Solomon Islands senior men’s team is using the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup campaign as a test preparation for the Sol2023 Pacific Games at home in November.
Head Coach Felipe Vega-Arango prior to their departure this week revealed key areas the team coaching staff and management will be working on to prepare a strong side when hosting the games this year.
“We have to prepare and test different positions. Offensively the team is good but a few works in defense we will do to identify and work on during this trip to New Caledonia,” Felipe said.
The Spaniard only made three (3) latest inclusions Loea Mani, Allan Peter, and John Orobulu into the squad – with most players already having been with the team in the past two (2) years.
“The best players in the TSL deserve to make this trip. We have the best top-four scorers in the league, and other incredible individuals that deserve this opportunity.
“There are other players who could not make it this time due to other reasons. Ian Lagwai is due to injury and Marlon Tahioa currently finishing his studies which is extremely important for him but we are happy with the players we have and they deserve to represent the country.
Winning the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup this time round is inevitable as the coach maintains to bring out a strong squad on home soil at the Sol2023 Pacific Games.
“Top of the agenda going in for the MSG competition is to win, but most importantly avoiding player injuries and work on key areas within the team because winning Gold at the games is our utmost goal for this year.
The team will be kicking off their MSG campaign against defending Champions Papua New Guinea (PNG) on Sunday before taking on Vanuatu and hosting New Caledonia later next week.
-SIFF Media
