AS the Solomon Islands senior men’s football squad prepares for the upcoming Sol2023 Pacific Games at home in November, Head Coach Felipe Vega-Arango has praised both his players and coaching staff for their triumphant victory as ‘Champions’ of the 2023 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup.
Coach Vega-Arango expressed that the Solomon Islands has great potential to win gold in the men’s football competition of the XVII Pacific Games in 2023.
“I am happy about the win just like anybody else, but the goal of this team is to be in the final of the Pacific Games and to have a chance to win gold (and all of them know that).
“The only thing I care for right now is the Pacific Games; the MSG PM’s Tournament are over already.
“I believe in you, and I think all of you are believing in what you are doing.
“I feel we have a good chance to make history for this country in the upcoming Pacific Games in 2023. We don’t want to lose, so keep pushing and working hard. God bless us all,” the Solomon Islands senior men’s football squad head coach said at the SIFF-hosted celebratory dinner on October 19 at the Pacific Crown Hotel’s Paradise Ocean Crown Restaurant in Honiara.
Solomon Islands professional footballer Raphael Lea’i, who plays as a striker for Bosnian Premier League club Velež Mostar. Photo credit @ SIFF Media
He noted that all the players are in their best physical form and will resume training with their eyes fixed on reaching the finals of the 2023 Pacific Games.
“The fitness and conditioning of the players are fantastic. We don’t have any injuries.
“The national players have worked extremely hard, they have followed the game plan, and most importantly, they believe in what the coach and the coaching staff have told them.
“We are capable of seeing whatever aspects of the game need improvement ahead of the Pacific Games,” the head coach added.
According to SIFF Media, this year the senior side recorded a loss, six (6) wins, and a draw from eight (8) international matches, and winning the MSG crown after twenty-nine (29) years is a massive accomplishment.
He stressed that the national senior squad has the best defensive players compared to the past.
“I think we have the best defense, probably, I do not know, in the history of the Solomon Islands, but we would be close to it.
“International football is extremely, extremely tough. And most people don’t understand how difficult it is to play New Caledonia, PNG, or any team because they are representing their national country and they are giving everything.
“I told them a million times that if we have the best defense, then we will have the chance to win the trophy,” Coach Vega-Arango said.
