Sun Sports

Sun Sports Updating you about sports athletes, tournaments, events happening in and around the Solomon Islands

RANKING BOOSTBY ELTON LONARATHA JNRTHE recent success of the Solomon Islands national Women’s team at the Oceania Footba...
08/08/2025

RANKING BOOST

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE recent success of the Solomon Islands national Women’s team at the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Women’s Nations Cup, hosted in Suva, Fiji, has not only made history but also resulted in a major shift in the latest FIFA Coca-Cola Women’s Ranking.

The national women’s team improved its position from rank 86, as updated on June 12, 2025, to 73 in the latest ranking released on August 7, 2025.

This remarkable achievement places the team in third place in Oceania, trailing only behind Papua New Guinea and New Zealand, who maintain a strong standing at rank 1.

The Solomon Islands team recorded an impressive performance during the OFC Women’s Nations Cup, securing four wins and suffering just a single defeat.

The next FIFA Women’s World Ranking will be updated on December 11, 2025.

Meanwhile, the Solomon Islands Men’s team remains at rank 149, according to the Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking updated on July 10, 2025.

The next standings for the men’s team are scheduled to be released in 41 days, with the latest placement expected to be revealed on September 18, 2025.

📸.....Solomon Islands national women's team celebrates with their first OFC Women's Nations Cup trophy at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, Fiji last month-PHOTO OFC

SECOND ROUND RESCHEDULEDBY MORRIS NAFUTHE second round of the Super League 2025 season is set to kick off at the end of ...
08/08/2025

SECOND ROUND RESCHEDULED

BY MORRIS NAFU

THE second round of the Super League 2025 season is set to kick off at the end of this month at Lawson Tama Stadium.

The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) has confirmed that the rescheduling of the kickoff date is due to the hosting of the upcoming Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Men’s U16 Championship 2025.

SIFF competition manager Junior Siosi informed SunSPORTS that the decision to delay the start of the second round was made in light of the OFC Men’s U16 Championship, which is scheduled to take place in Honiara next week.

“Therefore, the resumption of Round 2 of the S-League 2025 season has been rescheduled to August 30, 2025,” Siosi said.

“Originally slated to commence this weekend on August 9, 2025, the league's start has been delayed.”

Meanwhile, matches for the OFC Men’s U16 Championship will be held at both Lawson Tama Stadium and the National Stadium.

📸....S-League 2025 action between Honiara City FC and Kossa FC at Lawson Tama Stadium-PHOTO ELTON LONARATHA JNR

SOUTHERN WELCOMES TAWOPI AND LAKAPAUBY ELTON LONARATHA JNRTWO promising young football stars from Temotu Province, who m...
08/08/2025

SOUTHERN WELCOMES TAWOPI AND LAKAPAU

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

TWO promising young football stars from Temotu Province, who made their debut for Temotu Arrows at the recent Solomon Cup 2025, have signed with Southern United Football Club for the second round of the Super League 2025 (S-League 2025).

Southern United FC head coach Tibon Oge confirmed the inclusion of defender Johnson Tawopi and striker Jack Lakapau as part of the new recruits for the upcoming season.

“Arrows defender Johnson Tawopi and striker Jack Lakapau are currently joining the team training camp,” Oge said.

Oge expressed enthusiasm about Lakapau's performance, believing that his inclusion in the team will propel him further in his football career.

“Lakapau's football performance is looking bright, and I’m looking forward to his next signing. He is a good player, especially up front,” he said.

Regarding Tawopi, Oge acknowledged the young defender's potential, noting the need for further development.

“He is also a great player with a bright future, although he needs to continue building on his skills. But I’m sure that I can help him develop here at the club,” he added.

Additionally, Oge highlighted the potential of a new striker recruited from Central Islands, who featured for Central Shields at the Solomon Cup 2025.

“My new striker from Central Shields also had a bright performance. I can see the great potential he has, which will make him one of the top names in football, especially as a striker,” Oge remarked.

Southern United FC is gearing up for the second round of the season at Kukum Field, with training sessions held weekly from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

📸....Temotu Arrows young defender Johnson Tawopi in action-PHOTO ELTON LONARATHA JNR

SIPAKANA RETURNS TO THE PITCHBY ELTON LONARATHA JNRSOLOMON Cup 2020 gold medalist and Western Tomoko striker, Jaygray Si...
08/08/2025

SIPAKANA RETURNS TO THE PITCH

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

SOLOMON Cup 2020 gold medalist and Western Tomoko striker, Jaygray Sipakana, is ready to make his return to the country’s top-flight football competition after nearly a year of recovery.

The golden boot award recipient is eager to get back on the pitch as he joins Kossa Football Club (FC) for the second round of the Super League 2025 (S-League), scheduled to kick off at the end of this month at Lawson Tama Stadium.

Despite being sidelined for ten months since his return from Fiji last year, the 33-year-old Sipakana remains passionate about the sport.

“It’s been a while since my last stint with Suva FC in Fiji, but my passion for football still remains,” he told SunSPORTS yesterday.

Sipakana expressed his gratitude to Kossa FC for the opportunity to return to competitive football and contribute to the team’s quest for glory this season.

“It’s an opportunity for me to return to active football after being inactive for quite a while now. I missed playing in the S-League, and I must thank Kossa FC management and coaches for giving me this chance,” he said.

Acknowledging the new challenges ahead, Sipakana is confident in his ability to perform for his new club.

“Although it’s going to be a new challenge for me, I’m confident that I can do it for Kossa,” he added.

He also expressed appreciation for Kossa FC head coach Franco Ne’e, who has been a significant figure in his football journey.

“Coach Ne’e is like a big brother to me, and I’m not new to him since our time together with Solomon Warriors FC in past seasons,” he noted.

Currently, Sipakana is participating in Kossa FC's training camp after arriving in town from Western Province on Wednesday, alongside two other recruits from the recent Solomon Cup 2025.

Having previously played for Real Kakamora FC following his successful campaign with Western Tomoko during the Solomon Cup 2022, Sipakana also had a stint with Nadi FC, marking his first regional signing before returning to Solomon Warriors FC.

He made a brief appearance for Suva FC last year before returning home as a free agent.

Additionally, Sipakana received two call-ups for the national team from former head coach Felipe Vega-Arango; however, both opportunities did not materialize, leading the striker to focus on his club career at both domestic and regional levels.

📸.....Jaygray Sipakana during one of his session with the national team in 2022 -Photo Elton Lonaratha Jnr

BUILDING A DREAM TEAM.Southern United FC Makes Major Recruits for S-League 2025BY ELTON LONARATHA JNRSOUTHERN United Foo...
08/08/2025

BUILDING A DREAM TEAM
.Southern United FC Makes Major Recruits for S-League 2025

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

SOUTHERN United Football Club (FC) is making major strides in preparation for the second round of the Super League 2025 (S-League 2025) season, following a successful recruitment drive at the recent Solomon Cup 2025 last month.

The club is focusing on young talents who showcased their skills while representing their respective provincial teams during the Solomon Cup 2025, providing these players with a pathway to fulfill their potential as future football stars.

Head coach Tibon Oge, who managed Lauru Kuvojo at the Solomon Cup 2025, shared his excitement about the influx of young recruits.

“I have a big number of recruits from the recent Solomon Cup 2025, which includes two players from Temotu Arrows, three from Lauru Kuvojo and Honiara Warriors, and one from Central Shields,” Oge told SunSPORTS.

Oge expressed his disappointment that two young players from Isabel Frigates, forwards John Daiwo and Junior Mark Mehau, were unable to join the squad.

“I had been eyeing those two players, and I already asked them about this opportunity, but they failed to make it,” he said.

The coach also revealed that his squad for the second round of the S-League will include players from the U18 national team, creating a fresh and dynamic lineup.

“I have a new brand team for the second round of the season. I want to help bring their potential to light and fulfill their purpose of competing at the Solomon Cup 2025, where they believe in this pathway to progress in their football journey,” Oge added.

“A lot of the players I recruited have the best attitude, which I really admire.”

Meanwhile, the team conducts weekly training sessions at Kukum Fields every day from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, preparing for the challenges ahead in the upcoming season.

📸.....Coach Tibon Oge-PHOTO ELTON LONARATHA JNR

LEOPARDS ADVANCE TO QUARTERFINALS DESPITE SETBACKBY MORRIS NAFUUSOTASI Leopards Rugby Club (RC) advances to the quarterf...
08/08/2025

LEOPARDS ADVANCE TO QUARTERFINALS DESPITE SETBACK

BY MORRIS NAFU

USOTASI Leopards Rugby Club (RC) advances to the quarterfinals of the Honiara Rugby Union Association (HRUA) Men’s 15s Premier Championship 2025, despite suffering a 43-17 defeat to the defending champions, South Pacific Oil (SPOL) Avaiki Rugby Club.

The match took place on Tuesday evening at the Town Ground Rugby Stadium.

In a post-match interview with SunSPORTS, Coach Clayton Tuimaka emphasized the importance of discipline and fitness in the team's performance.

“It all comes back to discipline. We will go back to the whiteboard,” Tuimaka said.

“I understand that we prepared well for this match, but Avaiki capitalized on our mistakes to earn the win. We will regroup and start preparing for our quarterfinal match next week.”

Tuimaka acknowledged that discipline and fitness are areas that need improvement as they gear up for the knockout stage.

“Hopefully, we can get better and progress to the next stage of the tournament,” he added.

The coach also expressed the team's unwavering focus on the championship trophy.

“Our eyes are on the trophy, even though we went down to Avaiki RC. There’s a lot of energy in the camp. We will recharge and come back stronger for the knockout stage,” Tuimaka said.

He praised the contributions of their Fijian guest players, particularly the recent addition of former Fiji 7s legend William Ryder.

“Although his prime days are over, he still has a positive influence in the camp and brings a lot of energy to the team. I thank him for maintaining the team spirit at a high level.”

Tuimaka extended his gratitude to the fans, especially the families and supporters who have consistently backed the team.

“I thank our families and supporters who are always there for us. We wanted to make them proud today, and although we couldn’t deliver, we will come back and give them something to smile about in the next match in the quarterfinals.”

Despite the defeat, Tuimaka remains optimistic about his side's chances as they aim for the coveted championship title in the upcoming quarterfinals.

📸....Leopards Simon Tepuke wins the ball, loading to clear-PHOTO MORRIS NAFU

RUA YOUTH RUGBY TEAM HEADS TO WALLIS AND FUTUNA BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR THE Renbel Uvea Association (RUA) rugby 7s youth ...
08/08/2025

RUA YOUTH RUGBY TEAM HEADS TO WALLIS AND FUTUNA

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE Renbel Uvea Association (RUA) rugby 7s youth team departed yesterday afternoon for the highly anticipated 12th edition of the Wallis and Futuna U17 Uvea Rugby Challenge, set to kick off on August 12, 2025.

Team Manager Don Angikiamo expressed excitement as a total of 12 players have been assembled for this year’s competition, following their debut in last year’s 11th edition.

“We acknowledge the Fiji boys who were with us last year and continue to render their support this year,” Angikiamo said.

He also extended gratitude to former Fiji 7s legend William Ryder, who contributed his vast knowledge and experience to the team’s preparation.

“The confidence is high that we can compete this time around and improve from finishing 4th last year,” he added.

Before their departure from Honiara International Airport, Pastor Nacaneili Seru from the Sport and Leadership Training (SALT) delivered an inspiring message to the team, motivating them for the challenges ahead.

The RUA team will spend one night in Fiji before traveling to Wallis on August 9. The games are scheduled to take place from August 12 to 13. Following the tournament, the team will begin their journey back home on August 14, retracing their route through Fiji for a couple of days before returning to Honiara on August 20, 2025.

📸.....Renbel Uvea Association (RUA) rugby 7s youth team departed yesterday.

KOSSA WELCOMES TOMOKO TRIOBY MORRIS NAFUTHE Western Tomoko trio of Jaygray Sipakana, David Takayama, and Mathew Maelasi ...
08/08/2025

KOSSA WELCOMES TOMOKO TRIO

BY MORRIS NAFU

THE Western Tomoko trio of Jaygray Sipakana, David Takayama, and Mathew Maelasi have officially joined Kossa Football Club (FC) for the second round of the Super League 2025 (S-League 2025) season.

The players joined Kossa for their first training session yesterday morning after arriving in town on Wednesday.

As Kossa FC prepares for the upcoming season, scheduled to kick off next month, preparations are progressing smoothly.

Coach Franco Ne’e welcomed the new signings during their initial training session, marking a significant step in the club's efforts to build a competitive team.

“This is a great opportunity for these players to test themselves against top talent in town,” Ne’e said.

“It also gives us a chance to work with them closely and support their development in every possible way. The club is pleased to have their services, and we’ll do our best to look after them.”

In related news, the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) has confirmed that the start of the second round of the S-League 2025, originally scheduled for this month, has been postponed to next month.

This change is due to the hosting of the upcoming Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Men’s U16 Championship 2025.

📸....From Left to right-Head coach Franko Ne'e along with the Tomoko trio and Dennis Ifunaoa-Photo credit KOSSA Media

AVAIKI CONTINUES TITLE DEFENSEBY MORRIS NAFUREIGNING champions South Pacific Oil Limited (SPOL) Avaiki Rugby Club (RC) c...
08/08/2025

AVAIKI CONTINUES TITLE DEFENSE

BY MORRIS NAFU

REIGNING champions South Pacific Oil Limited (SPOL) Avaiki Rugby Club (RC) continued their strong title defense in the Honiara Rugby Union Association (HRUA) Men’s 15s Premier Championship 2025, securing a convincing 43-27 victory over the determined Usotasi Leopards RC in a catch-up match at Town Ground Stadium yesterday.

In a post-match interview with SunSPORTS, Avaiki team captain Timo Sanga praised his team's effort in finishing at the top of the group standings.

"We anticipated this game to be tough, knowing Usotasi is one of the strong teams in the tournament, so we really trained hard for it," he said.

"The results turned our way by the final whistle, so I thank the boys for a good fight today."

Looking ahead, Sanga acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead in the quarterfinals.

"Going forward against SOSSA will be yet another tough match, knowing it’s a quarterfinal. But we will be ready for the challenge. We will go back, recover, and regroup in our training as we head into the quarterfinals," he added.

Sanga also expressed confidence in his team's ability to compete for the championship.

"All teams are eyeing the coveted title, but the final whistle always decides. I trust my boys that we can get there. To all the fans and families who have always supported the team, we really appreciate your presence in the stands and hope to see you all in our next game."

Avaiki showcased impressive dominance throughout the match, capitalizing on the Leopards' mistakes to secure their victory and conclude the league's pool match campaign at the top of the standings.

Although the Leopards made a strong comeback in the second half, Avaiki maintained their fighting spirit to finish the match with a victory and a playoff spot on the horizon.

The team will now face the 8th-seeded SOSSA RC in the quarterfinals, with matches set to kick off this weekend at the venue.

📸....SPOL Avaiki Carling Saomatangi escaping a tackle while looking for space-PHOTO MORRIS NAFU

SEMIFINAL BOUND |  Another history for the first time progressing to the semifinal of the Oceania Football Confederation...
08/08/2025

SEMIFINAL BOUND | Another history for the first time progressing to the semifinal of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Women's U16 Championship.

The Solomon Islands beats Tonga 1-0 this morning, to complete the semifinal line up of the OFC Women's U16 Championship 2025 in Samoa.

📸..OFC

DEFEAT | Solomon Islands defeated by New Zealand 5-0 in their second group match at the OFC Women’s U16 Championship 202...
05/08/2025

DEFEAT | Solomon Islands defeated by New Zealand 5-0 in their second group match at the OFC Women’s U16 Championship 2025 in Samoa.

TRAILING | Mia Humphrey and Bonnie Rice puts New Zealand in front with a 2-0 lead over Solomon Islands at Half time of t...
05/08/2025

TRAILING | Mia Humphrey and Bonnie Rice puts New Zealand in front with a 2-0 lead over Solomon Islands at Half time of the OFC Women's U16 Group B clash in Samoa.

Address

In The Zone Building, Point Cruz
Honiara
677

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Sun Sports posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Sun Sports:

Share