By Ronald Toito’ona

The Solomon Islands Bilikiki duo, Allen Farobo and Max Fa’ari may be teammates, but they are cousin brothers – born to two biological brothers.

Growing up on Kwai Island in East Malaita, they were raised in a family that loved football. They also embraced the island’s fishing traditions, as they were also skillful divers and fishermen, back in the village.

Their passion for beach soccer started on the island’s beautiful white sandy pitch, where they played for the Kwikwi Beach Soccer Club before earning a spot on the national team.

In an exclusive interview with In-depth Solomons, both players shared how their upbringing helped shape their journey. 

“We usually spent our days and nights, diving or fishing with our fathers. But we always spare the afternoons to be on the sand playing beach soccer, except on Sundays,” Allen remembers with a smile. 

“It was a simple life, but it made us the players we are today,” he added.

For Max, beach soccer was more than just a game; it was a way of life. 

“Fishing taught us patience and hard work,” he said. 

“Beach soccer was our way to challenge ourselves, both physically and mentally. Growing up on Kwai Island meant that fishing and Beach Soccer were part of our lives together.”

They said the skills they learned from fishing helped them excel in beach soccer. Allen, who plays as a defender, believes their background has influenced how he plays. 

“Fishing taught us to work together and understand the tides. On the pitch, we rely on our teammates and grasp how the game flows. Both activities require strategy, trust, and teamwork,” he explained.

As they prepare to face the reigning OFC Beach Soccer Champions, Tahiti Tiki Toa, Allen and Max are proud to represent the Solomon Islands together. 

“It’s a dream come true,” Max says. 

“Playing with my cousin Allen, who I grew up with, makes it even more special. Just like we always did, whenever we go on the pitch, we play for our family, our village, and our country.”

Kwikwi Beach Soccer is originally a Kwai Island-based Beach Soccer Club, founded in 2010 by local Beach Soccer talents from the island community, of Solomon Islands most populous province.

The club’s players are recognized for their agility, strength, and teamwork, skills they developed from childhood while playing on the sand. Kwikwi has grown from informal gatherings to structured training sessions, developing players who are now celebrated in the Solomon Islands’ national Beach Soccer team, the Bilikiki.

The club’s first appearance in the national beach soccer competition was during the 2016 Solomon Games beach soccer competition, where they snatched the Gold medal representing Malaita province.

With star players like Allen Farobo, Max Fa’ari, Albert Bobby, Roy Mafane, and Thompson Peter coming from Kwikwi joining Bilikiki, the club is now known for turning local talents into national stars.