Calvin Do’oro is set to lead the Solomon Islands national futsal team, the Kurukuru, as they kick off the first of two international friendlies against Australia’s Dural Warriors Futsal Club today 6pm (Wednesday) at the SIFF Academy Futsal Court.
Speaking to Star Sports, the newly appointed captain admitted the captaincy came as a surprise but said he is looking forward to the challenge of leading the team on home soil.
“I look forward to leading the team and it will be an exciting match for our young squad. With all our preparations, tomorrow’s friendly will help us see where we are so far,” Do’oro said.
With the OFC Men’s Futsal Cup 2025 just weeks away in Fiji, the Kurukuru’s current 20-man training squad will soon be trimmed down to 14 players for the tournament. Most of the new call-ups were selected from the SIFF Super Futsal League, and Do’oro praised how quickly they have settled in alongside the senior members.
“The boys have blended in really well and I have confidence that they will perform to their best in both matches,” he added.
Do’oro, who has been part of the long-standing futsal partnership between Dural and the Solomon Islands, also paid tribute to the Australian club for its continuous support in developing local talent.
“I think through the pathway set up by Dural it has led us to joining the national team. Their support for the school leagues, and helping the U12s and U14s travel to Australia, has helped most of us to be who we are today,” he said.
The visitors will feature several Australian national players from the Futsalroos, bringing valuable international experience that Do’oro believes will greatly benefit the Kurukuru.
“It will be really great because they will bring a different level of game compared to what our boys are used to. They have Asian Cup and World Cup experiences, so I think after these friendlies our boys will really learn a lot from them,” he said.
Do’oro also encouraged local fans to show their support and turn out in numbers.
Today’s match kicks off at 6pm, with entry set at $10 for adults and $5 for children.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
