Ten Solomon Islands players who made it to the final of the OFC World Cup qualification tournament in Doha are in line for trials with Australian clubs including the 2021 A-League Champions, Melbourne City.
Solomons’ head coach, Felipe Vega-Arango said now that the FIFA window is closed players are working with an Australian based agent to trial for teams.
“I believe the Federation is going to support this decision in some economic way to pay for part of the housing while they’re in Australia,” he said.
Surprisingly the list does not include the Bonitos’ star striker, Raphael Le’ai.
“He got injured at the end of the tournament and he wants to go back home to see the family and he wants to work with me.
“Rafa’s already proved himself, he doesn’t need to try out,” said Vega-Arango.
Brisbane-based sports agent Keith Sanga said the trials offer an opportunity to get on the pathway to professional career.
“The idea is to have them in Australia for two months and allow them to be in systems for enough time to make a strong impression,” he said.
Mr Sanga is hopeful that a number of those trialling will pick up spots in Australian teams.
“It’s definitely a two month window with the visa that they currently have, which allows them to stay here and gain some work as well,” he said.
By Richard Ewart on Pacific Beat
