By Ronald Toito’ona
Solomon Islands ‘Bilikiki’ forward Max Fa’ari has dedicated his lone goal in their 9-10 defeat to Tahiti ‘Tiki Toa’ yesterday, to his late father who passed on three weeks ago, at their home village of Kwai Island, Malaita Province.
Fa’ari’s father passed away, while the team was in camp preparing for the OFC Beach Soccer Nation’s Cup 2024, which is currently underway in the Solomon Islands capital, Honiara.
He took time away from the team’s camp to return to his village and mourn with his family after his father’s passing. He rejoined the Bilikiki squad a week later, ahead of the OFC Beach Soccer Nation’s Cup 2024.
Fa’ari scored Bilikiki’s eighth goal to make it 8-6, putting his side two goals ahead of the reigning OFC Beach Soccer champions.
The 30-year- old told In-depth Solomons that the huge emotional weight of his father’s loss did not disturb his focus or concentration for the tournament, but a motivation to do well in this tournament.
“Scoring that one goal was for my dad,” an emotional Fa’ari stated, after the match.
“He always believed in me, and I wanted to make him proud,” he added.
When it comes to football, Fa’ari’s family has a long history.
His late father, Patrick Iro Funusui, was a star footballer in the 1970s-1980s period, having played as a left-winger for a football team in Solomon Islands old capital, Tulagi.
This was during his time working for the famous Solomon Taiyo Limited, when it was still based in the old capital.
Fa’ari’s uncle, Clyde Fataga Funusui, a former public servant, was also one of the top defenders of Honiara’s Rangers Football Club in the 1980s.
His current Bilikiki teammate, Allen Farobo, is his first cousin – both are sons of two biological brothers.
Speaking to In-depth Solomons after the match yesterday, their uncle, David Foufaka was a proud man.
He expressed pride in his nephews, particularly Fa’ari.
“I’m extremely proud of Fa’ari and Farobo. Fa’a’ri’s goal was truly a special moment for our family. We’ve always been a football family, and to see him honoring his father in such a big match is truly heartwarming,” said Foufaka.
Looking ahead, Fa’ari is focused on helping his team for the rest of the tournament and promises to keep honoring his father’s memory in every game.
“We still have work to do, and my dad will always be in my thoughts,” Fa’ari said.
The Bilikiki will face OFC Beach Soccer debutants Papua New Guinea (PNG) this afternoon at the SIFF Academy in Honiara.