BY TONY IROGA
Solomon Kings FC Captain and goalkeeper Philip Mango, #1 will miss the opening match of Round 4 of the OFC Pro League in Honiara due to suspension.
Round 4 of the regional competition is scheduled to kick off at Honiara National Stadium on Saturday, March 14 at 7pm.
Mango will sit out the match following a red card he received during Solomon Kings’ 5–0 loss to South Melbourne FC at Melbourne Stadium on March 4.
The Kings captain was sent off for slapping an opponent during the match in Melbourne.
Speaking to Island Sun yesterday at Lawson Tama Stadium, Mango said the team has confidence in young goalkeepers Erick Wanega #23 and Junior Petua to step up during his absence.
“Our team is made up of every player and we work together as a team to prepare for the upcoming Round 4 matches here at our home ground,” Mango said.
He said Wanega and Petua are talented young goalkeepers and he fully trusts them to perform well.
“I have confidence, belief and hope in Wanega and Petua during my absence,” he added.
Mango advised the two goalkeepers to make the most of the opportunity given to them and enjoy the spirit of the game.
“They just need to stay consistent for the full 90 minutes and keep their focus so it will help their performance during the match,” he said.
He also calls on fans to rally behind the team during the home matches in Honiara.
Mango said he is yet to confirm how many matches he will miss, as the final decision will be made by officials of the OFC Pro League.
Meanwhile, Wanega said he is confident to guard the goalmouth in Mango’s absence.
He admitted that playing at professional league level is not easy, but the experience gained in the last match against South Melbourne has helped him grow.
“We will continue the same work that Mango has done for the team in the previous rounds,” Wanega said.
He also urges supporters to continue backing the team despite the absence of their captain and first-choice goalkeeper.
Solomon Kings are scheduled to open Round 4 against Auckland FC on Saturday, March 14 at 7:00pm at Honiara National Stadium.
The team returned home on Friday, March 6 to begin preparations for the Honiara circuit of the OFC Pro League.
Photo credit: Tony Iroga
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
