Solomon Islands national beach soccer team, Bilikiki continues on the sand as preparations for the 2023 OFC Beach Soccer Nations Cup in Papeete, Tahiti less than a month away.
Following a provisional list of players on standby to make a final cut, head coach Gideon Omokirio believes it’s a new era for the squad – dominated by fresh talents recruited from the recent SIFF Invitational Beach Soccer Championship held.
“A lot of players are new,” Omokirio told SIFF Media.
“Some of our old players have left to concentrate on their own personal commitments, and now we feel it’s the time for new players to take up the code with some few experience ones to guide them.
Throughout the weeks of preparations, Omokirio who is assisted by veteran beach soccer shot-stopper Fred Hale, both work round the clock on the players’ technical ability and techniques to improve and be in shape.
“Players need to get familiar with the code and we have been working on that throughout our practice seasons, especially for the new players,” Omokirio said.
“In training, we want to be more specific on aspects of the game moving forward in our preparations.
The inclusion of talisman, James Naka who came out of retirement to have a last shot at glory has been the talk of the town, and head coach Omokirio has confidence that the spirited veteran is still an inspiration to the next generation of players.
“Naka’s return is very important. He has a role and legacy to pass on his knowledge to the young and upcoming ones,” says Omokirio.
“The team relies on him to teach other players to adapt quickly to the code especially given this short period of time. His quality is still there, we only have to work on his fitness pushing him to the max so he can once again return to form and a final display.
The OFC tournament is scheduled for 21-26 August 2023.
-SIFF Media
