Two long-time beach soccer rivals from East Malaita — Eastern Kings and Island Brothers Beach Soccer Club — will clash this Saturday in the grand final of the SIFF Super Beach Soccer Challenge at 4pm at the SIFF Beach Soccer Pitch.
The matchup revives a familiar rivalry between the East Kwaio and East Kwara’ae powerhouses, who have met repeatedly in regional competitions over recent years.
Eastern Kings, from Canaan Village in East Kwaio, secured their grand-final slot after edging out Honiara-based Kossa Beach Soccer Club 4–1 on penalties in Wednesday’s first semifinal. Both sides were tied 3–3 after full-time and extra time.
Coach Oliver Mauala praised his side’s resilience, especially after several injuries and facing a more experienced Kossa outfit.
“I congratulate my boys for this victory,” Mauala said.
“Some of our players were injured, and Kossa had the experience — both their players and coaching staff. But we thank God for the win.”
Mauala said reaching the final as one of the three provincial-based teams shows the strength of beach soccer in their communities.
“Playing beach soccer back home and the fitness level of the boys really pushed us to reach the grand final,” he said.
“This is a big impact for the players at home. It shows them they can rise in this game.”
He expects a tough final against their East Malaita rivals.
“The final will be even tougher and stronger,” Mauala added.
Island Brothers — formerly Kwikwi Beach Soccer Club of Kwai Island — booked their place in the final after defeating MOI Beach Soccer 5–1 in the second semifinal.
MOI had beaten Island Brothers 2–1 in their opening pool match, a result coach Abraham Misitomu said pushed his team to regroup.
“Our loss to MOI challenged the boys,” Misitomu said.
“We took it one game at a time, rebuilt our confidence, and managed to beat them to secure a grand-final spot.”
He said Wednesday’s result felt like payback.
“The boys were determined — that victory was revenge,” he said.
“MOI is a good side, but the boys settled down well.”
With national Bilikiki players included in his squad, Misitomu believes his side is ready, but not underestimating Eastern Kings.
“Eastern Kings have shown what they can do, and the grand final won’t be easy,” he said.
“They’re a good team. But with the boys’ determination and the experience we have, we’re confident — we just need to be ready and fit for the final.”
This Saturday’s showdown now sets the stage for an East Malaita battle for the SIFF Super Championship title.