By Ronald Toito’ona
Meet Bobby Albert, a standout player for the Solomon Islands Bilikiki since joining the national beach soccer team in 2023. Known for his rock-solid defense and powerful long-range shots, Bobby has quickly become a key asset for the team.
At the recent OFC Beach Soccer Nations Cup 2024, which concluded in Honiara last Saturday, Bobby and his Bilikiki teammates achieved a second-place finish, coming in just behind Oceania champions Tahiti.
The Tiki Toa secured the championship in a thrilling, closely contested final, edging out the Bilikiki with a 3-2 win.
Looking back, Bobby told In-depth Solomons that his journey in the sport is deeply rooted on Kwai Island in East Malaita, where his family’s legacy has inspired him to follow in their footsteps and bring pride to his community.
His father, Albert Peter, is the coach of Kwikwi Beach Soccer Club, where Bobby was groomed as a player from childhood. For the people on Kwai Island, Beach Soccer is the only football code played on the island. It is more than a sport; it’s a part of life.
Under the watchful guidance of his father and the support of the Kwikwi Beach Soccer Club, he has flourished as a player, ultimately earning a spot on the Bilikiki team.
“My dad is my role model. He didn’t just teach me techniques; He showed me how to respect the game, my team, and the honor of playing for our village, province, and country.”
Family has always been a big part of Bobby’s journey in beach soccer. His uncles have long been influential figures in the sport, inspiring him to pursue his dreams.
Roy Mafane — his father’s cousin and a former Kwikwi captain —was also one of his early mentors. Though Roy now lives and works in Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme and isn’t physically around, his impact on Bobby remains strong.
Bobby says, “Uncle Roy taught me what it means to be a leader. I think of him when I play, especially during tough times.”
Another influential figure in Bobby’s life is his father’s younger brother, Thompson Peter, a former Bilikiki player who was left off the final squad for this tournament. Although Thompson isn’t playing with him now, Bobby feels his uncle’s lessons every time he’s on the field.
“It would’ve been great to play with him,” he says, “but his advice and guidance are always with me.”
Bobby’s path from Kwai Island to the national team has taken a lot of work and pride in his roots.
For the 22-year-old, playing for the Bilikiki means more than personal success; it’s a chance to show what Kwikwi Beach Soccer Club has contributed to the game in Solomon Islands.