LATEST: Solomon Islands goal-scoring machine Benjamin Totori will be a Wellington Phoenix player next A-League season. <\/p>\n
The Phoenix confirmed this afternoon they have signed the 26-year-old to a one-year deal with an option for a second year. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Totori said since playing for Waitakere his ambition has been to play for the Phoenix. <\/p>\n
\"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. <\/p>\n
\"Thankfully I did okay and scored three goals in the two games. <\/p>\n
\"I know what a good coach Ricki is and am looking forward to learning from him. <\/p>\n
\"I want to score goals for the Phoenix and help them be successful.\" <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Read more here:<\/p>\n
Phoenix close to signing Solomon Islands star<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 Continue reading