WYNNUM Wolves midfielder Jez Lofthouse says his professional football stint with the Solomon Kings has delivered one of the standout experiences of his career.
Lofthouse travelled across the Pacific as part of the Solomon Islandsbased side’s OFC Pro League campaign, taking him to countries he had never previously visited and into an environment he described as highly professional.
“It was awesome,” Lofthouse said. “I got to visit countries I had never been to before and go back into professional football, which was great.
“It was a great experience and something I would never have done if I hadn’t come here.”
The former A-League club and NPL player said the standard of the new regional competition compared well with Australian second-tier football.
“In terms of quality, I think it was at the same level – if not, in a few areas, probably a bit better than the NPL at the moment,” he said.
“But the way it was run and how professional it was, was unreal. “Travelling the world and getting to play football is every kid’s dream, so to be able to keep doing that was amazing.”
The campaign also provided Lofthouse with an unforgettable taste of football in Honiara, where the Solomon Kings were backed by passionate home support.
“I’ve told a few people that the atmosphere there was better than anything I’ve ever experienced,” he said.
“I think they sell about 11,000 tickets, but you have people lining the streets, lining the roads, and on top of apartment blocks with flags.
“The noise is something you don’t hear anywhere else with 11,000 people. I felt like I was playing in a stadium with 50,000.”
Lofthouse’s form was recognised at season’s end when he was selected in the OFC Pro League Team of the Year starting 11.
“It would be right at the top,” he said of the honour. “There are a lot of top-quality players there, and other Solomon Kings players were named as well, which was awesome.
“To be recognised among a bunch of really top players is great.” Lofthouse said he hoped to return to the Solomon Kings for the 2027 season, though arrangements were yet to be confirmed.
“Nothing is set in stone yet, but I definitely hope so because I think they’re set for a big year.”
