BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

SOLOMON Kings FC head coach Ben Cahn was measured in his response following his side’s heavy 5–1 loss to Tahiti United FC in Round 5 of the Oceania Pro-League over the weekend.

Speaking after the match at HFC Bank Stadium, Cahn acknowledged his team’s shortcomings but pointed to the playing surface as a major factor affecting performance.

“We look at the pitch; it plays a big part,” Cahn said.

“It’s not at the level that it should be for a professional football competition.

“Unfortunately, we’re one of the teams that tries to play football, and we have to have a serious think about how we approach the next game based on the playing surface.”

Team captain Jezz Lofthouse echoed concerns about the pitch conditions but struck a more balanced tone, noting that both teams were subject to the same environment.

Lofthouse said his side managed to adapt during the match, adding that playing on the same surface gave both teams the opportunity to adjust and settle into the game.

The HFC Bank Stadium—formerly known as ANZ Stadium—is a multi-purpose venue primarily used for rugby league, rugby union, and football, as well as athletics events.

With a capacity of 15,446, including over 4,000 grandstand seats and VIP facilities, it remains one of Fiji’s sporting venues.

Meanwhile, Round 5 of the OFC Pro League is currently underway, with teams battling for qualification into the Leaders Group across two venues in Fiji.

Matches are being split between HFC Bank in Suva and the newly refurbished Govind Park in Ba.

Kings, South Island United, Vanuatu United FC, and Tahiti United are contesting all three of their Round 5 fixtures in Suva, while the other four teams are battling for top spot in Ba.

The competition follows a successful Round 4 held in Honiara, where all matches were staged at the National Stadium.

Photo: Zoomfiji

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Crucial showdown today; Kings to meet rival Vanuatu United

BY TONY IROGA

The Solomon Kings will take on Vanuatu United in a second crucial match clash today at 7pm at the HFC Bank stadium and is set to take on South Island United on April 17 at the same stadium at 3pm.

Solomon Kings FC head coach Ben Cahn has been clear about the team’s situation which is they will need a win to build momentum in the remaining matches in OFC Professional League.

He said his team is confident and looks forward to face Vanuatu United today.

“My team have shown effort and competitiveness, even in tough matches, but results haven’t always matched performances, especially with struggles in front of goal,” he said.

He emphasised that performance alone is no longer enough, with results now the priority as the team looks to regain momentum.

“We’ve shown that we can compete, but now we have to turn that into three points, that’s the next step for my team,” he said.

He said if they stay organised, work for each other, and take chances, they’ll give themselves the best chance to get the win they need.

The coach also calls on his players to stay united and execute the game plan under pressure against Vanuatu United today.

Cahn said confidence and momentum are still developing in this first-ever professional season as many players are transitioning into a fully professional environment.

“We’ve been competitive even pushing strong teams and fighting hard when down to 10 men—but haven’t consistently converted that into victories,” he said.

He added that these two games are crucial to them and they need winning points that will decide whether they will stay in the top group or not.

Cahn has publicly expressed heartfelt gratitude to fans and supporters for standing firmly behind the team.

In his message, he acknowledged the energy and encouragement from supporters, emphasising how crucial their backing has been in boosting player morale and performance.

“The team draws strength from the passion of fans both at home and abroad, especially during challenging matches and competitions,” he said.

Solomon Kings are also gearing up for an important final clash against South Island United on April 17 in the OFC Professional League at HFC Bank Stadium.

These upcoming matches are highly anticipated, as both teams will be looking to make a strong statement in the competition.

Solomon Kings are currently sitting in 5th place with 15 points in the OFC Professional League standings.

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BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

BANK South Pacific (BSP) Solomon Islands has announced the appointment of a new Country Head, with seasoned banker Trevor Browse set to take over the role, pending regulatory approval.

The announcement was made by Manager Corporate Services Amanda Korinihona, who confirmed that Browse will replace Sandra Fore, currently transitioning to a new position as Head of Transaction Banking for Corporate & Institutional Banking at BSP in Port Moresby.

“We are pleased to share the appointment of our new Country Head.

“His expected time of arrival is yet to be confirmed,” Korinihona told the paper last night.

Browse will be in charge with over 25 years of international banking experience.

He most recently served as Senior Relationship Manager in Corporate & Institutional Banking at BSP, having joined the organisation from Commonwealth Bank of Australia in October 2025.

His career began with UBS in London in Market Risk, followed by a series of senior risk management roles, including Chief Risk Officer at Imperial Bank in South Africa. Prior to his move to BSP, Browse was Executive General Manager Asset Finance at Nedbank.

Meanwhile, Browse’s appointment remains subject to regulatory approval. Upon completion of the process, both Browse and Fore are expected to transition into their new roles in the coming weeks.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Election officials for West Baegu/Fataleka Ward 5, in North Malaita, are ready for election day tomorrow, April 15, 2026.

Six candidates will be contesting in this election, including a former member of the provincial assembly. 

According to the Election Manager for the West Baegu/Fataleka election, Peter Herehura, his officials are 100 percent prepared and ready for polling day.

He said that there are no challenges or issues faced, and all required materials and equipment to be used during the day are ready.

He added that the deployment of officers, materials, and equipment for the election will be made this afternoon. 

“The deployment to West Baegu/Fataleka will most likely happen today,” he added.

Meanwhile, he said electoral officials and the returning officer have arrived in Auki from Honiara, except for a few who will be arriving today.

He said that the returning officer and the polling officials are also in Ward 5.

The West Baegu/Fataleka election is scheduled for April 15, 2026.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PREPARATIONS for the upcoming Isabel by-election are well on track, according to Electoral Manager Reuben Dotho.

Mr Dotho confirmed that key logistical and operational arrangements have been completed ahead of polling day, with training for election officials successfully carried out over the weekend.

“So, on Saturday we trained our counting officials. On Sunday and Monday, we trained our polling officials,” he said.

Dotho said contracts for both polling and counting officials have been finalised and signed yesterday.

He said the electoral team will make a final check on election kits before deploying to the polling stations today.

He said polling is expected to begin at 7:00am on the 15th with three candidates contesting for the vacant post.

“Our three candidates who will contest the by-election are Fititei Charles Pado, Neo Obed, and Sopalehe Leonard,” Dotho said.

He said the Royal Solomon Islands Police (RSIPF) will accompany the electoral officials to provide security at the polling sites.

Dotho said he is confident in the level of preparedness ahead of the polling day.

He acknowledges the presence and support of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) staff and the election observers who are already on the ground to support the process.

“There is no threat, so I believe this election will be fair and free,” Mr Dotho said.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

While commodity prices for cocoa and copra is affecting many local buyers in the country, one local buyer in Auki has taken the risk to maintain services for its customers.

One of the common buyers of cocoa and copra in Malaita Province, the Alisuri Sustainable Livelihood Association (ASLA), continues to buy cocoa despite the price drop.

ASLA has dropped copra and continues to buy cocoa with the aim to serve its rural customers and keep the association running.

In an interview, Elton Etega, manager of ASLA, said the drop in the prices of cocoa and copra is not new as it is a normal season for any business. 

He explained that the reason they have decided to continue is to maintain their business operations.

“Yes, the prices of cocoa and copra have affected us buyers, but the people most impacted by this are the rural farmers.

“So, we have stopped buying copra and continue buying cocoa. This is to maintain and ensure our business is ongoing and serving our members and customers,” he said.

He said that since it affects them, they are not focusing on gaining profit but on providing services.

“We don’t think much about gaining profit. We just make sure that our business is running and serving our rural people. Because once we close, it will really affect our struggling rural farmers. So, we are just flexible with them,” he said.

ASLA is currently buying cocoa at SBD$10.00 per kilogram for its customers.

Meanwhile, the paper reached out to Aekema, who runs a few commodities in Auki, but was unable to connect.

According to prices posted outside Aekema’s shed, $3.00 is the buying price for copra per kilogram and $8.00 for cocoa per kilogram.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

A local specialist in Langalanga Lagoon, Malaita Province, is calling on the provincial government and partners to allocate funds and build a custom and cultural hub in the province.

The call comes as tourists from overseas are attracted to the local customs and cultural heritage of Malaita Province, especially the Langalanga shore. 

Today, a tourist cruise is also visiting Busu village’s traditional hub, just to visit, enjoy, and experience the local environment and buy their custom artifacts.

Mae Toraa said building the hub will attract tourists to Malaita Province, and all ethnic groups in Malaita will have the opportunity to perform and showcase their own customs and cultural heritage.

He said it will be a way forward to boost the local economy and expose local cabins and cultures.

“We have seen and experienced that whenever tourists come to our shores, the opportunity is there. We can show our customs and cultural ways of doing things. We can sell our products like local foods from the sea and caves.

“It is an opportunity for us to earn income from our own hard work, our creativity that many of us have overseas,” he said. 

He stated that if the province builds this hub, it will be the best way for Malaita Province to showcase their own culture and customs. 

“Like we have 14 constituencies and 33 wards. If we have a hub, we can build one room for each ward to display their traditions and customs. It will attract more tourists to love and come to Malaita.

“Along the line, it will also provide employment and engage youths in traditional custom artifacts,” he said. 

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

MEMBER of the Provincial Assembly for Ward 12 – South Kolombangara, Jenty Isaac, has stepped in to assist his communities by donating bags of rice following the devastation caused by the recent Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Isaac handed over the donation to the Ward 12 committee in Gizo yesterday before the supplies were transported to Kolombangara for distribution.

He said the contribution is small but timely effort to support families while they wait for larger relief assistance from the national and provincial governments.

“My people are suffering and I want to donate these bags of rice for my people. Though it is small but I hope these bags of rice will sustain the families until the main relief supplies reach my ward,” Isaac said.

He said communities in Ward 12 have suffered significant losses, including destruction of gardens, fruit trees, coconut plantations and homes.

Isaac said Ward 12 is made up of 20 communities, most of which have been badly affected by the cyclone.

He calls on residents to remain patient as authorities continue to coordinate broader relief efforts.

“We are in a challenging time, so I call on my people to wait patiently until support reaches you. It might be late, but we must accept that some people need the support more than we do.

“Stay calm and wait patiently,” Isaac said.

He said his team will continue to work closely with the Provincial Disaster Office to ensure relief supplies are distributed fairly across Ward 12.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) through provincial health authorities, is planning to step up surveillance for potential disease outbreaks following Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Speaking to local media during a press conference over the weekend, Chairman of the National Disaster Operations Committee (NDOC) Health, Dr Nemia Bainivalu, said that after the initial emergency response by provincial health services with support from the national level, the ministry planned to step up surveillance of outbreak prone diseases.

“This includes waterborne diseases that may arise from contaminated water sources within affected communities. We will also be monitoring diurnal diseases.

“Additionally, we are on alert for mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue,” he said.

Dr Bainivalu urged communities to take preventive measures, including using mosquito nets, cleaning their surroundings, and removing stagnant water around homes.

He added that for communities already affected by diurnal illnesses, the ministry advises people to stay hydrated by drinking clean water or coconut water where available.

The MHMS will also work closely with provincial health services, particularly in affected areas, to monitor other potential outbreaks, including respiratory illnesses such as influenza and pneumonia.

Furthermore, Dr Bainivalu highlighted the importance of maintaining care for people living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes and hypertension.

“For this group, we encourage them to seek available health services to replenish their medications and continue with regular check-ups,” he said.

Dr Bainivalu said efforts are underway to restore health services across affected provinces.

“We are hopeful that as cyclone warnings ease, provincial health teams will be able to reach communities.

“Health services have been disrupted not only at clinics but also in support systems from provincial centres,” he said.

He also assured the public that the MHMS will soon issue nationwide health advisories to keep people informed about potential disease outbreaks following the cyclone.

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