Rukumana.
Emphasizing the significance of representing all races within the country, Suri and Rukumana have been instrumental in recruiting talents and preparing the team for the upcoming OFC Men’s U19 Championship.
“They are all good players, and I like to look at it as a balanced team especially players from all the provinces.
For Suri, the journey from representing the Central province to becoming a national football icon underscores his commitment to developing local talents.
“With these 27 players, we will only be taking 23 of them to the championships – there will be traveling and non-traveling players in the current team.
Suri has particularly noted the natural talent of the five provincial players, closely monitoring three for potential key roles to make the final cut.
2 Players – Western Province
1 Player – Choiseul Province
1 Player – Makira/Ulawa Province
1 Player – Rennel & Bellona Province
SIFF recruited a total of 19 provincial-based talents to Honiara for the trials in early May. SIFF Media will release the names of the extended squad this week.
The national men’s U19 to will play their final series of friendlies against the senior men’s team this Thursday.
