HENRY FA’ARODO JOINS BILIKIKI

SOLOMON Islands most prolific footballer Henry Fa’arodo has turned his sight to beach soccer.

He is the latest player to be drafted into the Bilikiki National Beach Soccer training squad in preparation for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, later this year.

Fa’arodo’s inclusion has added colour and flavour to the Oceania Beach Kings.
His inclusion will certainly spark excitement, as local fans will want to witness how the sensation outdoor midfielder will perform on the beach.

The national men’s Beach Soccer team had begun their final preparations for 2009 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Dubai this 16-22 November.

According to the Team Manager Rueben Oimae, this week marks the start of an intensive training aimed at taking the team one step further than previously, into the knockout stages at the World Cup.

Reports from Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Media Office said this week, the team will have daily training sessions to help the players sharpen their skills for the ultimate competition in this form of the ‘beautiful game.
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The team is also aiming to go into camp, which will be dedicated to nothing other than group training, every two weeks.

“The training camps will help the players to develop a bond that will be essential in maintaining morale when the team is far away from the home and loved ones.

“Regular gym sessions are also planned to condition and strengthen the players,” SIFF Media said.
Oimae stressed that a full and intense preparation is vital if the Bilikikis are to improve in this year’s world competition.

The manager hinted that unconfirmed fixtures of friendly warm-up matches are currently have been arranged.
He added the team is expected to meet with the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) officials in Auckland to discuss how OFC can assist the team in its preparations.

“These (potential) matches will help the team to identify weaknesses and strengthen them before the actual tournament,” he said.

Solomon Islands qualified for the 2009 Beach Soccer World Cup after beating Vanuatu 1-0 in the final of the OFC World Cup Qualifiers on Moorea Island in Tahiti last month.

It is the fourth year in a row Bilikiki will represent Oceania at the Beach Soccer World Cup.
Bilikiki’s opponents in the World Cup group stages will be decided after the official tournament draws in Dubai today.

The Bilikiki training squad are:


James Naka (C)
Fred Hale (VC) (GK)
Felix Ray Jnr. (GK)
Henry Padaverana (GK)
Abraham Izomo (GK)
Gideon Omokirio
Eddie Ngaitini
Timothy Wale
Robert Laua
Gibson Hosea
Franco Ne’e
Nicholas Muri
Augustine Anisi
Michael Taeman
Elliot Ragomo
George Wagena
Hickley Rence
Henry Fa’arodo
Team Manager – Rueben Oimae
Coach – Henry Koto
Team Doctor – Dr Patrick Houasia

source : Solomon Star