Solomon Islands international Micah Lea’alafa has officially signed a two-year professional contract with South African Premiership club Maritzburg United FC after a three-week-long trial.
The proud Solomon Islander paid tribute to God for the opportunity after all the hard work has been rewarded.
“I want to God for this breakthrough since I have been working hard over the years to reach this level,” he said.
“I am excited to put on the United jersey and will continue to work hard to achieve more with my new club.”
Maritzburg United chairman Farook Kadodia believes that Lea’alafa arrival means a lot to the attacking impetus of the team.
“Micah is an attacking midfielder or winger and we believe he will be a good fit for the team and combine well with the other midfielders we have and will provide the X-factor we’re looking for on the front line,” he said.
Lea’alafa becomes the first Pacific Islander to play professional football in Africa after a stellar season with New Zealand’s Auckland City.
The poster boy of Solomon football started his trade in futsal at an early age before switching code in 2014 to join a dominant Solomon Warriors who he won two domestic league titles.
He was signed by Vanuatu heavyweights Amicale in 2015 and went on to spent three successful seasons with Auckland City.
With the Navy Blues, Leala’afa won three league titles and played three times in the FIFA Club World Cup.
The new Maritzburg United player scored 18 goals last season with Auckland City and five goals in the 2019 OFC Champions League.
