Kooline FC created history as the first-ever SIPA Futsal League side to qualify for the inaugural OFC Futsal Champions League to be held in New Zealand come December.
The men in blue earn the right to play in the regional tournament after winning the 2019 SIPA Futsal League with a superior goal difference to runners-up Marist FC who finished the league equaled on 21 points with the champions.
It was a fierce title race in the league this season as the big four Kooline, Marist, Mataks and KF Gold challenged each other for the ultimate crown and a place in the OFC Futsal Champions League.
Living up to the billing, Kooline, Marist, and Mataks were in for a chance to win the title heading into the final round of fixtures today.
Kooline registered their biggest win of the season in their final match against Joma FC with a staggering 18-2 win to put them out of reach in terms of goal difference if Marist to win against Mataks.
With several Solomon Islands international in their ranks, Kooline had the upper hand over a defensive Joma side.
Captain Coleman Makau led by example by scoring a hat-trick, Robert Laua also notched in a hat-trick while Elis Mana grabbed six alongside goals two goals apiece from Ronado Cromwell, Benjamin Mana, and Arnold Maeluma to wrap up the title-winning result.
The result saw Kooline finished the league with 21 points and a goal difference of 41.
Kooline coach Stanley Puiarana who led the Solomon Islands national U-17 side to a second-place finish last year congratulates his boys for a well-deserved title-winning campaign.
“I want to congratulate my boys for winning the league and qualifying for the OFC championship,” he said.
“We have been working hard to achieve this and thank you to the Kooline management for supporting the boys.
“It is down to hard work of everybody who has involved and I want to also thank the other eight teams for a wonderful competition this year.”
Puiarana stressed that Kooline will be worked even harder in preparation for the OFC Futsal Champions League and use the upcoming SIPA Futsal Challenge as part of their preparation.
Last year’s champions Marist were to beat Mataks with 20 unanswered goals to stand a chance of reclaiming their crown in the final match of the league.
Mataks led by former Kurukuru defender Francis Lafai and some exciting young talents started the match on the front foot as Junior Mana put them in front with a smart finish.
Kurukuru talisman Elliot Ragomo pulled a goal back for Marist and moments later Charlie Otainao put them in the lead.
The second half saw both teams leveled 4-4 at one stage before Marist scored a late goal to clinch all three points but it was not enough to see them retain their title.
The 2019 SIPA Futsal Challenge will be held in August to complete the yearly competition calendar for this season and the official presentation will be followed after.
