THE Solomon Islands Men’s U16 squad has been announced for the OFC Men’s U16 Championship, set to take place in Papeete, Tahiti, from July 28 to August 10.
Former SIFF Youth Development Officer and Talent Identification Coach, Eddie Rukumana has been appointed as the head coach, and he named a 23-man squad this morning during a press conference at the SIFF Headquarters and Technical Center.
The former national defender, who has played a crucial role in developing the youth team since late 2022, took over the head coach’s responsibilities.
He collaborates closely with SIFF Technical Director Moses Toata, who led the same team to victory at the Qualifying tournament in Tonga, securing a spot in the Oceania qualifiers for the FIFA U-17 World Cup™ in 2025 in Group B.
“This team has developed from the U15 Boys team in 2022 at the OFC Development tournament in New Zealand. That same team progressed to the qualification playoff in Tonga in April this year. Since then, we have continued to build and prepare them for the World Cup qualifiers. Now, they are well prepared,” Rukuman told the local media.
The squad includes two new additions: a defender and a forward, aimed at strengthening the team.
“Only two changes are coming to the team – we just want to strengthen up because of the qualities we have identified in the players,” added Rukumana.
The Solomon Islands is placed alongside hosts, Tahiti, New Caledonia, and Samoa in Group B.
