Prime Minister Acknowledges Football Partnership Between SIFF and Wynnum Wolves FC
The Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele, MP, has acknowledged the partnership forged between the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) and the Brisbane-based Wynnum Wolves Football Club.
Prime Minister Manele expressed his appreciation during a courtesy call by Wynnum Wolves FC President Rabieh Krayem and Chris Acaster. They were accompanied by SIFF President Donald Marahare and SIFF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Leonard Paia.
In what is described as a major boost for Solomon Islands football, the partnership between SIFF and Wynnum Wolves FC will see the establishment of the country’s first professional football club ahead of the newly introduced Oceania Football Confederation Pro League (OFC PL).
Under this landmark partnership, SIFF will form a team to compete in the OFC Pro League, to be named Solomon King FC.
Solomon King FC will be the nation’s first professional football club, comprising 18 local players and six international recruits. The team will be based in both Honiara and Brisbane, Australia, and will play matches across six different venues within the Pacific region.
Players will also have potential pathways to the German Bundesliga through Wynnum Wolves FC’s relationship with Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
Prime Minister Manele expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that he had previously raised a similar cooperation initiative with Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, in their last meeting.
The Prime Minister emphasized that one of the pillars of the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) is unity, and the government recognizes sport as a powerful unifying force.
He further stated that, beyond engaging youth, this cooperation would promote the health and well-being of young people in the Solomon Islands.
PM Manele affirmed the government’s strong interest in seeing this partnership flourish, calling it “a true reflection of transformation”—another core pillar of GNUT.
He also highlighted that this football cooperation will further strengthen the warm and enduring relationship between the Solomon Islands and Australia. The Prime Minister gave his assurance that the partnership will be raised at the government-to-government level between the two countries.
The Wynnum Wolves FC–SIFF partnership will also focus on investing in grassroots football development, particularly for children aged 10 to 16 years, and will place strong emphasis on coach education.
The long-term vision of this cooperation is to see the Solomon Islands one day participate in the FIFA Club World Cup and the FIFA World Cup.
The National Sports Council (NSC) is also identified as an important stakeholder in the partnership.
SOURCE : PMO PRESS SECRETARIAT
