In his first official Media Press Conference the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) President Donald Marahare maintains that football is ‘indeed in safe hands.’
President Marahare addressed the media since taking up the football leading role and responsibility.
“Our new executive takes football seriously. The activities and development aspects of football going forward,” the President said.
With the new executive the President also briefly highlights the key priorities that through his leadership and administration to pursue in the coming term.
“The first thing is the ongoing organizational restructure when it is needed. Just to cater to football’s needs – as a growing sport that requires changes and demands.
“We cannot remain static. We must prepare and the growing demands that come with it.
Marahare also commended the previous executive for taking the lead in seeing the approach taking place.
“My current executive is preparing to continue with these restructuring and ongoing review that is undertaken at the moment.
He continued that one of the key priorities of his executive is to develop football infrastructure at the provincial level through the affiliated Provincial Football Associations (PFA).
“For the new year 2024 and the coming years, there are already plans to refurbish JF Kennedy stadium in Gizo, Western Province as well as Alligegeo field in Auki, Malaita province and Makira/Ulawa province where a football infrastructure project already in place,” he confirms.
“We will be looking at additional projects for other provinces to ensure that development in terms of infrastructure continues and funds will be secured in due course.
He adds that Youth football is also one of the priorities the executive is looking into.
“For both boys’ and girls’ development at the youth level is also of importance. We note that the new SIFF Academy is ready to be up and running and definitely these will supplement the intention to develop youth football in the country.
“There are other ongoing projects that will also supplement a lot of youth programs.
“Apart from that, we still see the need to ensure our national teams continue to prepare for regional and international competitions – High Performance program still there to compliment these pathways.
The President then highlights the components of governance structure and issues.
“Like every organization we also see the importance of good governance, as so when issues at hand we have to address it.
He then assured continues support to existing programs including FIFA’s Social Responsibility which mandatory for every Member Associations (MA).
-SIFF MEDIA
