Solomon Kings FC vice chairman and president of Australia’s Wynnum Wolves FC, Rabieh Krayem, has called on local supporters to turn out in large numbers to support Solomon Kings FC as the club prepares to host the fourth circuit of the OFC Pro League, which kicks off this weekend in Honiara.
Speaking during the club’s open training session and community event on Sunday, Krayem urged fans to show the region where the true heart of football lies.
“This weekend, when we play our first game against Auckland in front of a full stadium, we will show Oceania that the heart of football in the region is here in Honiara, in the Solomon Islands,” Krayem said.
“We will show the supporters of Auckland and every other team the passion this country has for the sport is something no other country has.
“When we fill the stadium as the teams arrive, we will show them respect, but when we step onto the field, we will give them the noise and support needed to win on our home ground.”
In July 2025, the national government, together with the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) and Wynnum Wolves FC, joined forces to launch Solomon Kings FC.
Krayem said the partnership reflects a long-standing football relationship between Wynnum Wolves and the Solomon Islands.
“For our club in Australia, Wynnum Wolves, we have a long history with football in the Solomon Islands. We toured here 25 years ago, and we have had players from the Solomon Islands play for our club as recently as three years ago. The colours black and yellow represent both Wynnum Wolves and the Solomon Kings.”
“What we are two countries, one team united. Every Solomon Islands player here has a home in Brisbane with Wynnum Wolves, and every Wynnum Wolves player who comes to the Solomon Islands will have a home here,” he added.
Krayem also praised the Solomon Kings players for their sacrifices and for being great ambassadors for both the country and the club.
“This group of men sitting here in front of us has made this country proud. What they have sacrificed since they left on the 28th of December and only returned home last Friday represents everything about this country, the humility, respect, pride, passion and family.”
“These are the values of football in this country and also the values of Solomon Kings. These gentlemen are the first professional team in any sport in this country. They are not trying to be number one, they are number one,” he said.
Krayem also acknowledged the strong support from Solomon Islanders living in Australia who backed the team during the third circuit held in Melbourne last week.
“We should also acknowledge all the Solomon Islands supporters in Australia who followed the team when they played in Brisbane.
“The support base there was incredible, and what we saw during the OFC Pro League in Melbourne would not have been the same without Solomon Kings supporters.
“One thing about this nation is that it will always get behind its team. No matter the result, the supporters show pride in their country and bring people together,” he said.
Krayem also highlighted the long-term vision of the club and its hopes for the future of football in the Solomon Islands.
“We are proud to be part of this team, the players are proud to represent it, and most importantly this club has a vision and it is to ensure that young players here do not have to leave the country to play professional football.
“Solomon Kings is only one year old, but it will be here for the long term. Our goal is to help the Solomon Islands reach the World Cup, and with this team, we believe it is possible,” he added.
Meanwhile, the fourth circuit of the OFC Pro League will kick off this Saturday at the National Stadium in Honiara. South Island United will face PNG’s Hekari United at 3pm, followed by Solomon Kings FC taking on Auckland FC at 7pm.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Star Sports, Honiara
