Last night was marked a historic event for the country’s women in football the maiden completion of the Solrais Women’s Premier League (SWPL) awards presentation at the Pacific Casino hotel.
Eight teams featured in the inaugural competition where all were recognized for their participation and efforts in this year’s season.
Speaking during the awards ceremony, guest of honour Hon. Lanelle Tanaganda assured that the national government recognizes in developing women in football, and the significant the competition brought forth in breaking down bearers against women and girls.
“Despite the challenges faced especially during this pandemic yet you players, teams, sponsors and organizers have shown exceptional courage in getting this competition to end on a high,” she highlighted.
“It is a history in the making! She saluted SIFF and SWPL board for ensuring sports continue despite the covid 19 challenges, a dynamic tool which unites the country she says.
“I admire the enthusiasm, strength, commitment and discipline that each one of you players displayed throughout the season.
SWPL Board Member Freda Wickham also during her remarks thanked all that put together the teamwork displayed throughout the league for its success.
“This is the first time for the history of Solomon Islands that a women’s football competition has been established properly,” she says.
She also added that SWPL board acknowledges SIFF President Mr. Willie Lai for ensuring that the league took off this year.
“We are grateful to him for initiating this move in which he recognizes that there are so many potentials for women and girls, and indeed we have witnessed these throughout the season. We recognize your support and vision of the league to prosper as we go forward,” she said.
Mr Lai also the SWPL Chairman Willie Lai while congratulating the participating teams says he is overwhelmed that the historic event succeeds under his time in the office.
“We are putting more support towards the competition comes 2021. SIFF and its stakeholders will be making sure more investment into it,” says Mr. Lai last night.
“When we started the league, the standard was not that good but eventually there a lot of improvements that I myself can’t believe. You ladies have improved so much that our investments will continue.
He adds that the league initiated to empower women and girls in the communities where the sport is dominated by men.
“Footbal is a global game that we love especially in the country, we cherish, enjoy we come together overall we happy. There will be winners and losers but in this event, we are all winners!RSIPF Royals made the historic feat to become double winners of the competition’s league and championship walking away with a total of $30,000 overall.
Meanwhile, SWPL board calls for two more additional women’s team for its next season.
SWPL LEAGUE AWARDS;Golden Boot – Ileen Pegi (Koloale Striker)
Golden Glove – Margret Kofela (Royals Goalkeeper)
Player of the Season – Francina Mautai (Royals player)
Fairest team – Haura FC
Fourth Place – Frigates United FC ($8,000)
Third Place – Naha FC ($10,000 with 30 bronze medals)
Second Place – Koloale FC ($15,000 with 30 silver medals)
First Place – RSIPF Royals ($20,000 with 30 gold medals)
BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II via SunSport
