https://www.facebook.com/106183555290469/

Sun Sports, In the Zone Building, Point Cruz, Honiara (2025)

Q: What is the address?

In The Zone Building, Point Cruz

20/10/2025

ISLANDERS CONFIRMS FOR SUPER SEVEN 7S BATTLE

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR
In Victoria, Australia

ISLANDERS Rugby Club (RC) is gearing up for the highly anticipated Super Seven 7s Tournament, set to ignite Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, Fiji, on December 6, 2025.

Club Manager Derek Pongi confirmed to SunSPORTS that preparations are on track, with the team already registered and training in full swing.

“The team will travel with seven senior players and three junior players, along with five players based in Fiji who will join the squad upon arrival,” Pongi said.

He extended his appreciation to those who have supported the team’s preparation efforts ahead of the international tournament.
“Our sincere thanks to SIRUF for supporting us by providing free access to their gym and field for training,” he said.

“Special appreciation also goes to Dr. Tautai Kaituu and family for allowing our boys to use their beach at Mamara for beach training sessions.”

Pongi said the club will also reach out to friends and business houses for sponsorship support to ensure smooth logistics for the trip.

“Islanders are not new to rugby competitions in Fiji, having previously competed in the Raka 7s, Marist 7s, and Soltuna 7s,” he added.

“Playing against top 7s teams will help the boys improve their performance and experience.”

The Super Seven 7s Tournament promises an action-packed weekend of fast-paced rugby, featuring top clubs from across the Pacific. The event also serves as the official qualifier for the 2026 McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s, scheduled for January 15–17 in Sigatoka.

The Islanders RC are aiming to secure qualification for the Coral Coast 7s.

Meanwhile, they become the second Solomon Islands club confirmed for the Super Seven 7s, joining Usotasi Leopards RC.
Both teams will represent the Solomon Islands as overseas-based entrants in this year’s competition.

📸...Islanders RC players enjoying their beach session at Mamara.

20/10/2025

SIFF WELCOMES BARRETT

…Australian Coach Dan Barrett Appointed as New Women’s Head Coach

BY MORRIS NAFU

AUSTRALIAN coach Dan Barrett has been appointed head coach of the Solomon Islands senior women’s national football team for the upcoming Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Prime Minister’s (PM's) Cup next month.

The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) made the announcement this morning, confirming Barrett’s appointment following a recruitment process that began in August.

SIFF Chief Executive Officer Leonard Paia acknowledged the contributions of outgoing coach Batram Suri, whose two-year tenure ended earlier this year.

“We have seen the performance of the team improve since 2022, including creating history by winning bronze at the regional level and later becoming champions of the OFC Nations Cup this year for the first time,” Paia said.

He said the Federation was keen to maintain the team’s momentum and did not want the coaching position left vacant for long.

“I wish Barrett all the best in his new role as head coach and also wish the team well as they prepare for the MSG PM’s Cup next month,” he added.

Barrett, who has an extensive coaching background in Australia’s A-League Women (formerly W-League), said he was grateful for the opportunity.

“I’m honored and privileged to take charge of this team,” Barrett said.

“I think this is one of the most exciting teams in the region right now. To lead this group is a massive honor, and I will do everything I can to help them achieve their goals.”

He described the recruitment process as rigorous and thorough and said he was eager to begin preparations ahead of the regional tournament.

“Anything needed to help, the answer is yes,” he added.

SIFF Technical Director Moses Toata explained that Barrett’s selection followed a detailed screening and interview process conducted by the federation’s recruitment panel.

“After evaluating all applicants, we identified Barrett as the best candidate, given his understanding of regional football and his wealth of experience,” Toata said.

“We believe he is the right person to lead our women’s team forward.”

Barrett’s initial contract will run for six months, with the possibility of an extension based on performance assessments by the SIFF Executive.

A former youth player in Sydney’s Bankstown and Canterbury regions, Barrett transitioned early into coaching. He began his professional journey as a community football officer with Sydney FC, later becoming assistant coach under Alen Stajcic. When Stajcic took charge of the Australian women’s national team, the Matildas, in 2014, Barrett stepped up as head coach of Sydney FC Women.

During his tenure, Sydney FC reached multiple finals, including the 2016 Grand Final against Melbourne City. Barrett later served as head of the female academy at Central Coast Mariners and as head coach of the Western Sydney Wanderers during the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

With his appointment, SIFF expressed confidence that Barrett’s experience will strengthen the national women’s team as they prepare for the inaugural Women’s MSG PM’s Cup 2025, to be hosted in Papua New Guinea (PNG) .

The tournament will also serve as an important pathway to the Oceania World Cup qualifiers next year.

📸.....SIFF welcomes Coach Dan Barrett in a press conference today-PHOTO MORRIS NAFU

20/10/2025

KOLOALE AWAIT GRAND FINAL OPPONENT

BY MORRIS NAFU

KOLOALE Community High School (CHS) are now awaiting their grand final opponent, the winner of the second semifinal between King George Sixth School (KGVI) and defending champions, Honiara High Senior Secondary School (HHSSS), in this year’s Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) and Credit Corporation High School U20 Boys 15s Competition.

Koloale secured their place in the grand final following a hard-fought 11–3 victory over last year’s runner-up, White River Community High School, at the Town Ground Rugby Stadium last Wednesday.

Despite a challenging campaign with mixed results, Koloale delivered a determined performance in the first semifinal to seal a historic spot in the title decider.

Head Coach Owen Kaye Matenga congratulated his players for their fighting spirit and composure, acknowledging the strong challenge posed by their opponents.

“I just want to thank my boys for their fight in the match till the final whistle,” Matenga said.

“Big thanks to the boys."

"Though we only had two substitutes, I managed them well, and we stuck to our game plan.”

Matenga said the team would focus on addressing key areas before the grand final showdown.

“Though we won, there are still a few areas that need to be addressed before the grand final,” he explained.

“We need to go harder in our training sessions and work even more to improve our performance on the field.”

He also praised his players for learning from earlier setbacks and expressed gratitude to supporters for their ongoing encouragement.

“We built on our two defeats this season, and the boys have learned a lot from those games,” Matenga said.

“I really appreciate our supporters who have been cheering for us all along.”

With the grand final approaching, preparation will be tight for Koloale’s squad, as many of the players are also sitting their school examinations.

“Education is more important,” Matenga emphasized, highlighting the balance between academics and sports.

Meanwhile, the second semifinal will be played after the school examination week, followed by the grand final.

📸.....Koloale players celebrating their semifinal win last Wednesday-PHOTO MORRIS NAFU

20/10/2025

MAELANGA PLEDGES 20K FOR KUNG FU ACADEMY

BY MORRIS NAFU

INDEPENDENT Leader and Member of Parliament for East Malaita, Hon. Manasseh Maelanga, has pledged $20,000 in support of the Jyoshin Mon Tai Kiok Kuen Kung Fu Society’s new academy project in Henderson, East Honiara.

Hon. Maelanga made the announcement during a belt and certificate presentation ceremony held at the White River School Hall on Sunday, October 12, 2025.

As the chief guest at the event, Deacon Maelanga congratulated the 80 Kung Fu students who received belt promotions and commended the society for its efforts in promoting discipline, respect, and community development through martial arts.

He encouraged the students to remain committed to their training and values.

“Reaching another higher belt level is not the end,” he said.

“Your sashes require you to be more focused and dedicated to the Art of Kung Fu, which is a way of life. It is more than just a sport because we focus on the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of life.”

Meanwhile, the presentation ceremony also received additional donations, bringing the total pledges to $60,000, which will help kickstart construction of the new Kung Fu Academy early next year.

📸.....Hon. Manasseh Maelanga-PHOTO SUPPLIED

20/10/2025

80 KUNG FU STUDENTS AWARDED NEW BELTS

BY MORRIS NAFU

EIGHTY students from three Kung Fu clubs in Honiara were awarded new belts by the Jyoshin Mon Tai Kiok Kuen Kung Fu Society during a presentation ceremony held at the White River School Hall on Sunday 12th October 2025.

The recipients came from the White River Community High Kung Fu Club, Honiara Ladies Self-Protection Kung Fu Club, and the Holy Cross branch, following a successful grading conducted last month.

Head Instructor SIFU Sam Alasia congratulated the students and urged them to uphold the values of responsibility, discipline, respect, and humility in their martial arts journey.

“There is always a danger in showing off your art in public, and this is not allowed under our rules,” Sifu Alasia cautioned.

He further reminded the students to live by the society’s code of ethics, reflected in its motto: “It’s better to be alone than to be with bad company.”

“Avoiding negative influences, peer pressure, and harmful habits such as alcohol, drugs, and smoking highlights how Kung Fu training promotes physical health, mental meditation, and spiritual well-being,” he added.

The society continues to expand its reach, recently conducting a grading ceremony in Noro for 15 students and planning further grading events across five Kung Fu schools in Malaita Province. A visit to the Kirakira Kung Fu Club has also been confirmed.

Established 37 years ago, the society now operates 10 clubs nationwide and aims to build a dedicated Kung Fu academy at Henderson, East Honiara.

The weekend’s belt and certificate presentation marked another milestone for the long-standing society, with students receiving ranks ranging from yellow, orange, green, blue, to black belts.

📸.....Graduating students at the Jyoshin Mon Tai Kiok Kuen Kung Fu Society with thier certificates-PHOTO SUPPLIED

20/10/2025

UNCERTAIN PACIFIC GAMES FUTURE

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR
In Victoria, Australia

THE Solomon Islands national men’s and women’s basketball teams face an uncertain path to the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti following their bronze medal finishes at the recently concluded FIBA Melanesian Cup 2025 in Honiara.

The tournament, hosted at the Friendship Hall last week, marked the first time the Solomon Islands staged both the men’s and women’s Melanesian Cup.

The event served as the official qualifier for the 2027 Pacific Games, with only the top two teams from each division earning automatic spots in Tahiti.

Both Solomon Islands teams claimed bronze after their opponents, New Caledonia, withdrew from the playoff matches due to travel complications and last-minute flight changes beyond their control. FIBA confirmed New Caledonia’s forfeiture, awarding the host nation the bronze medals.

Despite improving from a fourth-place finish in the previous edition to third place this year, both the host Men’s and Women’s sides fell short of direct qualification. Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Fiji’s men’s and women’s teams secured the top two positions and, with them, Melanesia’s qualification slots for Tahiti 2027.

Solomon Islands’ only remaining chance to compete at the next Pacific Games lies in receiving a wild card entry — the same route that granted them hosting status during the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, after failing to qualify at the last FIBA Melanesian Cup in Fiji in 2022.

Introduced in 2017, the FIBA Melanesian Cup forms part of FIBA’s strategy to strengthen regional basketball and increase competitive opportunities for Pacific nations.

This year’s tournament wrapped up on Saturday.

Winners of both events:

(Men’s)
PNG
Fiji

(Women’s)
Fiji
PNG

📸....Solomon Islands national men's basketball team-PHOTO SIBF

16/10/2025

ARO MAKES TULAGI CROSSING FOR PINKTOBER

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR
In Victoria, Australia

ARO Outrigger & Canoe Club has made history with 38-kilometre paddle from Honiara to Tulagi, marking the success of its recent Distance Challenge 3 and showing strong support for Pinktober breast cancer awareness.

The club, supported by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), embarked on the journey from DC Park in East Honiara at 6:35am and reached the capital of Central Islands Province by 10:30am, completing the crossing in just four hours despite strong north-easterly winds.

Club President Piuela Manuopangai expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the event’s success, especially both the RSIPF Tulagi and the RSIPF Maritime for ensuring safety throughout the voyage.

“Massive appreciation to Vanita Motel and family for the accommodation, patience, and hospitality.

“Thank you for hosting our crazy crew with such warmth,” Manuopangai said.

“The Tulagi crossing marks just the beginning. We look forward to more challenges like this and to seeing even more paddlers from Tulagi and Honiara communities join us on the next journey.”

Tulagi Provincial Police Commander (PPC) David Soakai praised the event, describing it as “history for our culture and traditions.”

Manuopangai said that paddling is deeply rooted in Solomon Islands’ culture and heritage.

“The club is proud to be reigniting the tradition of island-to-island voyaging,” she said.

“In a world where technology makes life easier, moments like the Tulagi Crossing remind us to honour our roots, our culture, and the strength of our community.”

The crossing also carried a special message of solidarity for Pinktober, with all paddlers donning pink attire and ribbons to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Escorted by the RSIPF and supported by local volunteers operating two ray boats, the team safely completed the journey before camping overnight at Vanita Motel and returning to Honiara the following day.

📸....Photos of the crossing from DC Park in Honiara to Tulagi.

15/10/2025

TEAM SOLOMON BAGS 13 MEDALS

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR
In Victoria, Australia

TEAM SOLOMON return home with13 medals following their participation at the 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championships held at the State Athletics Facility, QSAC, in Brisbane, Australia.

The Solomon Islands delegation, comprising four athletes—two male and two female—was led by Team Manager, Danny Vabo.

Representing the Solomon Islands were athletes Raymond Jeysis, Nobert Boto Trasiso, Janet Beatrice Talogwari, and Hellie Ha’atare’a.

For most of the team members, this was their first appearance at the prestigious international event.

Despite their debut outing, the athletes delivered outstanding performances across multiple field events, earning a total of six gold, six silver, and one bronze medal. The majority of the wins came in both the men’s and women’s javelin and shot-put disciplines.

In the Oceania Region athletics medal tally, Solomon Islands finished ahead of Team Fiji, who secured five gold medals, while the Cook Islands followed with a total of four medals—one gold, two silver, and one bronze.

The week-long competition officially concluded yesterday, and Team Solomon is expected to arrive back home today.

The 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championships, which ran from October 8 to 15, brought together 300 athletes from 30 nations. The event officially opened with a ceremony at the Roma Street Parklands Amphitheatre in Brisbane on Thursday, 9 October.

Organised by Sport Inclusion Australia and conducted by Queensland Athletics, the championships received strong support from the Australian Government, Queensland Government, and Brisbane City Council.

This year marked the 11th edition of the Virtus World Championships, returning to Australia 20 years after the 5th edition was hosted in Canberra in 2005. It was also the third Virtus athletics competition staged in Brisbane, following the 2019 Virtus Global Games and 2022 Virtus Oceania Asia Games.

The championships featured a full athletics program for II1, II2, and II3 athletes, along with a youth competition category.

Virtus—the International Sports Federation for athletes with intellectual impairment—is a founding member of the International Paralympic Committee and is registered in the United Kingdom as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (1173901).

📸...Team Solomon's Janet Beatrice Talogwari and Hellie Ha’atare’a.

14/10/2025

DAWN EARN MAIDEN OFC FUTSAL SPOT

BY MORRIS NAFU

DAWN Futsal Club (FC) has secured its maiden qualification for the fourth edition of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Futsal Championship next year, following a dominant campaign in the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Super Futsal League 2025 (SSFL25).

After finishing runners-up for two consecutive seasons, the Arthur Bako–coached side finally broke through to claim the national futsal league title in emphatic fashion — thrashing defending champions Mataks FC 11–1 at the SIFF Futsal Hall last Tuesday.

Bako, who was named Coach of the Year, said the victory marks a major milestone for both him and the entire Dawn futsal community.

“I must thank God for this opportunity. It’s never been easy, especially since all teams have really stepped up this season — you can see that from the tight competition in the final standings,” Bako told SunSPORTS.

“I’m so proud of my boys for executing our plans perfectly this season.”

He said his players had shown improvement from last season, particularly in their understanding and ex*****on of the game plan.

Bako also praised the strong performances from all competing teams, including the newcomers, and extended appreciation to SIFF for its continued support toward futsal development in the country.

“Special acknowledgment to SIFF for its ongoing commitment to developing futsal,” he added.

“We also thank our fans, supporters, and the players’ families for standing with us throughout the season. We’ll now look forward to defending the title next year and representing the country proudly at the OFC Futsal Champions League.”

Dawn FC’s success was further highlighted by several of its players who starred in the Kurukuru’s recent triumph at the OFC Futsal Cup in Fiji last month — including Jayroll Patty Eremae, Charlie Otainao, Calvin Do’oro, Samuel Tovoa, and Cliff Sasau.

Goalkeeper Cliff Sasau, who won the OFC Futsal Cup 2025 Golden Glove Award, also claimed the SIFF Super Futsal League 2025 Golden Glove, while teammate Jayroll Patty received the Player of the Year Award.

Dawn FC sealed the SSFL25 title with 46 points, while SALT FC finished second and Strides FC came third.

Defending champions Mataks FC slipped to fourth with 31 points.

However, Mataks will be making their second appearance representing the Solomon Islands at the third edition of the OFC Men’s Futsal Champions League, scheduled for next month in Suva, Fiji.

The side will be aiming to improve on its runner-up finish at the 2024 edition in New Caledonia, where they narrowly lost 4–3 to host team AS PTT in the final.

The last time a Solomon Islands team lifted the OFC Men’s Futsal Champions League title was during the inaugural tournament in Auckland, when Kooline FC triumphed over AS PTT Noumea 7–5 in a thrilling final.

📸..SIFF Super Futsal League 2025 Champions, Dawn FC.

13/10/2025

HOST STARTS STRONG
..Solomon Islands Stun Fiji in Historic FIBA Melanesian Cup Victory

BY MORRIS NAFU

THE Solomon Islands national men’s basketball team made history yesterday after handing Pacific Games 2023 gold medallists Fiji their first defeat at the FIBA Melanesian Cup 2025, edging out the visitors 70–67 in a thrilling men’s main fixture at the Friendship Hall in Honiara.

It was the Solomon Islands’ first-ever victory over Fiji in international basketball, marking a noteworthy breakthrough for head coach Michael Nao and his squad.

Coach Nao said the team’s preparation and determination paid off, crediting his players for their discipline and ex*****on under pressure.

“We trained and prepared specifically for this match. We knew it was going to be tough, but the boys did really well to earn us this victory,” Nao said.

“The tournament is not over yet. We’ll go back to the drawing board, review our game, and prepare for tomorrow’s clash against New Caledonia — another tough side. We’ve seen how they play, and I believe we can counter them and give our supporters something to be proud of again.”

Nao also confirmed that despite a few injury concerns during the game, all players are fit and ready to return for today’s encounter against title holders New Caledonia.

“One of our key shooters went down in the third quarter, but other players stepped up in his absence. Luckily, his injury wasn’t serious and he came back in the final quarter to help us secure the win,” he added.

“We had huge support from the home crowd today — thank you to everyone who came out to cheer for us. Your support means a lot, and we hope you continue backing us throughout the tournament.”

Fiji started the stronger side, taking a 25–22 lead in the first quarter. The Solomon Islands responded with a commanding 18–10 second-quarter performance to energize the crowd and seize control of the game.

A tight third quarter saw the hosts extend their advantage 16–14 before holding off Fiji’s late surge in the final period, where the visitors narrowly outscored them 18–14.

The Solomon Islands men will look to maintain their momentum against New Caledonia at 4:00 p.m. today, while Fiji will aim to bounce back against Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the 11:00 a.m. fixture.

Meanwhile, the Solomon Islands women’s national basketball team went down 63–30 to New Caledonia in their opening match.

The Ligue Nouvelle Calédonie Basket Ball side dominated from the outset, establishing a commanding 22–3 first-quarter lead and maintaining control with an 18–9 advantage in the second.

The Solomon Islands improved after halftime, narrowing the scoreline with a 14–10 third quarter and a competitive 9–8 final period, but the early deficit proved too great to overcome.

The Solomon Islands women will seek redemption when they face Fiji at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow, while New Caledonia will meet PNG at 1:30 p.m.

Day 1 of the FIBA Melanesian Cup 2025 concluded yesterday with exciting action in both men’s and women’s competitions.

In other results, Papua New Guinea made a strong start to their campaign, with their men’s team thrashing Vanuatu 99–39, and their women’s team cruising to an 82–36 win over Vanuatu.

With another four matches lined up for Day 2, fans can expect more thrilling basketball action at the Friendship Hall as the regional Melanesian championship heats up.

📸....Solomon Islands Timi Magi shields forward for space-PHOTO MORRIS NAFU

06/10/2025

PHOTOS | Actions between White River and St Nicholas at the SIRUF and Credit Corporation High School U20 Boys 15s last Thursday.

📸….ELTON LONARATHA JNR

06/10/2025

PHOTOS | Few actions between Brisbane Roar FC and Solomon Islands national team over the weekend.

📸…ELTON LONARATHA JNR

Sun Sports

20/10/2025

20/10/2025

20/10/2025

20/10/2025

20/10/2025

20/10/2025

16/10/2025

15/10/2025

14/10/2025

13/10/2025

06/10/2025

06/10/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category