BY SHOREYANN RAGOSO
For the Solomon Islands U-16 girls, stepping onto the field in front of a big home crowd in Honiara was a moment they will remember for a long time.
The young team faced a tough challenge against New Zealand in their opening match of the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship at the Solomon Islands National Stadium in Honiara yesterday. Although Solomon Islands lost 5–0, captain Hilda Kuiseu said her teammates should be proud of the way they fought until the final whistle.
“I’m proud of the girls for not giving up until the very end. We worked together and played for each other,” she said.
For many of the players, the match was their first experience of playing in front of such a large crowd. The noise and support from the stands created excitement, but it also brought pressure, especially during the first half.
Kuiseu admitted the team struggled to settle early in the match.
“In the first half, the girls did not really play well because the crowd was huge. It was the first time for the girls to play in front of such a big crowd,” she said.
However, the young players showed better confidence after the break. New Zealand scored only once in the second half as Solomon Islands worked harder and supported each other.
“But in the second half, we came strong and they only scored one goal. So, I’m proud of the girls. Heads up everyone, and we will play together again as a team,” Kuiseu said.
Despite the result, one of the biggest memories for the players was hearing their families, friends and supporters cheering from the stands.
Kuiseu said the moment the crowd chanted “Go Solo, Go” was deeply emotional for the young team.
“It feels so emotional because all our families and friends came out to support the girls. And yes, it was our first time too,” she said.
The defeat is now behind them, with the team turning its attention to their next match against Cook Islands on Wednesday, September 9.
For the Solomon Islands girls, the first match was more than a result. It was a chance to feel the support of their country, learn from a difficult experience and show that they can keep fighting together.
