Kingz in third

“Wasted opportunities cost us” Marahare

BY TAROMANE MARTIN

MALAITA Kingz FC finished third in the Telekom S-League knockout championship after defeating KOSSA FC 2-0 in the third and fourth position playoff yesterday.

Henly Ramo, Frank Kabui and Philip Maeta were all brilliant in midfield while Martin Rence was effective on the right flanks for M/ Kingz.

A first half goal from Lore Faonata and second half substitute Charles Mani was enough to land M/Kingz in third place after brilliant goal keeping by keeper Samson Koti kept KOSSA’s attack at bay twice.

Kingz were reduced to 10 men ten minutes from time, Faonata picking up a straight red card for a challenge with KOSSA’s Graham Tanavole who picked up a yellow card.

Head Coach Rence Talo praised his players for the result saying his boys followed his instructions after the game yesterday.

“I’m really happy with the result today because the boys followed instructions even though a couple of them a quite young,” he said.

“The future looks good for the club next season. They have adapted well in this knockout championship and it looks good for the team.

Talo was pleased with second half substitute and Youth Solomon Cup golden boot winner Charles Mani who found the back of the net for the win against KOSSA FC yesterday.

“He’s doing great and it’s good to see all the young boys who are training with the national U-20 squad adapting and performing at this level.

Meanwhile a disappointed KOSSA FC Head Coach Eddie Marahare said it was an equally contested match but admitted their wasted opportunities cost them the game.

“The difference was that M/Kingz managed to find the back of their net twice and we wasted about five or six chances.

“But that is football. You can play beautiful football but if you don’t convert your chances you lose. But this young M/Kingz side really deserved the win,” Marahare said.

The TSL Championship grand final between Solomon Warriors FC and Marist FC will take place 3pm today at the Lawson Tama Stadium.