Four teams remaining
By Taromane Martin
SEMI-finalists for the Telekom S-League Championship are set after the completion of round two at Lawson Tama Stadium yesterday.
Semi-finals for the competition will start on Wednesday with Marist FC taking on an improved Malaita Kingz FC followed by the second semi-final match between Solomon Warriors FC and KOSSA FC on Thursday.
This was after KOSSA FC eliminated Western United FC despite a 3-3 draw while Malaita Kingz FC had to come from behind to eliminate Henderson Eels FC 2-1 on Saturday.
Marist FC secured their semi-final spot after defeating FC Guadalcanal 5-0 while Solomon Warriors FC defeated Real Kakamora FC 3-1 yesterday.
“They performed well today than last weekend. Like I told them the result does not matter getting organised is what matters because we have two weeks to prepare for the OFC Champions League quarterfinals,” Marist FC Head Coach Jerry Allen told SunSPORTS yesterday.
“It’s good because we gave our young ones match time. I’m happy we got five goals. It shows the boys are doing what we’ve been practising on this area which has been a real issue for us.
“Hard work will be the key for us. Each day we must work hard if we want to get the result we want, hard work that is the key,” Coach Allen said.
FC Guadalcanal Head Coach Martin Hiti was disappointed with the number of wasted opportunities but says he is happy with what he has seen from his young side so far.
“I’m happy with what I’ve seen from our two games so far and I’m optimistic for the new season of the TSL which we will now focus for,” he said.
Meanwhile, Malaita Kingz FC Head Coach Rence Talo was pleased with his boy’s performance on Saturday adding their club is trying to give their young players the experience of playing in the highest football competition in the country.
“Most of our players are in the U-19 training squad so we want to give them exposure and experience so they can be ready to represent the country with the squad.
“I’m pleased with the result. We stuck and played together as a team. We are ready and look forward to meet whoever we will play in the semi-finals,” Coach Talo said.
Henderson Eels FC Team Captain Freddy Kini accepted the loss saying some of their players lacked concentration but hopes to do better in the new TSL Season.
“We knew we had to win but unfortunately we lost focus and conceded those two goals in the second half.
“I think the missed penalty and the red card discouraged us as a team but that is football,” Kini said.
