Transcript
The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, pledged to build a proper facility for futsal development last year, as part of the country's preparations to host the Pacific Games in 2023.
The Solomon Islands Football Federation signed a contract in October with the government and FIFA to build the stadium in Honiara.
But the former national coach, Juliano Schmeling, who led the Kurukuru to the 2016 World Cup, says nothing has yet got off the ground.
"There's a lot of things that happened after the World Cup (last year). There was a lot of talking about that because Solomon Islands went to three World Cups already and (there was) not any futsal court there so alot of talking around (the issue) but concrete (progress), nothing has happened. We don't know when it's going to happen, these facilities - everyone hopes it will be soon."
The Acting CEO of the Solomon Islands Football Federation, Joseph Boso, says further consultation with FIFA led to the delays.
"There are lots of legal hurdles to jump over and at this stage we are working with FIFA legal department to get contracts out and get work started on the ground. Hopefully that could happen sooner rather than later before the end of the year...so we can have a futsal court for the national team to use in the future."
Joseph Boso says the Solomon Islands government is still working towards putting together funding for the project and "good things come to those who wait".
Oceania Football's Futsal Development Officer, Paul Toohey, says it's now up to the relevant parties to agree on a design and get it done.
"For sure it's a priority for them. I think the team's done really well under difficult circumstances...there's still some leagues carrying at the multi-purpose hall - there was a really good competition over the easter break - but getting that court built is a high priority. Meanwhile they continue to train in outdoor on concrete pads and that kind of thing...it's frustrating that it's taking so long but I think in the end it will get done and hopefully we will see it this year."
Paul Toohey says competition is the key to success in all forms of football and hopefully the Kurukuru can kick on to even greater success once they have the facilities to match their talent.
