But on the flip side, if soccer were to improve and Solomon Islands was to be more competitive in the O-League, it must initiate a national league. I see no other alternatives as the O-League is a club championship and the by products of this championship will be clubs that are not only competitive on the field but clubs that are financially independent with strong leadership and where players are also financially rewarded for their labour. Professionalism if we were to sum it up in a single word.
Koloale FC our most recent qualifier are most probably ‘broke’ after participating in the O-League. Kossa’s Willie Lai did question why there is no second prize and rightfully so as a second prize of as little as USD100,000 will certainly go a long way in the Solomon Islands if managed properly.
Which brings me to focus on my club, Uncles FC; strictly speaking not ‘my club’ but I am a fan and I consider myself part of the faithful who consider ourselves part of the club.
Uncles FC approach has been unique and is perhaps the best model for other clubs in the Solomon Islands. In establishing sister relationships with Nelson Suburbs in New Zealand, 3 players are always given an opportunity to play for a whole year in New Zealand. A fledging relationship with the Fijian House will ensure that players can also be exchanged between Fijian club Nasinu and Uncles. In loaning its mercurial star Judd Molea and Brian Feni to Hekari; Uncles FC will no doubt foster a relationship that may reap financial rewards. Hekari FC’s relationship with the Queensland State League will open up opportunities for its players in Brisbane, Australia.
Uncles has in its time exported at least 9 players to overseas leagues and broke new grounds when it imported Hekari FC stalwart Koriak Upaiga. Upaiga is already creating a small fan base for himself and scored his first goal in only his third outing with the club. He has cemented the left back position in the Uncles lineup and proved to be quite a handful for Henry Fa’arodo as Uncles comprehensively dismantled Koloale and marched to the finals by virtue of a 3-1 demolition of former O-League finalists.
So what has my latest praises for Uncles FC have to do with the national league? The lesson is clear; when faced with a complex problem, break it up into little pieces – my IT lecturer told me its an integral algorithm in computing science, “divide and conquer”. That is exactly what Uncles FC did; they picked up bits and pieces from the different relationships they have established and in turn built what could be the first semi-professional football franchise in the Solomon Islands. The lesson for SIFF is simple; let us not focus on the problem, we need to focus on the solution and the solution often requires creativity, sacrifice and a plan. The plan can start with establishing simple relationships, building them, nuturing them into a far more complex web of relationships that ultimately pave the way for the establishment of a viable, thriving national soccer league.
Uncles FC’s plan has always been to qualify for the O-League; it started small, it established the required relationships and it will surely qualify for the O-League a stronger competitor both on the field and off the field.
So finally, for those who were wondering; well I did not gloat after the semi-final win but Uncles certainly caused cause for celebration when it dismantled, rattled and brought the high flying Koloale FC back to earth in a stunning display of on field brilliance. Finally, the touted “three pronged” attack of Benjamin Totori, Judd Molea and Kidston Billy showed the kind of havoc they can cause in shredding the Koloale defense apart for a 3 goal fest in the second half. I did overhear one of my work colleagues say “my $10 was really worth it”.
Actually i have no idea about football but as what i have read in this post. Football is very interesting and i think it’s fun.