The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) has today announced the appointment of Ben Cahn as the Interim Head Coach of the Solomon Islands National Senior Men’s Football Team, the Bonitos.
Ben Cahn, currently the Head Coach of Solomon Kings FC, will take the helm in the expanded FIFA Series 2026 set to take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, from 27 March 2026. The series will feature the host Indonesia, Bulgaria, St Kitts and Nevis, and Solomon Islands. Coach Cahn steps into the role following a mutual agreement with the Federation for him to provide a much-needed experienced leadership for the national team during the FIFA Series, a valuable platform for national teams to gain experience against opposition from different confederations.
Ben Cahn will be joined by Richard Greer, assistant coach at Solomon Kings FC, and three (3) local coaches, Gideon Omokirio, Eddie Marahare, and Stanley Waita, as part of a pathway to develop local coaching talent. This cohesive technical team will lead the Senior Men’s national squad, which consists mostly of players currently plying their trade with the Solomon Kings FC in the inaugural OFC Pro-League.
The technical team and players are scheduled to depart Honiara tomorrow, Monday, 23rd March 2026, for Jakarta, Indonesia. “We are pleased to have Ben Cahn step in to lead the national team for this important series,” said Donald Marahare, SIFF President. “His knowledge of the game and his engagement with Solomon Kings FC in the OFC Pro League make him well-suited to guide the team for this series. We wish Ben, Richard, and the entire squad all the best as they depart for Indonesia.”
“I’m very honoured to have the opportunity to lead the national team. Everyone involved has made great progress for football in the Solomon Islands in the last few months with Solomon Kings FC, and the bigger picture is about strengthening the national team,” coach Cahn said.
The interim head coach believes the Senior Men’s team can make big progress on the national stage. We have to maintain discipline, dedication, and humility, and keep working hard to move forward. We’ve got a long way to go, but this FIFA series will be a great starting point.
The trip is fully funded by FIFA.
Match Schedule
M1 | Solomon Islands vs Bulgaria | 19:30 | Friday, 27 March 2026
M2 | Indonesia vs St Kitts vs Nevis | 23:00 | Friday, 27 March 2026
M3 | Loser M2 vs Loser M1 | 19:30 | Monday, 30 March 2026
M4 | Winner M2 vs Winner M1 | 23:00 | Monday, 30 March 2026
