Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Solomon Islands @WaitakereUTD striker Commins Menapi (top left). Some opponent to mark & a lovely guy off the pitch. Only 43. pic.twitter.com/wSaSB6L3Nr
— Gordon Watson (@Gordon_Watson) November 17, 2017
According to media reports, Menapi passed away from a heart attack.
He was one of the Pacific Island greats - one of only three Pacific Islanders (along with Fijian strikers Roy Krishna and Esala Masi - who played NSL 1996 - 2004, including winning the 1999 - 2000 title) to have firmly established themselves in Australia's national league. Menapi played three seasons for Sydney United in the old NSL 2000- 2003 (66 games, 19 goals). A couple of other Pacific Islanders (Fa'arodo, Totori) played in the Aussie top flight for a season but without much success.
Menapi stood out in a struggling Sydney United team.
34 goals in 37 internationals for the Solomons is outstanding in world terms.
Menapi was snatched away from Nelson Suburbs by Alan Hunter at Sydney United in 2000 after he saw him play for the Solomons.
According to Wikipedia, Menapi was only 40.
