Rijsbergen eyes hot prospect Leai
Rafael Leai in action against New Zealand. Photo: OFC.
Solomon Islands national team coach, Wim Rijsbergen has indicated his interest of calling up Raphael Le’ai into the national team for the Netherlands camp this month.
The Dutchman had a brief stay in the country to select his 23 travelling squad before leaving on Tuesday back to the Netherlands.
Based on what he saw, there is a lack of good central strikers in the country apart from veteran Benjamin Totori.
Therefore, Mr Rijsbergen is keen to call up the Solomon Islands wonder-kid into the fold.
Le’ai has continued his stunning form for the National U-17 team in the recent UEFA International Development tournament where he finished as the top scorer.
Meanwhile, the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) is requesting the young lad’s release from his college and Wellington Phoenix academy to see if he is available for the Netherlands training camp.
The national side is scheduled to depart for Netherlands Monday next week as part of their preparation for the South Pacific Games in July.