Reds’ Tanito in Solomon Is squad

 HEKARI United winger Tutizama Tanito has been named in a 29-man squad to represent the Solomon Islands soccer team for the Pacific Games in July.

Tanito, who is currently on tour with Hekari Fiji for the Oceania Champions League tournament is said to be excited about playing in Port Moresby — a place he knows well — in July.

The team will be coached by Patrick Miniti, who had a brief stint with Hekari in the mid-2000s.

The announcement of the squad comes on the back of a gruelling month of trials for the 40-plus squad.

The trials included a number of local matches and at least four friendlies with overseas sides, including the Papua New Guinea Under-23 squad and Hekari United.

According to the Miniti, there is confidence in the team management that the best players possible have been named for the squad.

“The selection process was fair and enabled players to demonstrate their ability in training as well in test matches,” Miniti said.

“I feel confident that squad we now have is a quality one and the best that could be selected from our current pool.”

Miniti warned players in the squad not to become complacent because the selection process was not over. Only 20 players will make the trip to PNG under current regulations so competition for places will be hot. Solomon Islands U-23 Squad: Phillip Mango, Timothy Mae’arasia, James Do’oro, Loea Mani, Jared Rongosulia, Tigi Molea, Fredrick Dola, Jimmy Raramane, Tome Davidson, Harrison Mala, Atana Fa’arodo, Joes Panga, Alex Waimora, Bony Pride, Dunstan Quanafia, Tutizama Tanito, Atkin Kaua, George Ladoga, Fred Bala, Simon Daoi, John Misitana, Nathaniela Bero. – Solomon Star