Solomon Islands national team coach Felipe Vega-Arango has called up 23 players to represent the country at the inaugural MSG Prime Ministers Cup 2022 to be held next month in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
The Spaniard has been watching players in the Telekom S-League and followed oversea based players to make the selection of the squad which consist of most players from the recent World Cup qualifiers and seven new inclusions.
Custodians Philip Mango and Harold Nauania retain their places between while Henderson Eels no.1 Michael Laulae earned a first ever called up to the national team for his impressive start to the TSL season.
In defense, Ian Lagwai, David Supa, Javin Wae, Ronnie Mani, Prince Tahunipue and William Komasi are back into the fold. Alick Stanton who was resolute in the backline for Central Coast in the OFC Champions League and Innocent Sinahanua of KOSSA FC have been drafted in the national team for the first time.
In the middle of the park, Central Coast creative hub Thomas Amasia has been recalled by Felipe into the national team since his last stint in 2017 under the Spaniard.
Australian based, Wolves FC trio Atkin Kaua, Don Keana and Micah Lea’alafa will bring the creative spark in midfield alongside supporting cast of Carlos Liomasia and Molis Gagame.
In the wide areas, Peninsula Power Junior David and Alvin Hou are entrusted to cover the right- and left-wing positions with two new inclusions. Former Solympic and long time Ba FC player now with Waneagu FC Darold Kakasi receive a first ever call up into the national team setup.
Former national team trialist, Clifford Fafale who was inform for Central Coast in the OFC Champions League is also named in the squad for the first time.
Veteran utility talisman Joses Nawo is trusted to lead the line in the traditional no.9 role alongside breakout star of the OFC Champions League 2022 for Central Coast Junior Fordney.
Meanwhile, Raphael Lea’I and Ali Mekawir are not included in the squad due to trial commitment in Europe and Asia.
The home-based players are advised to report to SIFF office and see national team coach on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for a one-on-one meeting. The latest by Monday 22 August 2022 as practice is scheduled to start next week.
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