South Island United striker Rovu Boyers received a hero’s welcome at his old primary school in Honiara.
Fresh from scoring the first OFC Pro League hat-trick in history against PNG Hekari FC, the Solomon Islands international and his Christchurch-based teammates visited Palm Drive Primary School where Boyers completed Year 1 to 6.
The 23-year-old could not wipe the smile off his face as he got stampeded by 180 excited children wanting to shake his hand and get an autograph.
“This is very special, and quite emotional,” said Boyers who addressed the school assembly and encouraged them to work hard in school and chase their dreams.
Boyers has a Kiwi father and a mother from the island of Munda and left the Solomon Islands at an early age to chase his own dream of becoming a professional footballer.
After several years training at an academy in England, followed by football adventures in Greece, Sweden, Australia and back to the Solomons Premier League, Boyers finally signed his first pro deal with the new South Island United club in the inaugural OFC Pro League.
Returning to play in the National Stadium in Honiara was always going to be a highlight of his season, but bagging three goals and the match ball in front of packed stands was beyond even anything young Rovu kicking a ball at Palm Drive Primary School could have dreamt of.
Back in the school yard on Monday, he said not much had changed, “but the two football goals are no longer there, which is a bit sad”.
Boyers was greeted warmly by one of the senior teachers who taught young Rovu more than a decade ago.
“She was one my favourite teachers. Every time I had done something wrong and had to sweep the basketball court, she would come out and sweep the floor with me, so we chatted a lot when I was little,” smiled Boyers, who will not return to Christchurch with the team because he was selected to play for the Solomon Islands national team next week.
The striker will join the national squad after South Island United’s second match against Bula FC on Thursday to prepare for the FIFA Series in Indonesia, where the Solomon Islands will take on the hosts and Bulgaria.
Before joining the national team, Boyers hopes to keep up his scoring run against Bula FC, who have come off a victory against Tahiti United that keeps them in the hunt for a top four finish.
Due to the surprise win of Vanuatu United FC over South Melbourne FC, the race for the top four has really heated up and a win will be vital for South Island United to cement their top four credentials.
Boyers can again expect huge support from the local crowd, including the entire school from Palm Drive Primary School, after OFC invited all students and staff to the match, to the great excitement of the wannabe Rovus, desperate to see their local hero.