Energised. That was the word used by Brisbane Roar Men’s Head Coach, Michael Valkanis in the closing stages of his speech at Wednesday night’s Welcome Dinner after the team landed in the Solomon Islands for their pre-season tour.
The trip will see the team take part in the PacificAus Sports Challenge, comprising of two fixtures against both the Solomon Islands’ U23 and senior national teams at the National Stadium in Honiara.
After landing in sweltering, yet custom Solomon Islands conditions on Wednesday afternoon, energy is something the squad will need in spades. From the moment they set foot on the ground however, that standard was set from Michael Valkanis, his coaching staff and the team themselves.
Energy in how they interact with excited locals. Energy on the training pitch. Energy when immersed amongst local communities. And energy when they face off in their two matches, the second of which set to be played in front of a sell out crowd.
As a football club, Brisbane Roar is proud and privileged to be called upon to take part in such event. The enormity of the trip was felt instantly at Honiara International as the team received a rousing reception from locals and media, keen to catch a glimpse of the professional outfit.
Preparation for Saturday’s main fixture has now begun for Michael Valkanis’ men, who as of Thursday night have already completed two training sessions and a 60 minute match against the U23’s team, which ended in a 1-0 win for a Roar side comprising of a number young squad members.
Prior to Saturday’s historic fixture, the team will also be immersed amongst the football mad community, where they will deliver skills sessions and motivational talks, with the hope of inspiring a nation who well and truly breathes football.
On Saturday, their opponents from the senior national team are set to be another stern test for the Roar. A premier national team from the Pacific region, Solomon Islands will no doubt be aiming to put their best foot forward as part of their preparations for next month’s Prime Minister’s Invitational Cup, set for Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
Speaking on the trip so far, club captain Jay O’Shea said, “It’s perfect preparation, if I’m honest.”
“It’s not often you get the opportunity to be part of an event like this, in a country that is obsessed with football.”
“The conditions are tough but the facilities are world class. You can tell they take their football very seriously. We can’t wait for the days ahead, the match in front of what will be an incredible atmosphere and just continuing to ready ourselves for round 1.”
There are few better experiences so close to home that will help the boys prepare for the upcoming season, so that ‘energy’ mentioned by Valkanis will be crucial come Saturday.
Brisbane Roar would once again like to thank the Solomon Islands Football Federation, Australian Government and all those who have helped in bringing the Brisbane Roar to the Solomons for the PacificAus Sports Challenge and look forward to a number of special days ahead.
