BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
THE Solomon Islands are chasing another opportunity in the upcoming OFC Nations Cup 2024 in Vanuatu and Fiji, with interim head coach Jacob Moli tasked with getting his 23-man squad there.
The 2024 OFC Men’s Nations Cup, Oceania’s 11th edition, will be held in Vanuatu at VFF Fresh Water Stadium and Lauganville Soccer City Stadium and at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, Fiji.
from June 15 to 30, 2024, following the 2020 cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moli named his 23-man squad on Wednesday, May 29, seventeen (17) days ahead of the OFC’s scheduled kick-off deadline of June 15.
Squad: Philip Mango, Harold Nauania, Michael Laulae, Leon Kofana, Javin Wae, Prince Tahunipue, Steven Kotu, David Supa, Calvin Ohasio, Junior David, Allen Peter, Hudson Oreinima, Atkin Kaua, Hardyn Irodao, Tihi Molea, Marlon Tahioa, Rafael Leai, Joses Nawo, John Orobulu, Junior Fordney, Bobby Leslie, and Gagame Feni.
Officials: Head Coach: Jacob Moli; Assistant Coach: Stanley Waita; Goalkeeper Coach: Erick Peter; Team Manager: Dixion Anga; Kit Manager: Augustine Hou; and Physiotherapist: Charles Guaba.
Moli underlined the urgency of finalizing the team’s preparations for the OFC Nations Cup, despite potential skepticism from others.
“We can’t delay any longer; we have to finalize so that we can start preparing more as a team. People will make up their comments and views, but the task now is to see if we can put this team together and go and participate in the Nations Cup,’’ said Moli in a recent Press Conference at SIFF Headquarters.
Moil stressed that it’s not going to be easy against Vanuatu, the host nation; New Zealand, the champion; and New Caledonia, the XVII Pacific Games gold medalist, who will face significant challenges.
“So, it is just about how we can take on their mindset and doing things as a team now is what we try to capture and go and try to participate in our side. So, it is just a matter of us; the coaches must really push them so that we can go out there and try to perform as a team,’’ Moli said.
Group B comprises Tahiti, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. Group A comprises New Zealand, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu.
