BY TONY IROGA UFUNONI
Dawn FC head coach Arthur Bako says his side is determined to continue improving and maintaining its exciting style of play as they lead the 2026 SIFF Super Futsal League season.
Speaking to Island Sun in an interview over the weekend, Bako said he is pleased with the progress of the club and excited for another challenging season ahead.
“This is my fifth season here with the club, and honestly I am happy.
“One thing that I really want this season is to continue to maintain the understanding of our game style and also stay focused throughout the season,” Bako said.
Bako acknowledged that the competition this year will be much tougher, with clubs strengthening their squads and aiming for the championship title.
“Looking at this season, it is going to be a tough one because every team is now getting better and everybody is geared up for this season,” he said.
“Every club’s objective is to become champions, so for us at Dawn FC, we are really excited to come back again this season and continue to level up our game.”
The Dawn FC coach said the team remains committed to taking another step forward despite the challenges ahead.
“It’s not going to be easy, but we are looking forward to another good season this year,” he added.
Bako also praised the growing popularity of futsal in the country and called on supporters to continue backing the league and the sport.
“First of all, I would like to thank the fans of Dawn FC and also those who are following futsal,” he said.
“I want to ask them to continue to come and support because futsal is a very exciting game. It is fast-paced and enjoyable to watch.”
“If you never come and be part of it, this game is really good. I would like to call on the fans to come out and enjoy this sport.”
He said futsal is not only entertaining but is also helping bring communities together through sport.
“This sport is really bringing people together, especially inside the league and also in the communities,” Bako explained.
“You can see communities coming around to support their teams, so I would really like the fans to continue coming out in bigger numbers.”
Bako also spoke about the opportunity for Solomon Islands clubs to compete internationally through the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) competitions next year.
“By next year, the update from OFC is that qualification will happen,” he said.
“Last year Mataks won and went to compete overseas. They represented Solomon Islands very well, so I think any club this year will really work hard for that opportunity too.”
On preparations for the current season, Bako said the coaching staff are focused on helping players better understand the game and adapt to different systems of play.
“The preparations are going well.
“We are looking at bringing the players to understand the game more, especially because we now have a new squad,” he said.
Bako revealed that some players from last season have shifted to football, opening opportunities for younger players to step up into the futsal squad.
“A few boys have moved on to football, so we brought in some new young players into the squad.
“It’s not easy, but we will work hard together so they can understand the game,” he said.
The experienced coach said one of his majors focuses this year is improving the tactical awareness of his players.
“For this season, I really want to emphasise more on understanding the game, understanding different systems of play, and also improving on set pieces and set plays,” Bako stated.
As the SIFF Super Futsal League continues, Dawn FC will look to maintain their strong form and remain one of the favourites for the 2026 title.
Photo credit: Dawn FC Fb page
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