National team coach soon to be named

A long-term coach for the national men’s football team will be named soon after a preferred candidate has been identified from more than 40 professional applicants for the top job.

SIFF Technical Director, Moses Toata revealed that a suitable candidate was already selected.

“The period for application has closed and SIFF has identified the best candidate, ” he said.

“The President will announce that in a later date. We have recieved 45 applications from all over the World since the post was advertised.

The selection criteria is based on Qualification, Experience in working in the region including Solomon Islands”.

Prior to the postponement of training, Stanley Waita and Eddie Marahare were in charge of the national team.

Toata added that hiring a professional is a expensive practice but this is possible with the help of partners like La Liga.

‘In the past the cost of hiring overseas coach for a short term is 10,000 £uros per month plus accomodation, internal transport and flights to the country and return.

“If the government can support football by sharing the cost of hiring a proffesional coach, we can do that.

“At the moment SIFF is also looking at a partnership with Laliga to help meet the cost of hiring the coach for a longer-term, ” Toata added.

Meanwhile, Toata is calling on all selected National players to keep fit by having regular exercise during the break.

“If anyone need help with a football work out plan, please contact the Technical Department and we can assist you with a periodized plan that you can follow to keep fit and healthy, ” he stressed.

Meanwhile, football is still halted for an indefinite period in the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic.