SOLOMON Islands hotshot Raphael Lea’i also known as ‘Rafa’ still has a valid contract with Bosnian footballing giant FK Velež Mostar.
That’s according to Henderson Eels Football Club owner Hudson Wakio in response to a question about Lea’i and whether he will be rejoining Eels for the 2024 season.
Lea’i was a member of Eels before joining Velež Mostar under a one- year contract last year.
Wakio said, “he still has a valid contract with Veles. He can only join us if Velez releases him.”
The country has witnessed close to about ten local players moving over to join a number of clubs in Fiji and Vanuatu clubs.
The young football sensation signed up with Bosnian footballing giants FK Velež Mostar in January 2023, to become the first Solomon Islander to ever sign for a professional European club.
In January last year, he jetted out of the country to the Balkans: in particular, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Lea’i had been handed a trial by Bosnian giants FK Velez Mostar – and with it, the chance of a lifetime.
Lea’i first commanded attention playing futsal, but it was on the 11-a-side pitch where he truly shone – and he was deemed as one of the best talents to emerge from the region.
His talents didn’t go unnoticed in Oceania – and there was interest from clubs in Australia.
However, his potential had also been spotted on the global stage, and an unnamed club from Argentina had attempted to land the youngster.
Both attempts to lure him away hit a brick wall due to administrative issues.
Lea’i was finally able to overcome the issues earlier last year, when he made the switch to Bosnia.
He made his debut at the club for several months and also scored and assist in score during some of the matches.
However, due to personal reasons, he returned to the country in September 2023 and was unable to complete his contract.
He was part of the country’s national football team that featured in the 2023 Pacific Games that went down to New Caledonia in the final show down.
By MOFFAT MAMU
Solomon Star, Gizo
