Miniti’s acquisition boosts Gigira’s NSL campaign

 GIGIRA Laitepo United have boosted their campaign for round two in the National Soccer League by securing the services of Solomon Islander Patrick Miniti Jr.

Miniti is a seasoned footballer, who played for Mungkas in Port Moresby for a brief spell before quitting to concentrate on his studies at the University of PNG, Waigani campus.

Miniti does not like to be considered a major signing for the club as he has lived in the country for the past five years while studying for his law degree. 

The son of former Hekari United coach Patrick Miniti Sr, Miniti Jr thanked Gigira Laitepo United for giving him the opportunity to play at the NSL level.

He was one of the six players secured during the transfer window  to beef up the club’s campaign as it prepares for round two of the Southern Conference which will starts this weekend. 

Girigra team manager Thomas Taberia said Miniti would add much-needed skills in the midfield and mental speed to control the game for the club.

He told The National over the weekend that he was thankful to Gigira for giving him the opportunity to ply his football skills at the semi-professional level here.

“This will be my debut  at the National Soccer League level,” he said.

There are many Solomon Islanders studying and playing on-contract in the country and Miniti said he was blessed to be picked up by Gigira for the second round of the Southern Conference.

He said fans should not expect him to be a miracle worker but he would work hard to ensure his team stayed as competitive as their rival NSL teams.

The former Solomon Islands Under-17 and U20 soccer player said he was happy that he would add a bit of experience into the team. 

Other additions into the green and gold team include Shannon Andrew, Joshua Niebo, Danny Orim, Domuna Gobono,       Clement Willis, Manis Forova and Ronald Lelei. 

Taberia said the club was in the process of letting go about six excess players.