Solomon Star News

OFC: SOLOMON Islands OFC champions league representative Solomon Warriors FC had been presented with the fair play award.

( THE NATIONAL) - John Kapi Natto is no longer eligible for roles in the national  and world soccer body, David Chung said.

OFC: With Solomon Islands unable to participate in the OFC Under 20 championship in Fiji next month, only five countries have been confirmed to participate.

Tahiti’s beach soccer team, the Tiki Toa, have beaten France 8-3 in the first of three friendly matches in Papeete seven months out from the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, to be staged in Tahiti in September.

RadioAustralia: Socceroos star Harry Kewell has vowed to continue his career, saying he can can still play a role for Australia in next year's World Cup in Brazil.

Solomon Islands football international Henry Fa’arodo Junior has again helped his side in a win over the Otago United.

OFC: Coaching staff of the Cook Islands U-17 Football squad have revealed an 18-strong squad who will represent the country at the OFC U-17 Championship Preliminary in Samoa from the January 22-26.

The cyclone-interrupted Australian Rules Oceania Cup was played in Suva yesterday with the grand final taking place between Fiji and Nauru.

The best young players from five Pacific countries - Fiji, Nauru, Vanuatu, Tonga and Solomon Islands - are taking part in the tournament.

The Australian Football League’s development manager, Andrew Cadzow, has told Radio Australia’s Pacific Beat players bunkered down during Cyclone Evan - the biggest cyclone to sweep past the island nation in 20 years

“We were quite fortunate it wasn’t too bad...,” he said.

“Fortunately enough with the support of the Suva City Council we played all day yesterday.

He says the last day of action will go ahead today as planned, with Fiji and Nauru playing off in the grand final.

“Yesterday (Wednesday), Vanuatu and Solomons played for the third and fourth,” he said.

“Solomons snuck over the line for a very good win - probably the best game of the carnival so far.

“So, today (yesterday) the Solomons and Tonga are just going to have the curtain raiser so they get one more game of football.”

Mr Cadzow says despite the threat of natural disasters, Suva is still a “good central spot” for the Cup to be held.

“Cyclone season is probably sometimes a little bit to be worried about but it’s this time when all the Pacific countries play footy,” he said.

“So it’ll certainly be on the calendar from now on on.

“It’s in its fourth year now and going better than ever and we’re looking forward to bigger and better next year.”

Mr Cadzow says Oceania Cup players may also have a shot at playing for Australian teams.

“There’s probably half a dozen there who will be looked at very strongly for the AFL clubs that may arrive in town in April next year,” he said.

Result of the final match was not immediately available before this edition went to press.