Solomon Islands footballers shine in South Australia’s NPL and State League One during round five matches.
By Ethan Habru in Adelaide
Round five of the South Australia Football National Premier League (NPL) and State League One kicked off yesterday, with five Solomon Islands footballers set to feature for their respective clubs in Adelaide over the weekend. These leagues are key levels of competition in South Australia, providing an important platform for local talent and international players to showcase their skills. The NPL is the top tier of football in South Australia, while State League One offers a competitive second division.
The action began with national defender Javin Wae and his Campbelltown City team facing Adelaide Comets at 7:30pm (Adelaide time) in the SA NPL. Wae, who had been sidelined due to a slight injury, returned to the line-up after missing last weekend’s Hahn Australia and Federation Cup. The match was crucial for Campbelltown City, who are currently ninth on the SA NPL ladder and looking to climb higher, while Adelaide Comets, with nine points, sat in second place.
In the State League One, Micah Lea’alafa of Adelaide Vipers faced South Adelaide on Saturday, April 5th, at 2pm local time. Vipers, with four points, were looking to build momentum after a tough start to the season. Their opponents, South Adelaide, were struggling at the bottom of the table in 12th place, with only one point from their first four matches. This match was seen as a must-win for both sides to stay competitive in the league.
Meanwhile, Junior David and Croydon FC were set to face Para Hills Knights in another SA NPL clash on Saturday, April 5th, at 3pm local time. Croydon FC, with just three points, have been inconsistent this season and were looking to bounce back after their victory in the 2025 Hahn Australia and Federation Cup round four knockouts. Their opponents, Para Hills Knights, were in solid form, sitting in fifth place with seven points, making this a tough test for Croydon FC.
Defender William Komasi’s Adelaide Cobras were also in action on Saturday, April 5th, at 4pm local time against Sturt Lions at Karinya Reserve. The Lions were in excellent form, leading the SA State League One table with 12 points from four straight wins. The Cobras, with one win, one draw, and two losses, were hoping to pull off an upset and improve their position in the table.
Finally, on Sunday, April 6th, Rovu Boyers and West Adelaide, also known as Hellas, faced Salisbury United at 3pm local time. West Adelaide, sitting in third place with seven points, had been showing promising form but would face a tough challenge against Salisbury United, who were in seventh place with six points. Both teams were looking to secure valuable points to improve their standings.
Wae, Lea’alafa, David, Komasi, and Boyers have been playing in the South Australia Football League NPL and State League One since their arrival in Australia in January 2025, and their performances are drawing attention as they continue to represent Solomon Islands football on the international stage.
