Solomon Kings needs to secure result against South Island United today to stay in title race
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Kings FC are heading into a decisive final Round 5 encounter against South Island United 2pm today, with their OFC Pro League title hopes hanging in the balance.
“The venues have been confirmed for Round 6 of the OFC Pro League, including the semi-finals and final, to be hosted in New Zealand,” OFC Media confirmed, adding that the final will be held at Eden Park in Auckland, on May 24.
But before that, the Kings must first navigate a crucial hurdle in Fiji.
“The league splits into two, with the top four comprising the Leaders Group and the bottom four the Challengers Group,” the OFC Media statement said, placing added importance on the Kings’ final Round 5 fixture.
A win against South Island United will certainly secure Solomon Kings a place in the top four and confirm their progression to the Leaders Group.
A draw may still be enough, but the Kings would then rely on other results involving rivals such as Auckland FC, Bula FC, and PNG Hekari FC.
A loss, however, would leave them vulnerable to slipping out of the top four and potentially ending their title ambitions.
The stakes could not be higher.
“Those fixtures kick off in Auckland, on May 6,” OFC Media said, noting that “all matches will be played across two venues in Auckland — Go Media Stadium and Eden Park.”
“Leaders Group matches on May 6 will be played at Go Media Stadium, with matches on May 9 and 12 played at Eden Park,” the statement outlined.
“Challengers Group matches on May 7 will be played at Eden Park, with matches on May 10 and 13 played at Go Media Stadium.”
The pathway to the title is also clearly mapped out.
“The semi-final playoff match (May 17) and the two semi-finals (May 20) will be played at Go Media Stadium, with the final on May 24 played at Eden Park,” OFC Media added.
Currently competing in Fiji, the Kings have shown promise but are yet to fully secure their place among the competition’s top sides.
Their clash against South Island United now shapes as a make-or-break fixture — one that will determine whether they advance as genuine title contenders or fall short at the final hurdle.
“Fixtures will be confirmed shortly after the conclusion of Round 5 next week,” the OFC Media statement concluded.
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