The stage is set as the Solomon Islands National Women’s Football Team prepares to make their appearance in the first-ever women’s competition at the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup.
The team arrived safely in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on Thursday ahead of the tournament’s kick off on Monday, November 10.
Speaking to the media upon arrival, head coach Daniel Barrett said the team is eager to get the competition underway.
“This will be the first women’s tournament in the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, and we are excited to be here. We’ve received a fantastic welcome into the country, and we’re looking forward to doing our very best in this tournament,” Barrett said.
“We’ve had a solid preparation and we’ve trained very hard almost every day and played several in-house matches.
“We know we’re in a tough group, but we’re looking forward to the challenge and can’t wait for the competition to start.”
Fresh off their OFC Women’s Nations Cup triumph in July, the team led by captain Ileen Pegi and coach Barrett has settled into camp as preparations continue for their opening match against hosts PNG Red on November 13.
Speaking to Star Sports before departure, captain Pegi expressed confidence in her side’s readiness.
“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 in our new coach that we will deliver,” she said.
The Solomon Islands are drawn in Group B alongside Fiji and PNG Red. They will open their campaign against PNG Red on November 13 before taking on Fiji on November 16.
Meanwhile, the tournament is recognized as a FIFA tier-one competition, meaning results will contribute to FIFA World Ranking points for both men’s and women’s teams.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star News, Honiara
