LATEST: Solomon Islands goal-scoring machine Benjamin Totori will be a Wellington Phoenix player next A-League season.

The Phoenix confirmed this afternoon they have signed the 26-year-old to a one-year deal with an option for a second year.

Totori is understood to have caught Phoenix and All Whites coach Ricki Herbert’s eye with his goalscoring exploits at the recent Oceania Nations Cup in Honiara, securing himself a contract in Australasia’s top football league with New Zealand’s only club and in the process becoming the second Pacific Islands player to earn an A-League contract.

Totori’s former club, Koloale FC in the Solomons, have already farewelled their star striker, who is expected to link up with the Phoenix for their pre-season programme before the end of this month.

Phoenix general manager David Dome told Fairfax Media this morning they were close to finalising a deal and the signing was officially confirmed this afternoon.

Totori said since playing for Waitakere his ambition has been to play for the Phoenix.

“When we (Solomon Islands) were playing New Zealand I knew Ricki would be watching and I hoped I could play well enough for him to notice me.

“Thankfully I did okay and scored three goals in the two games.

“I know what a good coach Ricki is and am looking forward to learning from him.

“I want to score goals for the Phoenix and help them be successful.”

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