23 FOR FIJI FRIENDLIES

Honiara: Twenty three Solomon Islands players will travel to Fiji for their two friendly matches next week.

Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) technical director, Spaniard Felipe VegaArango, who is training the national squad told Star Sports of the 26 players undergoing training, three will be trimmed for the Fiji friendly games.

He said players must behave like professionals if the Solomon Islands level in football is to be raised.

“I was able to watch a number of players left out of the first selection so I took some people out and some players in. “Right now we have 26 players but for the trip to Fiji will be travelling with 23 players and that means three players will stay home.

“I told them to keep up because when I come back from Fiji maybe someone who goes to Fiji will be left out.

“If we want to raise the level of the Solomon football, they need to behave like professional players.

“In the Spanish national team for example if the coach doesn’t takes you today that doesn’t mean he can’t take you tomorrow.” Vega-Arango has faith in the squad despite the short time he came in for their preparation and praised the squad for their commitment to training. He added the inclusion of Micah Lea’alafa and Benjamin Totori who are currently overseas will be a boost to the squad.

Lea’alafa is expected to arrive on Thursday.

“He is going to Fiji as well and Benjamin Totori who is in New Zealand and is going to meet the team in Fiji and also for the two PNG games. Vega-Arango believes the friendlies with Fiji will prepare the team for the third stage of the World Cup Qualifiers in PNG next month. “Even though they are friendly matches, it is the international FIFA games and I know Fiji is going to try to push. “