The Solomon Islands’ top-tier football competition, the S-League, concluded on Saturday with Central Coast FC being crowned as the 2025 champions after what was a thrilling and competitive season.
Speaking during Saturday’s league presentation, Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) President Donald Marahare described the S-League as a cornerstone of football development in the country.
“This afternoon [Saturday], we gather not only to mark the conclusion of the S-League 2025 season, but to honour a legacy that has shaped our national identity, and to embrace a future that promises to elevate our game to unprecedented heights,” he said.
“The S-League, since its inception in 2000, has been more than a competition. It has been a cornerstone of our footballing culture, it has nurtured talent, united communities, and given our youth a platform to dream.”
Marahare highlighted that the S-League has, over the years, produced national icons and inspired celebrations for football fans across the country.
“Over the past 25 years, we have seen clubs rise to glory, players become icons, and fans transform matches into celebrations of pride and passion,” he added.
The SIFF President also acknowledged the challenges faced during the 2025 season but credited the league’s success to the collective resilience of all involved.
“This season, like many before it, was not without its challenges. We faced logistical constraints, resource limitations, and the ongoing need to modernise our infrastructure.
“Yet, through resilience and collaboration, we overcame them and through our clubs’ competitive integrity, our players’ performances, and our supporters’ unwavering loyalty,” Marahare stated.
“As we close the 2025 season of the S-League, I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to its success. Your commitment and passion continue to shape the heartbeat of football in our nation.”
Marahare urged that continued improvement is needed to keep the league competitive in a rapidly evolving football landscape.
“Yet, as we celebrate our achievements, we must also look ahead with clarity, courage and conviction,” he said.
“The S-League has been the foundation of our football development for over two decades and has produced national icons, inspired youth, and united communities.
“But to remain relevant and competitive in a rapidly evolving football landscape, we must improve.”
“We must continue to enhance the professionalism of our clubs and match operations. We must invest in better facilities, training programmes, and digital infrastructure.
“We must strengthen governance, transparency, and financial sustainability — and most importantly, we must create pathways for our players to thrive both locally and internationally,” he added.
With the highly anticipated OFC Pro League set to kick off on January 17th, Marahare emphasized that the domestic S-League will continue to play a vital role in shaping the country’s professional football future.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the S-League will continue to thrive as our domestic platform while the OFC Pro League will carry our flag into the international arena. Together, we are not just playing football but we are building a future,” he said.
In the final standings, Central Coast FC finished top with 54 points, followed by Malaita Kingz FC on 49 points, Green Shield FC in third on 47 points, and Honiara City FC rounding out the top four with 46 points.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
