Bilikiki boys head for France
Sunday, 6 July 2008
It’s Independence weekend here in Solomon Islands and things are building up to a big climax tomorrow, with parades, performances and celebrations at King George grounds. So naturally, everyone’s relaxed and chilled out.
But right now, there’s a group of intense, focused Solomon Islanders on a plane heading for Marseilles, France. They’re the Solomon Islands national beach soccer team - the Bilikikis. And for the third year in a row, they’re carrying the hopes of a nation and Oceania at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup which kicks off in over a week’s time.
When this energetic and youthful team first made it to the World Cup, all of Oceania celebrated. And I still remember trying to get hold of a then obscure anthem known as the Bilikiki song to play on our program, just so we could be part of the magic. Calling the team at odd hours of the day to get them In the Loop was another story. Two years on, I just had to catch them, before they left for France.
This meant racing out to the Red Beach soccer “ground” barely after arriving from Port Moresby. And was it worth it!
I come from a die-hard soccer family and have always refused to be part of the family business. But to see these guys so intensely focused on training made me bristle with goose bumps. And I can’t explain why.
It felt like every shot, every header and every kick on Red Beach, took the team another step closer to their dream. They so know they can do it. And why wouldn’t they? In their first ever World Cup in 2006, they upset African champions Cameroons and catapulted onto the FIFA radar, elevating the hopes not just of Oceania but of other little known nations as well.
When I asked Captain Gideon Omokirio how he felt playing in front of World Cup beach soccer crowds, there were none of the usual “I was excited” and “thrilled” answers. He simply replied, “Strange, because no one knew where Solomon Islands is”.
That summed up a lot. The team is very focused and ambitious. But the boys seem not to indulge in the trappings of stardom. And one of the reasons is they truly carry a certain responsibility. Not just to put Oceania and Solomon Islands on the map, but also to show others that there is a flip side to this Pacific nation - one where there is achievement and pride, independent of outside help. They’re so modest about it, you do wonder if it will always remain their BIG secret. Well, not if our team has anything to do with them!
Your Comments
Adilah Dolaiano-Honiara , July 14th 2008
After filming you boys for the last
month until your departure for France,i can still feel my presence
among you guys,Lift up the green,blue,yellow and five stars
and let them all shine in Paris,let them know what a coconut frond can do
Uma Darcy - Adelaide , July 17th 2008
Great story Clement!
The Bilikiki boys do us proud!!
I miss Honiara and would have been right in the midst of celebrations if I were home. I eagerly look forward to hearing news from France.
GO SOLO GO!WIN!
Dorothy Wickham, Honiara July 22 2008 , July 22nd 2008
For the many years I have known Clement, he has the magic of telling a story that reveals the reality of place, people and country but also the hope and aspirations. You summed it up well my dear friend…I hope you still have the gifts for mum, dad and the boys in the bag or you will be in serious trouble….Guess what Clement they won one game in France…ahh! Dreams are great things!!
Stewart Abdul Yareki-Port Moresby , July 7th 2008
For every one lo solo, mifala lo PNG tok ever hepi journey for ota Bilikiki Boys.
Yufala garem every thing gud for solo and pacific witim yufala.
Hepi Beach Soccer na HEPI 30 year celebration lo every wantok solo stay lo every were lo world.
You made it this far and you deserve all the happiness, fun and laughter.
May all the good blessing be wtyh you all.
FOR WAD YA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!