BY CHRIS ALEX
TWO former Solomon Islands footballers who represented the country’s national men’s senior at the previous South Pacific Games in the early 70s and 80s came together at the recently concluded XVII Pacific Games 2023 in Honiara.
Ambrose Palusi and Patteson Kwanae met each other to reminisce about their playing days and celebrate their shared passion for the sport during the gold medal playoffs between the Solomon Islands and New Caledonia at Honiara’s National Stadium.
Both players had previously represented the country at various South Pacific Games football competitions and were revered for their accomplishments on the field.
The reunion at the Pacific Games 2023 highlighted the enduring bond between both footballers and the lasting impact of the sport in their lives. It showcased the power of football to bring people together, forge lifelong friendships, and create lasting memories.
Ambrose Palusi, who represented Solomon Islands in football in five South Pacific Games editions and served as the team’s captain, was grateful to experience a moment of great honor.
He was invited to the official medal presentation ceremony and given the opportunity to present the gold medals to New Caledonia and the silver medals to the Solomon Islands after a thrilling penalty shootout (7–6) at the National Stadium.
“I am very grateful and honored to once again witness this great rivalry between the two teams,” Palusi told RAW SPORTS, reflecting on the significance of the match.
Fellow teammate and former national footballer, Patteson Kwanae, also shared similar sentiment and expressed his happiness at sharing this moment with his former captain, Palusi.
Kwanae later took a trip down memory lane, recalling his football appearance with Team Solomon in Guam during the 1975 Pacific Games.
“It was a historic moment when the Solomon Islands and New Caledonia battled for third place bronze medal play-offs. We [Kwanae and his captain, Palusi] and the boys secured a bronze medal by defeating a determined New Caledonia with a score line of 3-1. This victory marked the first time ever that the Solomon Islands soccer team brought home a medal for the country,” he recalled.
The reunion of Palusi and Kwanae at this year’s Pacific Games serves as a reminder of their past campaigns and contributions to Solomon Islands football history.
The duo expressed their gratitude to everyone for their continued support for the Solomon Islands men’s football team, both in the past and in the present.
As they relish this moment together, their shared history continues to inspire and celebrate the rich legacy of Solomon Islands football.
