A twenty-two (22) men squad for Solomon Kings Football Club (FC) had been registered and finalised ahead of the start of the inaugural OFC Pro League which is set to commence next weekend on Saturday 17th January in New Zealand.
At the closure of registration on Wednesday two overseas based players have been included as part of the final squad.
The duo are; Jez Lofthouse of Australia and Sota Higashide of Japanese. Both of them have been signed up as forwards. The team is dominated by local players.
The youngest member of the team is; Jayroll Patty, 18, a futsal player who will play in defence. The eldest is goalkeeper Philip Mango, 30.
According to a statement issued by OFC Pro League, the Solomon Kings squad features strong links to Australia’s Wynnum Wolves, highlighted by marquee signing Jez Lofthouse, a former Wolves and Brisbane Roar winger with professional experience.
English coach Ben Cahn, who previously worked with Brisbane Roar in the Men’s A-League, has otherwise drawn together a strong homegrown squad that includes Solomon Islands national team stars Phillip Mango, Gordon Iro, and Raphael Lea’i.
Solomon Kings will take on PNG Hekari United on Sunday 18th January at Eden Park in Auckland in their opening clash.
In the first round the league will run for a week until Saturday 24th January.
LINE UP:
Coach: Ben Cahn
Goalkeepers: Phillip Mango, Junior Petua and Eric Wanega
Defenders: Junior David, Gordon Iro, Jayroll Patty, Clivert Sam, David Supa and Javin Alick Wae.
Midifielders: Ben Fox, Atkin Kaua, William Komasi and Hudson Orenima.
Forwards: Sota Higashide (Japanese) , Clifford Fafale, Gagame Feni, Raphael Leai, Bobby Leslie, Jez Lofthouse (Australia), Don Keana, Martin Koto and Fordney Junior Paomae.
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Lead photo caption: Our boys have headed off to Minjerribah for a day of cultural activities and experiences! Hosted by the wonderful @quampiartsandculturecentre
