The Solomon Islands Women’s National Football Team has departed the country for the inaugural Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, which kicks off on November 10 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Speaking to Star Sports before their departure on Thursday, team captain Ileen Pegi said the players are in high spirits and looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“This will be the first-ever Melanesian Cup for us women, and it will be a tough challenge, but preparations have been going well. I’m confident in the team and our new coach that we will deliver,” Pegi said.
With their recent experience from the OFC Women’s Nations Cup and the appointment of new head coach Dan Barrett from Australia, Pegi expressed optimism about the team’s chances in Port Moresby.
“The coach has blended in well with the team, and the mood in camp is really good heading into the tournament,” she added.
Pegi also called on local supporters to rally behind both the men’s and women’s national teams as they represent the country on the regional stage.
“We will once again need everyone’s support to get behind both the men’s and women’s teams in this MSG Cup,” she said.
The Solomon Islands women are drawn in Group B alongside Fiji and PNG Red, and will kick off their campaign on November 13 against PNG Red.
The men’s team is scheduled to travel early next week and is placed in Group A with PNG Gold and New Caledonia.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
