Solomon Islands footballers are turning heads in the Fiji Extra Premier League (EPL), as they continue to dominate the Golden Boot standings mid-way through the 2025 season.
As of June 18, Suva FC striker Gagame Feni and Rewa FC’s forward John Orobulu are jointly leading the race with eight goals each from ten rounds of competitive play.
Feni, known for his clinical finishing and sharp movements in the box has become a reliable goal machine for his Fijian club.
He was a former regular for the Solomon Islands national team, renowned for stepping up in high-stakes matches and delivering when it mattered most.
Despite not scoring a goal in their 1-0 defeat to Navua last Saturday, Feni remains top of the golden boot race.
Rewa FC’s poster boy, Orobulu who shares the top spot alongside Feni, is a lethal striker, who excels in aerial duels and unleashes strong shots from tight angles.
His breakout season in Fiji has captured attention.
Orobulu was a product of the Honiara’s Umi Cup Tournament 2021. His prolific scoring in the competition helped boost his reputation early in his career, while playing for FC Kwara’ae.
His performance in the Umi Cup laid the groundwork for later success in domestic leagues, when he joined Southern United FC in the Telekom S-League the following year.
Orobulu’s hat-trick against Tavua FC last Saturday, was his first for Rewa FC, as the reigning champions secured an important victory.
His three goals helped Rewa maintain strong momentum and stay on course in their campaign.
This stellar performance is one of the highlights of Orobulu’s key role in Rewa’s attack and his growing influence in Fiji’s Extra Premier League.
Behind the top two, is another Solomon Islander, Jimson Abana of Labasa FC.
Abana remains in strong contention with seven goals, sharing the third place with Fiji’s France Catarogo (Ba FC), Rusiate Doidoi (Labasa FC), and Rusiate Matarerega (Nadi FC).
His latest goal was scored last Saturday, in Labasa’s 6-0 thrashing of Nasinu.
A versatile attacking midfielder who also plays forward, Abana combines creativity with goal-scoring instinct. His ability to read the game and deliver consistent performances has made him a standout player.
He once played for the Solomon Islands National Under-19 squad and most recently, a member of the development squad that competed in last year’s Prime Ministers Cup 2024 in Honiara.
Meanwhile, Navua’s Ali Mekawir—also from the Solomon Islands—has added five goals to his name.
Agile and unpredictable, Mekawir is known for his pace and flair.
Having previously played football in England, Australia, and Dubai, his international experience adds depth to his play, making him a dangerous weapon in Navua’s attack and a player to watch as the season progresses.
The Fiji EPL has entered a two-week mid-season break, to provide the teams a crucial opportunity to recover, reassess tactics, and prepare for the second half of the campaign.
The league is set to resume on July 5, 2025.
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