Solomon Islands national football team will go into camp at SIFF Academy on Monday ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against New Zealand on 1st of September.
Assistant Coach Stanley Waita says they want to keep the team together and remain focussed for their game against an experienced All Whites.
When asked about their chances of making history against the All Whites, he said they have to believe in themselves.
“We have to believe in ourselves and take one game at a time,” Waita said.
Solomon Islands recently named its final squad with the inclusion of four new players who will make their debut in the international match.
The new players are Clement Baegani, Clifton Aumae, Andrew Raragia.
Head coach Vega-Arango Alonso said he is happy with the players’ response to their training.
“We are working on our game plan to approach the two games and the players selected are based on our system,” he said.
All Whites who is just a step closer to the next stage has regrouped in advance for the match.
Coach Anthony Hudson earlier said that his current squad is probably the strongest squad.
“We go into this game knowing that it is going to be a challenge but at the same time I expect us to be at our best in terms of where we have been in the last three years.
“I expect this to be one of biggest performances of the campaign. These games come at a great time for us.”
The All Whites are focused on the OFC Final Stage of Qualifying but all of the team knows how close they are to qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in Russia next year.
“Everyone knows how much hard work has gone into this in the last three years from the players to the coaches and the support staff.
“There has been a lot of hard graft and miles around the world. These next two games are incredibly important. We know the possibility and opportunity after that is a place at the World Cup,” he said.
All Whites squad
Kosta BARBAROUSES Melbourne Victory, Australia, 42 (3)
Myer BEVAN Vancouver Whitecaps, Canada, 0 (0)
Michael BOXALL Minnesota United, USA, 27 (0)
Kip COLVEY San Jose Earthquakes, USA, 11 (0)
Tom DOYLE Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand, 6 (0)
Andrew DURANTE Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand, 20 (0)
Dane INGHAM Brisbane Roar, Australia, 4 (0)
Stefan MARINOVIC Vancouver Whitecaps, Canada, 19 (0)
Michael McGLINCHEY Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand, 48 (4)
Glen MOSS Newcastle Jets, Australia, 29 (0)
Monty PATTERSON Ipswich Town, England, 13 (1)
Winston REID West Ham United, England, 21 (1)
Marco ROJAS SC Heerenveen, Netherlands, 37 (5)
Storm ROUX Central Coast Mariners, Australia, 7 (0)
Oliver SAIL Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand, 0 (0)
Shane SMELTZ Borneo, Indonesia, 57 (24)
Tommy SMITH Ipswich Town, England, 35 (2)
Ryan THOMAS PEC Zwolle, Netherlands, 14 (2)
Themi TZIMOPOULOS PAS Giannina, Greece, 11 (1)
Chris WOOD Leeds United, England, 52 (20)
Deklan WYNNE Vancouver Whitecaps, Canada, 11 (0)
Solomon Islands squad
Goalkeepers
Philip MANGO – Marist FC
Zantas KABINI – Marist FC
Desmond TUTU – KOSSA
Defenders
Nelson SALE – Western United
Emmanuel POILA – Solomon Warriors
Haddis AENGARI – Solomon Warriors
Richard HIROMANA – Marist FC
Robert LAUA – Marist FC
Michael BOSO – Marist FC
Andrew RARAGIA – Henderson Eels
Joses NAWO – Henderson Eels
Midfielders
Jeffrey BULE – Marist FC
Atkin KAUA – Marist FC
Gagame FENI – Solomon Warriors
Timothy BAKALE – Marist FC
Micah LEA’ALAFA – Auckland City FC (NZL)
Clifton AUMAE – Henderson Eels
Jerry DONGA – Solomon Warriors
Henry FA’ARODO – Marist FC
Strikers
Benjamin TOTORI – Three Kings United (NZL)
Clement BAEGENI – Henderson Eels