BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) has kicked off its campaign in the SALT Corporate Futsal League 2026 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD).
The league, which brings together working men and women from government ministries and corporate organisations to promote healthy lifestyles, fitness and workplace camaraderie through sport, witnessed an entertaining contest as public servants from the two ministries battled for valuable competition points.
According to information released by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, MFMR secured the win through a first-half goal from Kenneth Kuni in a match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
Both teams came out strongly from the opening whistle, displaying attacking intent and creating chances at either end of the court.
“Kenneth Kuni found the back of the net in the first half with a well-taken goal that ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides,” MFMR said.
The goal capped off a strong spell of pressure from Fisheries and handed the side a slender advantage heading into the halftime break.
Agriculture responded positively in the second half and appeared to have found the equaliser after putting the ball into the net. However, celebrations were cut short when the referee ruled the goal out for a handball infringement during the build-up play.
MFMR said the disallowed goal allowed Fisheries to maintain its narrow lead despite facing sustained pressure from the determined Agriculture side.
Fisheries also created several opportunities to extend the scoreline but failed to capitalise on promising attacking movements in front of goal.
Goalkeeper Michael Maina proved instrumental in securing the result, producing a series of important saves as Agriculture intensified its search for an equaliser.
“Time and again, Maina produced crucial saves to deny Agriculture’s attackers, demonstrating sharp reflexes and composure under pressure,” the ministry stated.
His heroics between the posts ultimately ensured Fisheries held on for all three points in a fiercely contested encounter.
The victory gives MFMR a positive start to its SALT Corporate Futsal League campaign and builds momentum ahead of its second fixture.
The SALT Corporate Futsal League has become one of the key workplace sporting competitions in Honiara, providing an avenue for employees from government ministries, state-owned enterprises and corporate organisations to stay active while strengthening teamwork and social interaction
outside the office environment. The competition promotes healthy living, fitness and employee wellbeing through regular participation in sport.
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