Sad news for micronation enjoyers everywhere - after returning home from Bosnia due to homesickness, it’s confirmed that Raphael Lea’i has rejoined Henderson Eels for the upcoming S-League season, and I hear he has no plans to return overseas anytime soon. Can’t imagine how much of a culture shift SI to Bosnia must be for a teenager
Micronesian or Micronation? Like maybe players from San Marino or Liechtenstein?
But yeah that is sad news in many ways. Overseas clubs will definitely be wary now of signing Lea'i, especially if they dig further into his past like leaving the Weenix Academy, also because of homesickness.
The new mooted OFC Professional Club League is due to start next year. Though things have been pretty quiet in that space. You would be hoping for some new announcements soon, or otherwise start to doubt it will happen.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OFC_Professional_League
As we have seen with the Nix now as a 17 year old pro pathway for young Kiwis, it's often better to have 2-4 years pro experience in the ALM, before then signing for a Euro club with that pro experience already under your belt. Better preparation for ruthless Euroland, than going up there as a young 18 year old from amateur football.
So perhaps Lea'i (age 20) just going to stay now in the Solomons and try build a pro career off this new league. I've always thought the Roar would be his best bet in the ALM. Similar climate and a large Micronesian community (mostly PNG ex pats admittedly) in Brissy.
Edit - this Dec 2023 article mentions OFC announcing a competition manager for the new pro club comp by January this year. Worryingly I don't think any such announcement has been made.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/504740/ofc-says-pro-league-focus-in-2024
The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has revealed that the new OFC Professional League competition will be a focus area in the new year.
Responding to questions from RNZ Pacific, the OFC said more information on the series will be revealed in the new year, adding that they have appointed a competition manager.
"OFC has appointed a Pro League Manager who will be starting work in the New Year," an OFC spokesperson said on email.
"When the Manager is announced in January we will be in a position to reveal more information about the establishment of the OFC Pro League," the added.