Malaita Eagles fly highest in both Men and Women's Solomon Cup finals

Malaita Eagles snatched the Gold Medals of the Our Telekom Solomon Cup 2009, mens and womens grand final in dilemma of classy football.

In the womens category, Calrose Gwali was the star of Friday's grand final in defense for the Eagles as they hold the astonishing performance from the Western Turtles. Turtles side were the more determining side as they show case great determination in the match.

Eagles only goal came from Prudence in the first half of the extra time. The teams fought till fulltime and it was in the extra time that the Eagles scored the only goal that got them through the finals.

The Eagles womens team walked away with a SBD$10,000, 27 gold medals and perpetual trophy sponsored by Our Telekom.

Calrose Gwali of the Malaita Eagles also won the player of the match.

Meanwhile, in the much awaited grand finale of the mens' category Malaita Eagles proved their worth in the tournament by thrashing a hapless Guadalcanal Hornets by 8 unanswered goals in front of a packed Lawson Tama crowd yesterday afternoon to win the coverted Gold medal, trophy and cash prize.

Malaita Eagles to face Guadalcanal Hornets in Solomon Cup grand-final

Report from TARD rep, Honiara

Malaita Eagles has defeated a spirited Choiseul team by 5 goals to 1 by full-time in the first semi-final match of the Our Telekom Solomon Cup at Lawson Tama in Honiara today.

The match which started at 12 midday saw two goals by Kidston Billy and one by veteran and golden boot contender Batram Suri in just the first half to ensure a 3-1 advantage for Malaita by the breather.

Both teams went into the second half with more to play for, but eventually the experience in the Malaita paid dividends when they scored another two goals in the second half to comfortably win by 5-1.

Meanwhile, in the main match for today Guadalcanal Hornets defied all odds to walk over the much fancied Honiara side by winning 1 goal to nil. The goal was scored by the Hornets in the second half.

This means that Malaita Eagles will now play Guadalcanal Hornets in the grand final on Saturday at 2pm. This will be a very exciting match not to miss.

Malaita Eagles bite Renbel 9 nil in Solomon Cup match to qualify for semis

The Malaita Eagles soccer team thrashed Rennell Bellona 9 nil in their final pool match yesterday at Lawson Tama to qualify for the Solomon Cup semi finals as the runner-up in Pool B behind Honiara Warriors.
It was a record win for Malaita who ran over a courageous Rennell Bellona side with 9 unanswered goals. Rennell Bellona played one of their better games in the competition but the strike force of Malaita was just too much for them. The plethora of goals also moves Batram Suri to a total of 7 goals ahead of Ben Hibiscus of Choiseul who has 4.

Batram Suri scored the fastest goal of the tournament in the 60 seconds with an easy chip over the Rennell Bellona goalkeeper who had moved too far out from his line. An uneasy 25 minutes separated the first from the second goal where Malaita tried to settle down after going out in front so early. It took none other than Batram Suri to reopen scoring in the 26th minute before the lock to the Rennell Bellona floodgates opened. Four (4) minutes later Kidstone Billy made it 3 – 0 with his solo effort against 3 defenders. Batram Suri scored again in the 41st minute to give Malaita a 4 – 0 advantage in the first half.

Judd Molea scored within a minute of the restart to further Malaita’s advantage in the game to 5 – 0.

Two goals from Kidstone Billy in the 51st and the 52nd minute further demoralised the Rennell Bellona side. Billy, who has struggled somewhat with his form, silenced his critics with a good performance up front beside hitman Batram Suri.

Midfield maestro Alick Mamae scored in the 56th to make it 8 – 0 in Malaita’s favour before substitute Mostyn Beui hammered in the final goal in the 70th minute.

Malaita sit on the second spot behind Honiara who lead the pool with 10 points. They will play Choiseul in the first semi-final match on Wednesday 25th November, 2009.

In another match, Isabel were hoping to avoid the Pool B wooden spoon but their efforts were not enough against Makira Ulawa in both team’s final matches of the competition. Malaita’s rout against Rennell Bellona earlier had ruled both Isabel and Makira Ulawa out of semi finals so both teams were just playing for table positioning.

The initial stages of the match was a fairly evenly played out contest and goals could have come from either side. Jenan Kapu was strong as usual on the flanks for Isabel and he created good opportunities for the forwards who should have done better. Unfortunately for Isabel, Jenan Kapu left the field with a hamstring injury late in the first half.

Makira had been building up their attack quietly and they pounced in the 36 minute with a header from John Anita. Three (3) minutes later Max Menapi fired in scorcher to put his side ahead at 2 – 0.

The score line remained at 2 – 0 when halftime was called.

The second half saw renewed life in the Isabel side as they fought to get back in the game. Gideon Omokirio received some good passes from the midfield but the Makira Ulawa defenders were quick to close him down before he could become dangerous.

The final blow for Isabel came in the 65th minute when Ian Ngahu scored from outside the 18 yard box with a long range effort.

Makira Ulawa move up to 6 points and the third position in Pool B with the win. Isabel settle at the bottom with only 1 point behind Rennell Bellona who have 3 points.

Meanwhile, Choiseul continued their outstanding performance in this year’s Solomon Cup with a 2 – 0 win to wrap up the final match in Pool A of the Our Telekom Solomon Cup. Western could have gone through with a big win but they found themselves at the negative end of the score line.

The game was over in just the first half. Choiseul capitalised on yet another slow start from Western Province to score in the 30th and the 34th minute. Youngster Dennis Ifunaoa, who is one of the stars of the competition, was too fast for the Western backline and he made them pay with a wonderfully placed shot. Veteran Willie Beuka then made matters worse with his left footed strike that should have been saved by the Western goalkeeper.

West tried to retake the game in the second half by upping the pressure on Choiseul’s sometimes faltering backline but they were steady enough to hold them off for their deserved win.

Choiseul’s win moves them to 10 points ahead of Guadalcanal. They will meet Malaita in the first semi-final on tomorrow while Honiara will meet Guadalcanal Hornets.

Source: SIFF

Solomon Cup updates

The team from the Eastern Solomons, Temotu Arrows stunned the Western Turtles in a crowded Lawson Tama yesterday.

Three goals from Frank Tuputa and each from Lenson Bisili and Paul Seda put Temotu up the score ladder to 5 goals. Western Turtles only goal came from Comlee, putting his name in the golden boot race.

Meanwhile, Honiara defeated Real kakamora from Makira by a goal to nil and the Guadalcanal Hornets stung Central shield by 7 goals to 2.

Thousands flocked Lawson Tama yesterday to watch the Kakamora trying to overthrow the warriors with no success.

Solar panels handed over to people in North Malaita rural communities

A total of 28 solar panels were handed over to the rural people of Malaita Province over the weekend by Willies Electrical and Solar Power Company.

Seven homes in Sewa Community at Malu'u station, 8 at the Faith Community in Sulagwalu and 13 homes in Aufasu community of Central Kwara'ae took delivery of solar panels under the company's Iumi Solar Home Systems program.

The community based program includes a solar panel package of 10 watts, a battery and two light bulbs to provide basic light for homes.

Under the program, community members pay two-thousand-two-hundred dollars each up front.

The remaining cost for each package is to be settled through the weekly sale of market produce.

Managing Director of Willies Company David Iro says the weekend hand-overs bring the total number of solar panels given to communities throughout the country to over 1,000.

Mr Iro says the Iumi Solar Home Systems program aims to reach another one thousand homes in the provinces next year.

Meanwhile, pregnant mothers of the North Malaita Region can now look forward to the comfort of having light at the Malu'u Clinic's Labour Ward, thanks to Willies Electrical and Solar Power Company.

The company Director announced their commitment to provide Solar lighting for the labour ward at the Clinic and for Malu'u Police Station, during the handing over of 7solar panels for Sewa Community at Malu'u Station last Friday.

Malu'u station has been without electricity for almost a year now, forcing nurses to attend to patients by lamp or torch light, and mothers at the labour ward have been no exception.

The head nurse for Malu'u Clinic Rose Liosulia says the commitment is good news for the clinic as it will meet one of it's needs to provide essential lighting which will in turn ensure that patients are looked after properly.

Malu'u, clinic's labour ward and the police station will be fitted with solar lighting next year.

Source: SIBC

Solomon Islands rated 111th least corrupt country in the world

Solomon Islands is ranked as the 111th least corrupt country in the world, equal with Kiribati by the anti-corruption group, Transparency International.

Featuring most nations in the region, the index of 180 countries places New Zealand as the World’s least corrupt country just ahead of Denmark but well in front of Australia, which was found to be eight least corrupt.

Papua New Guinea is near the bottom of the list, in 154th place.

Samoa is 56th, while Tonga and Vanuatu climbed the list significantly this year, at 99th and 95th respectively.

Transparency International says following the 2006 riots, Tonga has undergone reforms that seek to grant greater political power to popularly elected officials and its anti-corruption drive has earned the support of local civil society organisations.

It says the political stability and high fiscal freedom helped to improve perceptions of corruption in Vanuatu.

Source: RNZI

United Arab Emirates prove too strong for Solomon Bilikiki in second match at Beach Soccer World Cup

The Solomon Islands have lost 1-7 to the United Arab Emirates in their second match at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Dubai on yesterday.

After a dramatic 7-6 win against Urugay in their opening match on Monday, the Bilikiki could not follow that up with another win as the hosts proved too strong in front of a home crowd.

UAE, desperate for three points after a heart-breaking loss to Portugal on day one, struck moments into the match to signal their intentions, as a melodic symphony from synchronised voices and assorted instruments cascaded down from their supporters. Karim Albalooshi was the goal-getter and he struck again soon after Solomon Islands’ goalkeeper Fred Hale had slipped a long shot under UAE goalkeeper Abbas Hussain to draw his side level.

Ibrahim Albalooshi’s direct-kick could not find its way through, but UAE continued to test their luck as the first period drew to a close, sending a number of well-taken shots goalward. And with just twelve seconds gone in the second period, Ibrahim Albalooshi put one in for UAE. Crafty forays forward followed from both sides, before Bakhit Alabadla and then Rami Al Mesaabi added a couple more for UAE.

Qambar Sadeqi drew gasps as his crushing strike found the back of the net midway through the final period, as Solomon Islands were forced to grow comfortable with the idea of sharing top spot in Group B. As UAE tallied another, it hardly seemed necessary, but the flag-waving UAE supporters did not seem to mind.

UAE face Uruguay tomorrow as the group stages draw to a close, while Solomon Islands have the challenging task of contending with a Portugal side eager for another win.

Source: OFC

Solomon Bilikiki eke out Uruguayan upset in Beach Soccer World Cup opener

Solomon Islands survived a late onslaught to edge Uruguay 7-6 in what was an exhilarating start to their FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai 2009 campaign.

The Oceania representatives held a five-goal cushion with just six minutes remaining, but will be mightily relieved to have put three points on the board following a spirited comeback from their Group A rivals.

The infallible Ricar gave Uruguay an early advantage, but goals from Robert Laua, Gibson Hosea, Muri and Timothy Wale sent Solomon Islands in 4-2 up at the first break. The South Americans were incapable of nullifying their underdogs’ counter-attacking style, with a quick-fire brace from Laua, which completed his hat-trick, and a strike from Omo making it 7-2 before the end of the second period.

However, midway through the concluding period, Uruguay found their rhythm, and four goals within three minutes – Martin and Ricar both completed doubles, while Pampero and Fabian were also on target – made for a thrilling last few minutes. Las Charrúas threw everything forward in search of an equaliser, but the Bilikiki Boys ultimately escaped with the victory.

The teams will return to action tomorrow, when Uruguay will meet Portugal and Solomon Islands take on United Arab Emirates.

Squad List
1 Henry PADAVERANA
2 Timothy WALE
3 Franco NEE
4 Eddie NGAITIN
5 Hickly RENCE
6 Muri MAKAA
7 Michael TAEMAN
8 Gideon OMOKIRIO
9 Robert LAUA
10 James NAKA
11 Gibson HOSEA
12 Fred HALE

Source: FIFA

Malaita Eagles team avoid ban, Solomon Cup to continue today

It is old news that the Solomon Cup will proceed as planned after Saturday nights riot. SIFF and the police have reassured fans that security will be beefed up and fans closely monitored during the event.

Eagles Team Manager and Vice-President of Malaita Football Association, Eddie Misite'e yeterday said, "We had raised the issue of security on Friday's technical meeting with SIFF. SIFF at that time assured us that security would be provided even saying thousands will be deployed. On Saturday only 18 personnel's showed up."

Mr. Misite'e also emphasized that in a quick emergency held on Sunday the major sponsor of the event, Our Telekom remained unfazed by the incident and reaffirmed their support for the tournament.

"On the issue of a possible ban; we argued that SIFF must take responsibility for their failure and I think they have accepted that fault. We also argued that unlike 1993 where the players provoked the fans into rioting when they walked off the field, this team accepted the decision and had vowed to continue playing. It was the fans who took advantage of the situation. Therefore it will be very unfair for the team or Malaita to be banned. Then we must also acknowledged that Malaita team management had done all it can to avoid this situation but the fault lies squarely on SIFF's shoulder for their failure to meet their obligation to provide security." Mr. Misite'e said.

Mr. Misite'e stressed that he and coach Toata Molea fought hard for the team and it has been accepted by SIFF that the Malaita team will not be fined. "In 1993 we were handed a 2 year ban but this time it would be very unfair for SIFF to do that to us."

The Malaita team plays its second game today at 2pm when the competition resumes.

Mr. Misite'e also revealed that 'the outcome of Saturday's game will be decided in a future technical meeting. We do not know what decision may be reached but the possibility that a replay will be made is likely unless SIFF decides to award the win to Honiara or an unlikely draw. Bear in mind the goal had been awarded then retracted so a good analysis must be made with a good decision reached. Either way, the Malaita team still has 3 games to play and we will make sure we win all remaining games to put ourselves in a position to qualify for the semi finals."

Source: Lifhaus

Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) offices looted and burnt down

The SIFF office at Lawson Tama was burnt down yesterday evening by a mob of angry Malaita Eagle fans who rioted at the Lawson Tama stadium after the Eagles lost to Honiara.

It appears that fans were unhappy with a disallowed goal by the Malaita Eagles and started shooting stones into the stadium.The referee decided to abandon the game but relented to a call to complete the game.

Six minutes before full time the Honiara squad scored and that was when disgruntled fans went into a mayhem. They stole the gate takings at the gate and then broke into the Sports shop where someone lit the fire and as a result the office was burned down.

The car park and much of the road to China Town was strewn with empty boxes.

Reports from eye witnesses at the scene indicated that certain shops at Chinatown were also looted.

RAMSI Police have been deployed at Lawson Tama and are currently monitoring the situation. Police presence has been stepped up. Eye witnesses also alluded that RAMSI fired blanks at the advancing crowd at Chinatown yesterday evening.

Innocent bystanders and passing vehicles were also threatened and stoned during the chaos.

It is still unclear what this latest incident will do to the Solomon Cup but there are already strong indications that our reputation in OFC has just hit another low point and we have not done much to improve anything including soccer.

This morning (Sunday) the shop owners were standing around with security guards. It was all quiet.

Sources: Lifhaus & Clive Moore

TARD ended 2009 with farewell function for its graduating members

The To'abaita Authority for Research and Development (TARD) farewelled its graduating students in a meeting and function on Saturday (07/11/09) evening at the USPSA Conference Room.

Meeting date: Saturday (07/11/09)
Venue: USPSA Conference Room
Time: 5 – 8 pm.

Participants:

1 John Konofilia
2 George Ganiau
3 Brian Mangi
4 Ruth Ramo
5 Patricia Sango
6 Blondie Akwasia
7 Lizzie Tegu
8 Donna Rilangi
9 June Atomea
10 John Buata
11 Joe Kelesi
12 Jennifer Delemani
13 Elton Etega
14 Nixon Osiniu
15 Peter Danitofea
16 Robert Iromalefo
17 Roland Delemani
18 Ricky Ganisua
19 Enly Saeni
20 Michael Suinao
21 Simon Fiuniau
22 Rolland Filia
23 Linda Tonawane
24 Jillian Fa’afunua
25 Frederick Iro
26 Milfred Delemani
27 Rexon Ramofafia
28 Lawrence Lugitau
29 Joel Kalafiu
30 Pressly Fafoekona
31 Fletcher Fulairara
32 Mathew Oli
33 Frank Daukali

Meeting Minutes

1. Opening Word of Prayer: Jones Otafalu

2. Word of Welcome: George Ganiau (TARD Chairman – Suva Committee)

3. Update and Report on TARD Projects from November 2008 to December 2009:

a. Successful coordination of 3-week Soccer & netball coaching workshop at three key centers in North Malaita (Malu’u, Bita’ama & Walo) from late November to early December 2008. TARD hired the services of a volunteer soccer coach from New Zealand sponsored by Mahitahi Organization and two Malaita Netball Provincial Trainers to lead the coaching workshops.

b. TARD donated free soccer balls and netballs to rural club representatives in North Malaita who participated in the 3-week coaching workshop.

c. Successful organization of the TARD 2008 Christmas Games at Bita’ama in partnership with the Green Snails Club which took place in mid December 2008. Sports played included Soccer, netball and volleyball.

d. Completion of 4 signboards in late December planned for the boundaries of the North Malaita Constituency to welcome and farewell visitors to the region. This is yet to be installed due to lack of funds to do this.

e. Formal launching of TARD vision in February 2009 to To’abaita elites working in Honiara. This was coordinated by TARD Chairman – Honiara Committee Peter Fairamoa and the event took place at the Museum grounds in Honiara.

f. Delivery of 26 boxes of medical supplies in March 2009 to Malu’u Mini Hospital. The supplies were donated to TARD by the Medical Aid Abroad in New Zealand (MAANZ).

g. In August 2009, TARD provided $2000 to the organizing committee of the North Malaita Zone 1 School Sports Carnival. This support was utilized to meet medals for the primary school and secondary school athletes. The 1-week school sports carnival was completed in mid September 2009 at Walo Community High School and attended by all the schools between Manakwai (To’abaita) and Madalua (West Baelelea).

h. In October 2009, TARD provided ~$4,040 to support the North Malaita Soccer and Netball League at Malu’u.

i. In October 2009, TARD secured support as the first local association to benefit from the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) with the Honiara Committee collecting 15 beach soccer balls which were already delivered to support the North Malaita beach soccer league at Malu’u. Another additional 5 soccer balls is expected to be collected by TARD from SIFF in November 2009 awaiting arrival from New Zealand.

j. From December 16 – 19 2009, TARD will be organizing the 2009 Christmas Games at Malu’u. Sports to be played include soccer, netball, volleyball and beach soccer.

4. Other Matters:

a. Appointment of new TARD office bearers for 2010. Chairman is George Ganiau, Treasurer is John konofilia, Secretary is Ruth Ramo, and Fundraising Leader is Ken Finet. The new committee is expected to be the new signatories to the current TARD bank account with ANZ Bank, USP Branch.

b. Updates on the proposed constituency boundaries for North Malaita and Lau/Baelelea. Stressed the importance of TARD to be a neutral and independent body free from political interference or manipulation.

c. TARD Plans for 2010 – Cultural dances to hotels on Viti Levu (ET to draft letter during holidays for this to happen); Hiring of night club for fundraising; Set-up of a TARD Credit Fund; Set-up of a mechanism so that TARD can support members that are in emergency cases, loss of loved ones, sickness and hospital admission etc; and TARD mailbox number.

5. Closing Prayer and vote of Thanks – Enly Saeni.

6. Refreshment and informal speeches.

The TARD graduating students are Milfred Delemani, Enly Saeni, Donna Rilangi & Patricia Sango.