The Solomon Islands National Men’s Under-19 football team are in full preparation mode as they gear up for a highly anticipated double-header of international friendlies against Australia’s National Under-17 side, the CommBank Joeys, next week.
Supported by the Australian Government through the PacificAus Sports program, the Australian youth team will play a series of matches against U19 sides from Fiji and Solomon Islands as part of their regional tour.
The series will kick off in Fiji on January 17 with a clash against the Fiji U19s before the Joeys travel to Honiara to face the Solomon Islands U19 team on January 20 and January 24.
Speaking to Star Sports, Solomon Islands U19 interim head coach Tibon Oge said the squad has been in training since last year and believes they are ready for the challenge ahead.
“We currently have around 26 players in training. Some are from the previous U16 national teams and the National Academy, while others come from the recent S-League youth competitions and a few are already playing in the S-League,” Oge said.
“At the moment, we are waiting for confirmation from the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) on how many players will be selected for the two matches. As an interim coach, I am waiting on SIFF’s final decision.”
The upcoming fixtures also mark the return of the CommBank Joeys to the Happy Isles, having last visited in 2024. On that occasion, the Solomon Islands U19s recorded a memorable 2–1 victory in the opening match before the Australians responded with a dominant 4–0 win in the second encounter.
Despite the challenge, Oge remains confident in his squad’s ability to compete at a high level.
“The combinations among the boys are very good. We have a strong team with quality players, and I am confident they will be able to match the opposition,” he added.
Oge also called on the public to turn out in numbers to support the national side.
“These players are our future stars. I urge football lovers to come out and support the team. These are our kids, and we must stand behind them as we continue to build football in the country,” he said.
The upcoming friendlies will also play a key role in preparing the local side for the 2026 OFC U-19 Men’s Championship, which will be held in Samoa from September 1 to 14 later this year.
Meanwhile, the 2026 tour marks the fifth edition of the PacificAus Sports Football Tour, which sees Australian national teams play friendly matches against Pacific Island nations.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
