The national Futsal side, the Kurukuru, are emphasising defence as they prepare for September’s FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil.

Coach Victor Waiia is continuing intensive training at Honiara’s Multipurpose Hall.
 
Waiia said: "Over the past weeks and days, I have been working harder with the boys in strengthening their defence strategy.

"During the qualifiers in Fiji, we conceded many goals. But luckily we were also good at scoring many goals which after all resulted in getting the win."

He said team spirit is good. "All the boys are pooled together everyday at Lawson Tama and it's only during their school hours that they were absent."

Twenty teams have qualified for the Futsal (indoor soccer) World Cup 30 September to 19 October in the host cities of Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia. The Kurukuru have been drawn in group A with Brazil, Russia, Japan, and Cuba.

Midfielder Jenan Kapu said they want to compete and not just participate. Goalkeeper Stanley Puairana said they represent not only Solomon Islands but also Oceania.