NUAFC 1968-2018

2006
Greens sign up Solomons star
Waikato Times, Saturday 8th July 2006. By Bruce Holloway
Ngaruawahia United have given huge
impetus to their promotion charge in northern
league second division soccer by signing a top
Solomon Islands international.
Stanley Waita, a Solomons' international
with more than 30 caps, hinted at his pedigree
when he fronted up to his first Ngaruawahia
training session wearing Brett Emerton's Socceroo
shirt. The shirt was a memento of his part in the
Solomon's almost upsetting Australia –- they missed
a penalty in losing 2-1 –- in a World Cup qualifier in
Honiara.
And if there were any doubts about the 26
-year-old's class, they were quickly dispelled when
he scored two goals on debut for the Green
Machine last week before being subbed off.
Waita will again be the star attraction
when Ngaruawahia host Otahuhu United at
Centennial Park on Saturday.
Waita's wife, Shalom, is studying for her
masters degree in education at Waikato University.
It means Waita will be based in Hamilton for two
years, making him a likely candidate for Waikato FC
in next summer's national league –- once he fully
adapts.
"In the Solomons we love too much to
keep the ball on the ground and are not at all
physical," Waita said. "Here it is very
physical."
Ngaruawahia forged strong bonds
with the Solomons with their collection of old
football gear for the Marist Football Club to
take back to Honiara after the Oceania Club
Championships earlier this year.
Ngaruawahia's old first team strip is
now being worn by the Solomon Islands
Police team.
Ngaruawahia coach Gordon Glen
Watson said it was a huge coup for the club to
secure a player of Waita's stature. "It is a
huge privilege," he said. "Not many New
Zealand clubs have an international of his
standing on their books.
"Stanley is skilful and deceptively
quick. But he has also had an impact in that
the players around him have lifted. Gerard
Pambuai looks a different player."
Support from Rentokil Initial and
Lotto Sports made Ngaruawahia hope to sign
more Solomons players and expect that at
some stage home-grown players will go to the
Solomons to play.
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