By Taromane Martin
PREPARATION to host the 2018 Oceania Football Federation (OFC) Under-16 football championship in Honiara will start next weekend.
Solomon Islands will play host for the 18th edition of the OFC U-16 competition between September 9-22 at the Lawson Tama stadium and the Town Ground rugby stadium.
Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Gerald Oiaka told SunSPORTS that work on upgrading the pitch is set to start on August 27.
“Work to upgrade the Town Ground stadium will start on August 27. SIFF is yet to confirm whether we will host some of the matches or will host only their trainings.
“The upgrading of the Town Ground rugby Stadium will see matches for the Honiara Rugby Union Association (HRUA) league affected with matches to be played at the SPO Field at Ranadi”, the CEO said.
Speaking to the media last month at a press conference Mr Oiaka said the partnership between SIFF and SIRUF is positive and encourages every federation to work together in hosting such events in the country.
“SIRUF really appreciate this partnership. This is a good partnership not only for the two federations but for sports in general.
“It is very important that all federations work together in such circumstances to help move sports in our country forward,” he said.
The 2018 OFC U-16 Championship will take place will see Vanuatu, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, New Caledonia, Tahiti and Samoa gracing our shores.
Solomon Islands is grouped in Pool A alongside Vanuatu, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
