Twenty-seven(27) year-old Sosimo Evo is set to lead Lauru Kuvojo’s frontline when they face Bougainville provincial side Southern Rangers on Wednesday in Buin, Bougainville Island, in a historic international friendly match.
The fixture comes as part of ongoing dialogue between the Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) and the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF).
Evo was a standout performer for Kuvojo in the recent Solomon Cup, netting three goals and providing several assists despite his team’s early exit from the competition.
This match marks Kuvojo’s first-ever international football friendly against a Bougainville side, with their Solomon Cup victory over western region neighbors Western Tomoko earning them the ticket to the southern part of Bougainville.
Speaking to Star Sports, the Central Coast FC forward expressed his pride in not only representing Lauru Kuvojo but also the Solomon Islands in Wednesday’s encounter.
“Representing Team Lauru Kuvojo and Solomon Islands in this historic friendly against Bougainville Southern Rangers is an incredible honor and a source of immense pride. We can’t wait to get on the pitch,” Evo said.
The striker is also looking to carry his fine form from the Solomon Cup into the match.
“We had a great run in the Solomon Cup despite our unfortunate exit, and we hope everything works out well against our opponents, who we don’t know much about,” he added.
The 18-player squad and four officials arrived in Buin on Monday morning after a two-hour boat journey from Taro.
“The team has settled in well, and we are looking forward to a great match tomorrow,” Evo said.
The friendly will be played at Buin Secondary Oval as part of Bougainville’s celebrations marking Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
