Solomon Islands U-17 national team forward Raphael Lea’i scored a goal and provided an assist to help Scots College beat Hutt International 2-0 in the final of the New Zealand College Sport Premier Youth Football league on Wednesday.
Lea’i and compatriot Leon Kofana starred for their College to win a historic first-ever Premiership title in Scots College Wellington history.
The wonder boy scored a staggering 41 goals to become the top scorer of the competition and snatched the golden boot award.
The speedster added the recent golden boot to his OFC Futsal Youth Championship award, OFC U-16 Championship awards and SIPA Futsal League top scores trophy.
He credited his teammates for helping him achieved another individual award and winning his second trophy in New Zealand.
“First I want to thank God for giving me this talent to play football,” he said.
“Also I would like to thank my teammates and family members back home for helping both off and on the pitch.
“I am happy for the team and my fellow countryman Leon Kofana since we are both in this journey together representing our country here in New Zealand.”
Lea’i and Kofana are currently studying at Scots College and train with Wellington Phoenix leading up to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in October.
The duo caught the attention of Wellington Phoenix scouts during the World Cup qualifiers in Honiara last year.
Under the scholarship, the youngsters will attend school at Scots College and train twice a week with the Wellington Phoenix academy.
Both players are expected to return back home late next month as the national U-17s are stepping up preparation for the FIFA U-17 World Cup to be hosted in Brazil.
