The Solomon Cup defending champions Malaita Eagles is currently undergoing intense preparation ahead of the November men’s Solomon Cup.
The sports event will take place from November 23rd to December 7th at the National Stadium in Honiara.
With just over a month away the team is not wasting time to prepare for the highly anticipated Solomon Cup 2024.
Last year it was called off due to the hosting of the Pacific Games in Honiara.
As the Solomon Cup fever heats up, all Provincial Football Associations (PFAs) have intensified their own preparation eyeing the most coveted title.
For Malaita Eagles their aimis to defend their title.
Malaita Eagles head coach Terry Oiaka told Star Sport in an interview that currently only 34 players are undergoing intense trainings.
This included several former Malaita Eagles players.
However, majority are new faces, predominantly from community clubs across the province.
Coach Oiaka revealed that the squad was formed following the recent concluded Auki Capital League (ACL).
Several players from few active football associations within the province were also drafted into the training squad.
However, as the head coach Oiaka in charge he received low number of players compared to previous preparations for the Solomon Cup.
He revealed that in past years, he could receive up to 80 players for trials, but now only received 34 players.
Oiaka said such situation makes it difficult to prepare a best team possible.
He attributed this to inactive football associations within the province.
There are only a handful actively associations including North Malaita-ward 6, West Are’Are and East Kwara’ae.
Oiaka said despite the challenges he remains committed to maximizing the potential of the current training squad he needs to build a strong team to defend their title.
Despite the challenges, Oiaka said he will work diligently with the players to overcome these challenges and aim for success in the upcoming competition.
A final squad will be announced next month before the team travels to Honiara.
“So far so good, the players have showed everything they have in terms of trainings to defend our title in the Solomon Cup next month.
“Despite the limited number of players we have I am determined to overcome these challenges and aim for success,” the Malaita Eagles head coach concluded.
Its understood at the moment all PFAs are preparing their teams for the top competition.
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara