PM says Gov’t will reward National Team

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has announced this afternoon that the government will reward the National Football Team on their return- as a token of appreciation for representing the country at the world stage.

Speaking this afternoon, Sogavare said: “Despite losing to New Zealand in the final yesterday morning, the team has done our country proud and once again rekindled and unifying effect of soccer in our nation.  The Government is preparing to reward the team on their return- as a token of appreciation for representing the country at the world stage.”

Solomon Islands had an impressive run in the competition, winning its group, then advanced to the semi-final in which they defeated PNG before losing to New Zealand (5-0) in yesterday’s final.

Sogavare said the national men’s soccer team also known as Bonito has created history by reaching the final of the OFC world cup qualification tournament in Qatar.

In leading to the final, Sogavare had also spoken to them.

He said: “I spoke to the team by Zoom on Wednesday afternoon, to convey to the team and its coach and management the government’s congratulation and the country’s pride and support to the team’s OFC World Cup qualifying campaign.”

Sogavare said soccer is a unifying force that brings unity and peace in the hearts of Solomon Islanders in these difficult times regardless of our political differences.

“On behalf of the people and Government of Solomon Islands, I thank the team for being good ambassadors of our country and for lifting our spirits as a nation at the global stage while representing us well at the OFC world cup qualification tournament in Qatar,” the PM, said.  

News@SBMOnline2022