Solomon Islands national soccer team is preparing with great enthusiasm and focus for their upcoming match against Australian professional side Brisbane Roar this Saturday, October 4, at the National Stadium.
This highly anticipated fixture is part of the inaugural PacificAus Sports Challenge, marking a significant milestone for football in the region.
Solomon Islands national soccer team Head Coach, Josh Smith described the team’s two-week training camp as highly productive, with all players now reunited after several spent time overseas.
The match against Brisbane Roar offers a crucial opportunity to test the squad ahead of the 4th edition of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Prime Ministers (PMs) Cup tournament scheduled for November.
“We are happy to have the full squad together,” said Smith.
“This match is a vital chance to measure ourselves against professional opposition and prepare for the MSG.”
Given Brisbane Roar’s professional status, the coaching staff has placed strong emphasis on defensive discipline, preparing the team to remain organized and resilient without possession.
“Brisbane is a professional team, so we expect limited ball possession,” Smith explained.
“Our camp has focused on defensive organization and hard work off the ball.”
Smith also highlighted the value of experience brought by players currently competing in Australia and New Zealand. Promising young talents like Martin Koto, returning after his MSG debut last year, and Clivert Sam, who is set to earn his first national cap, are also expected to play key roles in the centre-back and midfield positions.
“Our goals for the match include improving defensively, maintaining composure under pressure and creating scoring opportunities,” added Smith.
“We want to build a strong foundation ahead of the MSG.”
Beyond the match, this event strengthens an expanding partnership between Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF), Brisbane Roar and Football Australia. This collaboration aims to foster player development pathways, coaching exchanges and future high-performance opportunities.
“This relationship is essential to growing football in Solomon Islands,” said Smith.
“It provides great benefits for youth development and our senior teams.”
The Solomon Islands national soccer team’s preparations have been made possible thanks to the generous support of Football Australia, the Australian High Commission, Heritage Park, Solomon Airlines, Tourism Solomons, Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS), the National Sports Council (NSC), SIFF and PacificAus Sports.
Brisbane Roar’s visit also includes several community engagement activities. The squad will conduct skills sessions and motivational talks at White River Community High School, Lawson Tama Stadium and the SIFF Youth Academy. The Solomon Islands national team will visit Burns Creek to inspire local youth and reinforce national pride.
Coach Smith encourage fans to fill the National Stadium for the 6pm kick-off this coming Saturday.
“We need 10,000 fans to create an electric atmosphere and support our players. This is a chance to witness both current and future stars of Solomon Islands football as we build towards the MSG and beyond.”
Earlier, Solomon Islands Football Federation and the Australian Government announced Brisbane Roar’s Isuzu UTE A-League men’s team will visit Solomon Islands from October 1 to October 5 to take part in the first-ever PacificAus Sports Challenge.
Organized in partnership with SIFF, the Australian Government, Football Australia, and Brisbane Roar and jointly funded by SIFF and the Australian Government, the event will see the men’s team participate in various community activities, culminating in the match against the Solomon Islands senior national team at the National Stadium in Honiara.
“We hope this match becomes an annual fixture to further develop football in the Solomon Islands for years to come,” reiterated Smith.
