Totori heads to America but may yet be back for FIFA Club World Cup

Commins Menapi and Benjamin Totori might be excused for having mixed emotions after playing pivotal roles in Waitakere United’s O-League victory this season, a victory that did after all come at the expense of their countrymen from the Solomon Islands.

But neither did, both expressing their loyalty and commitment in red and white statements in the final and indeed throughout their successful campaign.

The younger of the two Solomon Islands strikers, Totori described what it was like to play Kossa in the final.

“I found it easy to play against Kossa, for me there was no mixed emotion, I like to beat them as well as all my team mates did. People must understand that my home village is ten minutes from Kossa so there is already strong rivalry.

“It is called ‘Fishing Village’ as it is close to the sea and is home to all the fishermen. When we played the first leg in Kossa, our village all wore red and white and supported Waitakere! Also my team mates and friends at my club (Uncles FC) supported us against Kossa, it was very emotional.”

Totori was quickly on the phone to family and friends back home after the 5-0 win on Sunday, in which he scored the first goal.

“I have spoken to mum and dad on the phone; they were happy and jumped for joy when we won. Everyone at home and in the village ran to the road and screamed with joy. The game was live on TV back home, this was a special thing to have such a game live and when we won the people from my village all jumped in trucks and drove around screaming and shouting.”

Totori heads away next week for a professional contract with Portland Timbers in the United States. While a step down from the MLS (Portland play in the USL1), it is a step up for Totori and one he hopes can open further doors to a longer term deal.

“My dream is to play full time professionally. This is a step towards that and maybe will be a long term move for me. I must take my time though; I am 22 and have a long way to go.”

The good news for Waitakere is that Totori will return to join his team mates on their second Japanese odyssey, provided of course he does not pick up a longer term contact in the meantime.

Club Chairman Rex Dawkins has brokered the deal and admits to mixed emotions about Totori heading away.

“We feel so proud and happy for Benji that he has secured this opportunity and we are glad to play a part in setting it up. However, we hope also that he can return and help us in Japan in December. All things being equal he will return to us at the end of the American season in October and prepare with the rest of the squad.

”But football is a game of opportunities and should the right one come along in the meantime, we as a club will not stand in his way. We have both made a commitment to each other for Japan, but we will see what develops in the meantime.”

Regardless of the part he plays, Totori is sure that the side can improve on last year’s efforts when losing 3-1 against Iranian champions Sepahan.

“We can do better this time, I think if we go this time we can do better. It is also a chance for me and other players to do well and attract attention from some big clubs, maybe in Europe, maybe in America, even Asia.

“For me if any opportunity to move and improve my career and my life comes along, I will take it. People must understand how important this is for my country and my family. I will be the first Solomon Islander to play outside of New Zealand or Australia, this is a big opportunity.”

Family plays a big part for Totori, he usually heads home immediately the season in New Zealand is finished to visit mum Rose and Dad Joshua and sisters Jeannette and Marisa.

But not this time, this time the quietly spoken lightning heeled 22 year old will board a plane for America to chase his professional football dream.

for further information visit www.waitakereunited.co.nz