BY ALEX DADAMU
CHARLIE Otainao has stated his excitement to represent Solomon Islands at the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2021 to be held in Lithuania.
In an interview with Raw Sports Newspaper, Otainao said it will be his debut appearance at the FIFA world-class competition if selected in this year’s final squad.
“I’m very excited to be part of the squad, it is also my first time representing my country at the Futsal World Cup stage. I just feel so excited,” he said.
Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) in a Press Conference today – 8 June 2021, announced a nineteen-member extended squad for the 2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Lithuania.
In a statement, SIFF announced that seventeen home-based players will be heading for a training camp next week Wednesday 16th June in Lismo, Gold Coast, Australia.
SIFF further confirmed the inclusion of Raphael Lea’i and Micah Lea’alafa in the squad after three months of training.
The SIFF statement said Clifford Misitana is a new inclusion in the team plus two Australian-based James Egeta and Jack Whitney will join the team in Australia.
Brazilian Vinicius Laite will be the Head coach of the Kurukuru boys this time around and he will be assisted by Fransis Lafai.
The full list of the S.I Extended Squad are as follows:
1. Anthony Talo
2. Charlie Ata
3. Paul Laki
4. Elliot Ragomo
5. George Steveson
6. Samuel Osifelo
7. Coleman Makau
8. Elis Mana
9. Marlon Sia
10. Arnold Maeluma
11. Charlie Otainao
12. Alwin Ray
13. Alwin Hou
14. Jeffery Bule
15. Clifford Misitana
16. Raphael Lea’i
17. Micah Lea’alafa
18. Jame Egeta
19. Jack Whitney
Meanwhile, Kurukuru’s participation in this year’s FIFA Futsal World Cup will be their fourth appearance at the World Stage Competition.
According to international records, Solomon Islands national futsal team currently holds the world record for the fastest ever goal scored in an official futsal match. It was set by Kurukuru captain Elliot Ragomo, who scored against New Caledonia three seconds into the game in July 2009.
