Central Coast FC young lads Densley Gesini and Philip Ropa are living the dream to play in the S-League and pursue a successful career in football.
The Numbu natives from Guadalcanal province played in the Honiara Football Association (HFA) School league two years ago, last year represented the country at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil and now regulars for new franchise Central Coast FC.
Ropa scored a brace and Gesini scored one in their 4-1 win against Southern United yesterday in the midweek clash at Lawson Tama.
Speaking to TSL Media after the match, both players shared their experience so far in football.
Gesini highlighted his humble beginning playing for Numbu Community High school and making it into the U-17 national team.
“I started playing for Numbu and played for Guadalcanal in the U16 championship hosted in Honiara. I participated in the tournament and from there somehow I was selected into the U17s national team,” he said.
“We went to the World Cup and I got some experience when I played. I came into a different level since S-League is the highest league in Solomon so it’s very difficult for me age-wise.
“Coming into S-League is very competitive but with my limited experience, I managed to help my team.
“It was a tough game but we had prepared for it, looking forward to it. It’s good to experience scoring a goal for the team. I am happy to score the goal to help us go up the table”.
Ropa formed a good link with Gesini since both played together from an early with Numbu CHS, Guadalcanal, national U17s and currently with Central Coast FC.
“I also started playing with Numbu in the school league and somehow I made it in the national U17 which I got a little bit of experience,” said Ropa.
“I tried my best to scores today and so achieved two goals today.”
