“Final list to be readjusted due to injury” Houkarawa.

 

THE Solomon Islands national Under-17 squad has named their team and vice-team captains yesterday.

“It’s a huge privilege and honor for me to be chosen as captain and trusted to lead our country’s team.

I’m excited, proud and happy to be entrusted by my teammates and the management. Its a huge honor which we all appreciate,” newly appointed team captain John Aeta said.

Head Coaches for the U-17s Marhlon Houkarawa, Jerry Alan and goal keeper coach Severino Aefi made the announcement yesterday after their 1-1 friendly match draw with Marist FC.

“The head captain for the national team is John Aeta and his vice is Mr Don Keana.

“Assistant coach Jerry Alan and myself agreed that these two should be chosen to lead the team for the upcoming OFC U-17 qualifiers which starts next month,” Head Coach Houkarawa said.

The national U-17’s made the early threats building nicely from the middle to create three goal chances down the flanks with 29 minutes gone.

Zantas Kabini looked nervous in the Marist FC goalmouth fumbling a couple of shots before conceding a goal, a minute later after constant pressure from the U-17s.

Marist FC however showed why they were the 2016 Telekom Soccer League champions equalizing two minutes later from a well taken corner kick.

“The good thing is that they showed consistency playing against the same team (Marist FC). Even though the match ended in a draw the good thing is that the players showed consistency.

“I’m still happy with the performance today (yesterday). They scored a goal and created some chances, which is the most important thing.

A draw against the TSL champs for us is definitely a huge boost in morale which is great for the players,” he said.

Houkarawa adds he is expecting to finalize his first eleven after their final local friendly match with Western United FC this Saturday.

“Today (yesterday) I still used two teams because I want to ensure the players fitness levels are the same.

“At the moment I still have 25 players but come Saturday I will be focusing on only 18 players. Most likely it will be this Saturday that my management will focus on the starting first eleven,” the coach adds.

Meanwhile the final 20-man squad list is set to be readjusted following an injury sustained by one of the players during training.

Houkarawa says the decision was done as recommended by their team doctor.

“Stanford Fakasuri who was named in the original 20-man list was injured last week so we made one replacement to the final 20 man list.

“Team doctors reports says he won’t be hundred percent so he will be replaced by Alfred Elvis who joins the final 20 man list,” Houkarawa said.