BY CHRIS ALEX
SOLOMON Islands head coach Josh Smith lauded the team’s performance during a post-match interview with local media, expressing satisfaction with the result and the players’ efforts.
The Solomon Islands national football team secured an emphatic 4-1 victory over Vanuatu in their opening match of the MSG Prime Minister Cup 2024 tournament, delighting fans and setting a positive tone for the competition.
Reflecting on the match, Smith said, “It’s a credit to the boys. They probably didn’t get what we deserved in the World Cup qualifiers, so I’m really, really happy for the team to get the victory today.”
The coach highlighted the impact of integrating new players into the squad, with Don Keana and Rovu Boyers making significant contributions. Both players scored two goals each, showcasing their potential and solidifying the team’s depth.
“Don Keana had a great opportunity to show himself today. He’s not generally a winger, but he has great qualities and is a smart kid, so I’m really happy for him.
“And I’m equally thrilled for Rohu Boyers to get his first goals. It’s about creating depth. If you just continue to play the same 11 all the time, what happens when somebody goes down? We need to keep building options, and today’s changes worked well,” Smith told RAW SPORTS.
Rovu Boyers, the crowd favorite, expressed his joy and gratitude after the match.
“It’s a great opportunity to represent my country by playing for the Solomon Islands national soccer team. I’m very happy and honored today. I thank the boys for their support on the field and our people for their incredible support throughout the game. To my family in Western Province and my friends, thank you for supporting me so far,” he said.
Despite the dominant scoreline, Coach Smith acknowledged there was room for improvement. He stressed the need for smarter play, especially in controlling the game and avoiding unnecessary fouls.
“We are a small team, so we can’t give them opportunities to get set pieces in the box. But apart from that one today, I think we dealt with it quite well and I’m happy with how we’re progressing,” he said.
The team’s focus now shifts to their next match against the Development Team on Thursday, where they aim to build on this strong start and continue their campaign with the same drive. Fans and supporters remain optimistic as the national team sets its sights on further success in the tournament.
