TWENTY names have been picked to be part of the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) training squad to represent the country in the OFC U-17 Futsal qualifiers in New Zealand.

The 20 players were selected after a series of futsal trials done last week at the Multipurpose Hall.

The selection and training of the national Under-17 futsal squad is done collectively by Solomon Islands Football Federation and the Solomon Islands Sports Coalition (SISC) who in the past have been very successful in developing futsal in the junior level.

SIFF and SISC in a joint statement yesterday, said the 20-member team will undergo further training until this September 1, 2017 where the final squad will be picked to represent the country at this year’s OFC U-17 Futsal qualifiers in New Zealand.

It says the OFC U-17 Futsal qualifiers champion will then represent the region at the 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires in Argentina.

“SIFF and SISC upholds very strict requirements for this selection therefore players are required to provide honest proof of age to confirm their eligibility for the U-17 squad,” the statement said.

It adds that training sessions for the training squad continues every Tuesday and Thursday at the Multipurpose Hall from 12 to 2 pm therefore all training squad members are expected to turn up for your training.

“SIFF and SISC aims to prepare the best team to ensure our nation maintains its dominance as the champions of futsal in the Oceania region.

“SIFF and SISC wishes to thank all the boys who have participated in trials over the past few weeks,” it says.

The 20 players are;

1. Franster Rukumana,
2.  Chris Manu,
3. Roger Nate,
4. Junior Mana,
5. Sammy Laui,
6. Raphael Leai,
7. William Tahariu,
8. Marlon Sia,
9. Ronado Cronwell,
10. Calvin Do’oro,
11. Travis Sau,
12. Henry Siofa’a,
13. John Wasike,
14. Pattson Honix,
15. Enock Poloso,
16. Junior Usua,
17. Hezron Koti (GK),
18. Charsle Ata (GK),
19. Peter Lone (GK),
20. Lodrick Afia (GK)