BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR
The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) has unveiled the nation’s first women’s futsal squad, comprising 18 talented players selected from a pool of over 40 competitors in the SIFF Women’s Futsal Challenge. This milestone achievement signifies a significant step forward in promoting and developing women’s futsal in the Solomon Islands.
According to a statement from SIFF, the final squad was chosen after two highly competitive trial sessions, with the players demonstrating exceptional skills and potential. The selected athletes have already commenced their training on July 6 at the SIFF Academy Futsal Court, gearing up for the upcoming Oceania Futsal Women’s Nations Cup, which will be held in Honiara this August.
“This training is a critical step in preparing the team for the inaugural OFC Women’s Futsal Nations Cup,” SIFF stated, emphasizing the importance of this initiative in fostering the growth of women’s futsal in the country.
The Solomon Islands’ establishment of a national women’s futsal team is a testament to the nation’s commitment to gender equality in sports and the development of futsal, a variation of football that is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide.
As the team embarks on their journey towards the regional tournament, the support and recognition from SIFF and the wider community will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in their success.
Meanwhile, the Oceania Futsal Women’s Nations Cup will run from the 18th to the 24th of August 2024 in Honiara.
The training squad is as follows: Serah Alpefolocia, Joyce Lekani, Lisa Solo, Grace Takeni, Bethy Dalo, Vallery Wale, Madelyn Arukau, Claudia Votu, Stella Niu, Delin Kali, Sharalyn Kofe, Ileen Peqi, Angie Gitolo, Agie Kofe, Shalish Siru, Mali Liva, Florence Aretoro and Gertrude Oritaimae.
