Parents approve Benjamin Totori's move to Portland Timbers

Solomon Islands striker eager meet new team, coach

By Steve Brandon

The Portland Tribune, May 15, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Benjamin Totori, 22, who is headed for the Portland Timbers, dribbles around a defender while playing for Waitakere United in the April 20 New Zealand Football Championship final.

SANDRA MU / GETTY IMAGES

Only 22, Benjamin Totori had to think for a while when the offer presented itself. He talked to his mom and dad, along with a good friend and teammate with his New Zealand club, Waitakere United. With his parents’ blessing, he chose to sign with the Portland Timbers.

The 5-8, 155-pound forward, who led Waitakere to the Oceania championship last week in Auckland, is expected to join the Timbers soon, sometime after their road games Friday at Puerto Rico and Sunday at Miami.

Portland coach Gavin Wilkinson, a former New Zealand standout, recruited Totori for his scoring potential and speed.

“I called home to get advice,” Totori says. “This is a big move for me to go further than New Zealand or Australia; the states are a long way from home. I thought about it a lot. When I spoke to my parents, they said it was a good opportunity and would support me in my decision should I decide to go.”

Totori consulted another Solomon Islands forward, 30-year-old Commins Menapi, before agreeing to play in the United Soccer Leagues.

“My friendship with Commins is important,” Totori says. “He has helped me so much in my career and especially in my time here at Waitakere United. I look up to him so much and admire all he has done. He also is happy for me and told me to take the opportunity.”

Wilkinson has said he was surprised that other teams, even at higher levels, hadn’t pursued Totori’s services.

“He has so much potential, it’s incredible,” Wilkinson says.

Totori describes his style: “I love to run with the ball, take on players and score goals, of course. My speed is a big asset, but so too is my ability to dribble and create space.”

His favorite soccer player? Kaka, a Brazilian midfielder who also plays for A.C. Milan. “He is fast, skillful and someone I would like to be like, if I can,” he says.

Totori had 10 goals and five assists in 19 New Zealand Football Championship matches this season. He added two goals in six Oceania games as Waitakere United earned a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan in December.

“It’s been a really great year with the club,” he says. “I enjoyed it so much. The players have a good time together, and I hope the same will continue next year and in Japan, wherever I might be.

“It has been a big achievement for me, personally, too. I have never been with a club overseas to win something.”

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