Deputy Prime Minister Kologeto Joins Fans for PacificAus Sports Football Kick-Off at National Stadium

Honiara, Solomon Islands, Wednesday 21 January 2026 – Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Frederick Kologeto attended the opening match of the PacificAus Sports Football Tour 2026 at the National Stadium yesterday evening, representing Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele, who had other urgent engagements. The fixture featured the Solomon Islands Men’s U-19 team against the Australian U-17 national team, the CommBank Joeys.

Before kick-off, Deputy Prime Minister Kologeto was welcomed by Australian High Commissioner H.E. Jeff Roach, SIFF President Donald Marahare, and Football Australia representative Tom Engelhardt.

The event highlighted the strong “nambawan” partnership between the Solomon Islands and Australia. Sporting exchanges like this play a vital role in youth development, human resource growth, and fostering regional unity. The CommBank Joeys’ visit, supported by the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program, strengthens high-performance pathways for local athletes while reinforcing the enduring people-to-people ties between the two nations.

On the field, the young Solomon Islands players showcased their talent and determination, providing an exciting contest against a highly skilled Australian side. The match concluded with a 5-2 victory for the CommBank Joeys, while the Solomon Islands U-19s scored two impressive goals. Despite the result, the experience gained by the home team is a valuable step in preparing for the 2026 OFC Under-19 Championship.

The two teams will meet again for the second and final match on Saturday, 24 January, at 4:00 PM at the National Stadium.

With both teams before the game begins

DPM and the Australian High Commissioner with the signed jerseys

Wishing the players well in their game

DPM and the Australian High Commissioner watching the game

[ENDS]