Office ransacked, U19s attacked The Solomon Islands national Under-19 team, Mamulas, were victims of an attack by a riotous mob as they forced their way to ransack the headquarters of the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) last Friday night. The Mamulas were on the final night of their local camp before their departure on Saturday at the Allan Boso Complex when the attack occurred. Following earlier disturbances and the torching of a nearby shop a mob gathered in front of the Allan Boso Complex gate before breaking their way in at around 9:00pm. Members of the Mamulas confronted the mob and pleaded with them but rocks were thrown at them and at the dormitory block they were housed in forcing them to evacuate the premises. Fortunately, SIFF officials had established an evacuation plan for the players and they safely made their way to a secondary location where they camped for the night. Some players had to scale the security fence as they fled to safety. The mob then proceeded to the administration office where they broke open the main door before looting the balls, uniforms and other equipment from the office. Also taken during the night was equipment prepared for the Mamulas including shoes, travel bags, medical supplies, soccer boots and promotional wear donated by local companies. After recovering from the initial shock of the attack on them some of the Mamulas returned to chase away the looters and rescued some of their equipment. The players also managed to recover some computers that members of the mob trying to escape with. However, the majority of the team’s equipment was lost. Shocking attack The SIFF management has described the attack on the office complex and the team as shocking and something one could never wish on an enemy. SIFF chief executive officer, Neil Poloso, says attacking the SIFF office is one thing but attacking members of a national team especially a youth team is a worrying sign for him. “Football is the heart of this country and to witness this attack on our office is very disturbing. It is shocking that our national representative were treated without any shred of respect at all – they are our stars and leaders of tomorrow,” Poloso says. “I can only hope that the people who perpetrated this can realise that gravity of their actions. These boys were helpless in the dormitory when they were threatened with knives and pelted with rocks and they were truly scared for their lives – it was a very sad moment for me indeed.” Not first time This is the second attack on SIFF properties this year following the attempted burning of the incomplete administration building at the Allan Boso Complex in February during a show hosted at the Solomon Islands National University grounds adjacent to SIFF’s buildings. Four years ago the SIFF administration building at Lawson Tama stadium was burnt to the ground following a disputed match result. This SIFF is estimating the loss of the recent attacks to be somewhere between SBD$100 000 - $500 000.
Posted on: Wed, 21 May 2014 13:12:28 +0000
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