The four players are excited to represent the province and nation
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
Four footballers from Western Province are set to represent the Solomon Islands national soccer team, the Bonitos, in their upcoming FIFA Series 2026 match against Bulgaria in Jakarta, Indonesia this Friday.
The four players are Limoki Bari, Junior David, Don Keana, and Rovu Boyers, whose selection has brought pride to Western Province and the country.
The Solomon Islands National team – Solomon Bonitos is currently in Jakarta preparing for the international friendly match, which will be played at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
The match is part of the FIFA Series 2026, an international friendly competition involving teams from different regions.
Speaking to the Solomon Star in an interview, Bari said he is proud to represent his country, Western Province and his home in Gizo at the international level.
“This is one of the biggest opportunities for me as a player coming from Western Province, especially Gizo.
“My family and friends back home have given me so much support and I carry them with me when I step onto the field,” Bari said.
He said the team’s preparation has been good as most players recently came out from the OFC Pro-League competition and are maintaining the same training momentum in camp.
“Our preparation so far is good. We just came out from the OFC pro league and we are keeping the same momentum in training and pushing every training,” he said.
Solomon Islands have been drawn in Group Three alongside hosts Indonesia, Bulgaria, and St Kitts and Nevis.
The team, under interium head coach Ben Cahn, will open its campaign against Bulgaria this Friday at 3pm local time.
Bari is from Paelonge village in Gizo and developed through local football competitions back in his home before playing in the Telekom S-League in Honiara.
He previously played for Green Shield and also played overseas for Nadi FC in Fiji and Nadroga FC.
He mainly plays as a winger or forward.
Junior David is a right back or winger who previously played in youth national teams before moving into the senior national squad.
He also played club football in Australia with Croydon FC and competed in the Hahn Australia Cup and Federation Cup in South Australia.
Don Keana was part of a group of Solomon Islands national team players who travelled to Australia for club trials in 2022 with Queensland Premier League and NPL clubs.
He has played for local clubs including Waneagu United, Solomon Warriors and Solomon Kings FC.
He comes from Simbo Island in Western Province.
Rovu Ernest Boyers is a 22-year-old footballer from Munda who played for West Adelaide SC in Australia’s South Australian State League, helping his team win the league title before joining South Island United in New Zealand for OFC Pro League.
Meanwhile, people and football fans in Western Province have expressed pride in the four players, saying their selection to the national team is an inspiration to many young footballers in the province.
