The Solomon Islands men’s and women’s national basketball teams will soon move into camp as preparations intensify for the FIBA Melanesian Cup, scheduled to take place on home soil for the first time from October 13–18.
At a press conference on Thursday afternoon, National Women’s Team Manager Louisa Murdoch confirmed that the men’s squad will head into camp on Sunday, with the women’s team to follow later in the week.
“Both teams have already started training and are now training daily at the Solomon Islands Institute of Sports (SINIS).
“On Sunday, the men will move into camp, and later next week the women will also head into camp, where we will be in full swing with morning and afternoon sessions,” Murdoch said.
She added that the final squad lists for both teams, following the training squads announced earlier this month, are expected to be released on Friday.
The Melanesian Cup will also serve as a qualifier for the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti, with the top two finishers from each event securing direct qualification.
Newly appointed men’s team manager, Tracy Wickham, highlighted the long-term focus for the side.
“Our goal right now is to support the players and coaches in achieving qualification for Tahiti 2027. It’s not only about doing well in this tournament, but also about taking the first step toward our long-term goal,” Wickham said.
“We need a lot of support, dedication, and commitment and not just from the staff, but from the players and the wider community. I’m proud to take on this role for the first time, and I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead.”
After finishing fourth in the last two editions of the Melanesian Cup, Solomon Islands will be aiming for an improved performance this year in front of their home crowd.
The five teams competing in Honiara are; Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, and Solomon Islands.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
