SOLOMON Islands national defender Michael Boso has finally teamed up with Team Wellington in preparation for the ISPS Hand Premiership new season in New Zealand.
Not only that, but Team Wellington’s preparation for the 2018 FIFA Club Word Cup set to be held in United Arab Emirates (UAE) December this year.
Boso’s new coach, Jose Figueira who led the New Zealand U-16 to the 2018 OFC championship current underway here in Honiara confirmed this to the local media yesterday.
“Michael has been with us for few weeks now,’’ the Team Wellington head coach Figueira said.
He said the towering defender is slowing adapting to his new environment with Team Wellington as part of their preparation for the New Zealand’s top league which will kick off in couple of weeks time.
“I think he is probably getting used to weather in New Zealand now and the intensity of our training sessions.
“Getting use to life in a new city and away from the family is always difficult.
“But you know, we are hoping in few more weeks before the new season starts he will be fully prepared.
“His personality grows a little bit more now.
“So far so good, we hope he get up to the level he showed in the Champions League here in March with Marist FC,” he said.
Boso caught the attention of the English coach, Figueira while playing for Marist FC in their campaign during the last OFC champions league in which they (Marist) reached the semifinal stage of the league.
Figueira also insists Boso will be fighting for his spot in the final squad that will represent OFC for the FIFA Club Word Cup, December 2018 in UAE.
“At this stage we’ve got another couple of months before we will confirm our final squad for the FIFA Club World in UAE,” he said.
He stressed currently Team Wellington have more than 23 players to select from to represent OFC in the Club World Cup, adding all players will fight for their spots in the final squad.
“But look I’m sure if Michael gets back up to the level he was and used to think, then there’s no reason why he can’t be involved in that experience,” he said.
Star Sports understands, prior to joining Team Wellington, Boso joined Miramar Rangers in New Zealand’s winter season.
Boso’s mentor, former Marist FC Brazilian coach, Juliano Schmeling was proud of the progress the towering defender has made in his football career.
“I’m so proud of Michael Boso, it is very nice to see him again and watch him play in New Zealand,” Schmeling said when Boso moved to New Zealand July this year.
“I remember the beginning of our project in Honiara when I invited him to play for Marist FC with Elliot Ragomo.
“I’m not surprised to see him here because I know how hard he worked for the last three years with Marist FC,” he said.
Schmeling told Boso, he is a big example for kids and future footballers in Solomon Islands and urged him to keep striving.
“You are a big example for your country, for all the kids back in Solomons especially your Western Province.
“You are proving to all in Solomon Islands that everything is possible when you have faith in God, when you have discipline and work hard and strive to be better in yourself.
“Don’t stop now, keep working harder because I believe in you and a lot of people in Solomon are supporting you,’’ the Brazilian coach said.
By CROFTON UTUKANA