Solomon Warriors' preparation for the OFC Champions League football competition has been upended following the sudden departure of head coach Henry Fa'arodo, days out from their opening group match in Noumea.
The Warriors defended their Telekom S-League title in Fa'arodo's first season at the helm but the former Solomon Islands captain, 37, announced two weeks ago he was departing the Honiara club after signing a playing contract with Hamilton Wanderers in the New Zealand national league.
The former Solomon Warriors coach Moses Toata, who is now the technical director for Solomon Islands Football Federation, said Fa'arodo was still working with the Reds until the end of last week but had since left for New Zealand, where he would also continue to pursue his coaching badges.
"I believe he should have given enough time so the club can look for a replacement or a substitute," said Toata, who has joined the team as a technical advisor for their Champions League campaign.
"We heard that he was leaving but I actually pressured him to stay with the team because it's good for his profile so I really wanted him to stay with the team and it would be nice if he left for New Zealand at the end of the OFC Champions League competition but he decided otherwise."
Henry Fa'arodo playing for Wellington Olympic in 2019. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Toata said Fa'arodo's departure was disappointing and had caused unnecessary disruption to their preparations.
"I believe it's going to impact the team in a very big way because losing your head coach is not an easy thing," he said. "And I told the boys that I've only came here to assist the guys and don't expect any miracles to happen - it's up to them if they want to win."
"I think if there's anyone who will do the best job with the team I might be the one because of my time with them, my experience with them, and I have known the boys for quite a while since 2012."
Moses Toata has joined his former club as a technical advisor. Photo: OFC via Phototek
The 2018 Champions League quarter finalists open their 2020 campaign against Tiare Tahiti on Sunday before taking on Cook Islands champions Tupapa Maraerenga and last season's beaten finalists AS Magenta, who are hosting Group C in Noumea.
Despite the recent disruptions, Toata, who will assist new head coach Selson Molea, remained confident Solomon Warriors could contend for a spot in the knockout rounds.
"I believe they can do it because they are a good team," he said.
"They have a good combination but the only thing I'm quite critical about at this moment is the striking force. We have Tony Kaltack who left for Vanuatu and he only joined us [Tuesday] to go to New Caledonia."