VIBA FA hosts 11-a-side tournament, promoting unity
By Lachlan Eddie
The Viru and Bareho Football Association (VIBA FA) is set to host an 11-a-side soccer tournament from 2nd July to 7th July at the Bekebeka Community High School’s soccer field in Marovo, Western Province.
This is the first time for VIBA to host a 11 aside football tournament in upper Marovo region-Gatokae Island.
VIBA Secretary, Pellington Senky confirmed this exciting football event to SIBC Sport in an exclusive interview.
“We expect all teams to arrive today, and tomorrow afternoon the tournament should kick off,” he said.
Participating teams from Marovo and New Georgia Islands are required to pay $1,500 as registration fees.
The prize structure for the tournament is as follows:
- 1st prize: $15,000
- 2nd prize: $10,000
- 3rd prize: $6,000
- 4th prize: $4,000
The tournament will be played in pools format, with knockout rounds following the pool games.
Aerial view of Bekabeka CHS.
Senky emphasized that this tournament is not for fundraising purposes, but rather to promote the 11-a-side soccer code, unite Marovo and New Georgia communities, and bring together young people to enjoy sport.
Anti-social behavior in Marovo and New Georgia has been a growing concern, and VIBA is promoting sport as a way to address these issues among young people—a major campaign the association has been pursuing since its registration in 2024.
The association is named after two villages in South New Georgia: Viru and Bareho.
The association was formed by people from Viru and Bareho who live, study, and work in Honiara.
This tournament demonstrates VIBA’s commitment to improving unity, progress and sport development for Marovo and New Georgia people.
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