New contract paved the way for SIFF and the Solomon Islands Soccer team.

After going through hard times in facing so many criticisms, the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Office is creating a major step forward by showing what they think best suits the federation and would calm down the mind of the critics. 

The SIFF President, Mr Martin Alufurai has officially announced the signing of a contract for a coach to assist the Solomon Islands National soccer team ahead of the Oceania Nations Cup 2012 which will begin from the 1^st of June to the 10^th. 

Frenchman Mr Laurent Papillion is currently assisting the Solomon Islands National soccer team in preparation for the biggest tournament in Oceania which will be hosted in Honiara. 

Mr Alufurai held a first ever official meeting with the Frenchman on Monday 7^th may, where Mr Papillion talked about what he is going to do to help the Solomon Islands national soccer team. Mr Alufurai said he is very impressed with what the Frenchman will impart the boys from the Solomons and how it will impact the aspect of football development in the country. 

As president, somebody outside the team who can see what’s happening with the team right to the end, I’m very happy after our meeting on Monday because now I will know what is happening everyday with our national team and other aspects of football development over the next 12 months, what is expected to happen and what kind of changes is expected to happen.

I’ve been here a long time as SIFF President and I have never seen this things happening to our national team, and I thank Laurent [French Coach] to choose the Solomon Islands.

Mr Alufurai further stated that the presence of the Frenchman shows what is happening in the SIFF office and that the critics would know that they are doing something.

His presence here shows SIFF critics that we are doing something in bringing an expert into the country.

SIFF and the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) are responsible for arranging the French coach to improve soccer in the Solomon Islands.

With just few weeks away for the nation’s cup to begin, the Solomon Islands national team matched into camp. Eight countries will be participating in the week long tournament. The countries are, Solomon Islands (Host), New Zealand, Papua new Guinea,Fiji, Vanuatu, Tahiti, new Caledonia and Samoa. The first team to arrive in Honiara ahead of the tournament is Vanuatu. 

In Honiara, the Vanuatu side defeated a champion club in Honiara, the Solomon Warriors on a game played as a friendly match a head of the big match. 

The New Zealand All Whites also send warning signal to other Oceania football teams when they tour America last week. They defeated El Salvador and Honduras in their separate friendly matches.
 

However, the contract with the Frenchman was not that good as there are so many critics as the teams ready to battle it out for a place in the Confederation Cup in Brazil next year.