The Solomon Kings Japanese import, Sota Higashide was unstoppable. He took home the Player of the Match award after a phenomenal performance against PNG Hekari in their 2-1 victory over PNG Hekari in their Round 3 clash on Sunday night at the Olympic Village in Australia.
The midfielder’s influence on the game was huge, contributing a goal and an assist to lead his team to victory in their first round 3 appearance.
Higashide’s vision and skill on the pitch were a joy to watch, and his work rate earned him the top individual award. The assist was a beauty, setting up a crucial goal for his teammate Junior David, and his own goal was a clinical finish.
A well-deserved Player of the Match award for Higashide, cementing his importance to the team.
He was also being described as the commenters as a ‘wizard’ for the Kings FC given his playing ability and strength.
In all the previous matches he could be spotted running every where to help support the ball forward.
Since the official kickoff of the OFC Pro-League, Sota Higashide has been on fire.
Star Sports understands that Higashide has been instrumental in the Solomon Kings three wins so far, contributing to every goals.
He scored the winner against PNG Hekari in their round 1 battle in New Zealand, then bagged a goal and two assists in the 3-1 victory over Auckland FC in the round 2 in Papua New Guinea.
And on Sunday, Higashide continued his incredible run, scoring early and setting up Junior David for the winner against PNG Hekari. His stats speak for themselves, he’s been unstoppable, and the Kings’ fans are loving it!.
With Higashide in top form at the moment, the Kings are looking strong and he is anticipated to keep up his current form in the Solomon Kings upcoming matches.
Speaker after the match Jez Lofthouse described his team mate Sota Higashide unstoppable and unbelievable player.
“The performance he put on tonight was unbelievable. it’s it’s really a privilege to play with him and I think all the boys including myself are learning a lot from him. Most of the good things that come from our team end up going through him”, Lofthouse said.
Lofthouse said that he is developing a great understanding out there despite not speaking the language but on the football field we seem to get each other quite well.
“So whenever I get the ball, I’m I’m trying to find him most of the time, So yeah developing a good relationship proof that football is the universal language.”
Meanwhile, Higashide has recorded 6 goal contributions since the start of the league, scoring 3 goals and providing 3 assistance in 6 matches played so far.
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
