Admiralty bring in Solomon Islander

 By HENRY MORABANG

ADMIRALTY have acquired the services of former Solomon Island representative Batram Suri as technical coach for Telikom National Soccer League season.

Suri, a decorated SI midfielder/striker played for clubs in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Vanuatu over his career.

The Manus club brought him to work with the strikers and help get the new club’s attack in order.

Suri has coached in the Solomon Islands Telikom League is expected to help the club develop its players and give them a foundation to build from in coming seasons. 

Admiralty has on its roster promising talent from Manus, apart from the Port Moresby-based players, who have been taken on board to help develop  and learn at the NSL level.

Suri is considered one of the best footballers to come out of the Solomon Islands and previously played in New Zealand for Richmond Athletic and the Football Kingz as well as in Fiji and Tahiti and played for his native Laugu.

The former Solomon Island international helped his country reach the Oceanic play-off final against Australia in 2005. 

He made his debut in 1992 and collected 42 caps.

Suri preferred to get straight to work yesterday afternoon for his first session with the players.

He could not find time to talk to the media but his commitment to the Admiralty cause was evident with the Solomon Islander directing players and organising training.

Suri may not have enough time to make an impact on the team for this weekend’s match against Morobe United at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae but it was clear yesterday that players and club officials were benefiting from his input.

The 42-year-old was assisted by head coach Andrew Kinowin and assistants Clement Anison and Selan Elijah