Solomon Islands’ former Hekari player wishes former club all the best ahead of OFC Men’s Champions League grand final match

By Alfred Pagepitu

Solomon Islands’ former Hekari flanker, Benjamin Mela, wishes his former club the best of luck ahead of tomorrow’s grand final clash of the OFC Men’s Champions League against Auckland City FC at the National stadium in Honiara. 

Mela told SIBC’s Tok Sport that this is a historical moment for the club, reaching the grand final showdown after 15 years.

He said it has been almost 15 years since Hekari reached the grand final, back in 2010 when they faced Waitakere FC.

“Since 2007, my time with the club has been great, learning new experiences, facing challenges, and I am happy with the boys’ performance so far as they have reached this far.”

“Although this is not the final game yet, I would like to wish the team all the best against Auckland City FC of New Zealand,” Mela said.

He believed the boys will have the fighting spirit they had in the past, with the head coach leading them to the best result tomorrow and wishing them luck against the long-time title holder.

After a 15-year wait, the team has managed to secure their spot alongside New Zealand’s Auckland City FC.

 It marks their return to the final for the first time since winning the competition in 2010, with head coach Jerry Allen being the only survivor from their title-winning run 15 years ago.

 Benjamin, a Solomon Islander from Gizo, is one of the players who made history with the club back in 2010. 

Meanwhile, Auckland City FC was the first to book their spot in the final after a 2-0 victory over Ifira Black Bird FC, marking the first semi-final of the day.

 The grand final match is set for 6pm.

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