Four Solomon Islands players are part of the team
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Star Sports, Honiara
Vanuatu’s Galaxy Football Club (FC) have proposed a tour to Honiara in late July, where they plan to play two friendly matches as part of their preparations for the 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League, which kicks off in August in Fiji.
Speaking to Star Sports following their PVFA Vodafone Super League triumph over the weekend, Galaxy FC head coach Batram Suri confirmed the team’s travel plans and upcoming fixtures in Honiara.
“We are proposing a tour to Honiara on July 27, where we will have our first friendly match against Central Coast FC on July 30, followed by a second match on August 2 against Solomon Kings if possible, or Malaita Kingz FC as an alternative,” Suri said.
The Solomon Islander added that after the two friendlies, the team will return to Port Vila on August 4 before departing for Fiji for the Champions League.
Suri also highlighted that their recent Vodafone Super League title win is a major confidence boost as they prepare for their return to the regional competition after a four-year absence.
“I’m very proud and happy for the boys and the team to be champions. This is our first hurdle for the year, and we managed to overcome it,” he said.
“We’ve been working hard over the past few months and have been training with the Champions League in mind.
“This Super League win is a big boost for the whole team and shows that we are on the right path to make a strong comeback in the Champions League,” he added.
Galaxy FC’s squad also features a strong international presence, including four Solomon Islands players, Michael Laulae, Junior Aengari, Jayson Kofela, and Clifton Sale, along with Brazilian duo Roberson Felipe Dos Santos Ribeiro and Willian Dos Santos Medina, all of whom Suri praised for their contributions.
Scheduled for August 9–22, this year’s tournament will be held at Churchill Park in Lautoka and Govind Park in Ba, Fiji, and will feature eight club champions from across the Pacific.
In Group A, S-League champions Central Coast FC will face 13-time champions Auckland City, Tahiti champions AS Venus, and AS Tiga Sports of New Caledonia.
Galaxy FC have been drawn in Group B alongside hosts Rewa FC, Papua New Guinea champions Lae City FC, and Tupapa Maraerenga FC of the Cook Islands.
