During his eight years reign, the Telekom S-League (TSL) clubs have paid tribute to outgoing Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) President William Lai for revitalizing the country’s top-flight league competition.
At a hosted farewell dinner for TSL coaches and team managers, they expressed appreciation to the President for being influential toward the league’s success throughout the years – his contribution to setting the standard to its success.
In his parting words to the clubs, President Lai said that he hopes to see the new executive ride on the vision and the already established platform to continue elite football development while assuring more support.
Under his leadership, SIFF has financially supported TSL club Champions at the OFC Champions League for the past two seasons. The distribution of Covid-19 funds to the clubs amounted to SBD$50K ($30k for coaches and $20k for players) along with 300 pieces of TSL club uniforms
“There will not be strategic changes on how the league has been administered, but for the next two to three years the only thing I can say is there will be more support under whoever is the next SIFF President,” Lai made assurance.
He thanked the clubs for the past eight years despite challenges it has been fruitful and the transition objective the league has achieved in producing players for the national team. The efforts have been exceptional, and he believes the time is right to advance together competitively.
“I want to thank clubs for being part of this pathway process in producing new players and it is evident that our current national team is dominated by young talents,” Lai said.
The President will leave office on SIFF Congress Day, set for June 22, 2023, as he reiterates teamwork in seeing football grow.
-SIFF Media
