BY JOY OFASIA
PNG Hekari United FC Team Manager Vonnie Kapi Natto has challenged players of Ghupo Wantoks FC to embrace passion, commitment, and discipline as the foundation for success in football and life.
Speaking during the official launch of Ghupo Wantoks FC at Iron Bottom Sound (IBS) Monarch Bar and Grill in Honiara over the weekend, Vonnie Kapi Natto encouraged players to remain dedicated to their development and to support their team beyond the football field.
“I want to see that passion and drive in every player,” she said. “Passion can make you do extraordinary things. It pushes you to commit to training, support your team officials, and work towards helping your club succeed.”
Vonnie Kapi-Natto said that success comes through hard work, dedication, and a shared vision among players, officials, and supporters.
In her address, she also appealed to the Premier of Rennell and Bellona Province and provincial leaders to support the establishment of football development facilities and academies throughout the province.
“I believe there is an opportunity for us to have a football facility in the province,” she said. “I am appealing to our Premier and members to hear our plea and establish this project so we can help our young men and women develop a football mindset, stay engaged in positive activities, return to school, enjoy football, and become future leaders.”
As part of her long-term vision for football development, Kapi-Natto revealed plans to expand football academies beyond Honiara and into Rennell and Bellona Province.
“I want to establish six academies in Renbel two in West Rennell, two in East Rennell, and two in Bellona. We have to start somewhere,” she said.
She said that establishing academies in Honiara has never been easier due to the city’s infrastructure and available support, but emphasized the importance of extending opportunities to young people in the provinces.
Mrs Kapi-Natto also encouraged Rennell and Bellona footballers living in Honiara to seize opportunities available to them and contribute to the growth of football within their communities.
“I admire how Melanesian people embrace football and drive it forward. I want our Renbel people involved in football today to grab that opportunity with both hands,” she said.
She emphasized that her involvement in football development is aimed at strengthening communities rather than promoting individuals.
“I am not here to favour one person. I am here to see growth in our province and our city. I want to see good citizens and disciplined people who will help drive Ghupo Wantoks FC, not only now but into the future,” she added.
Mrs Kapi-Natto has been a key figure in the success of Hekari United FC since the club’s establishment in 2003, providing leadership that has helped shape one of the Pacific region’s most successful football clubs. Her latest call for grassroots football development reflects a continued commitment to nurturing the next generation of football talent in Solomon Islands.
