Solomon Islands' soccer sensation, James Naka, is making a name for himself.

The 25 years old is among twenty-five players, in both men's and women's categories, from around the Oceania region to be short-listed for the 2008 OFC Player of the Year award.

Added to the award is Mr. Naka's recent appointment as captain of the Bilikiki beach soccer team.

Mr. Naka, who plays midfield, previously played for Marist FC in 2007, later shined in Kossa FC in 2008 and is currently with Zome Mars FC.

The Solomons' national beach soccer player is among the ten male nominees for the prestigious OFC award.

Meanwhile, Laydah Samani from the Solomon Islands was shortlisted among fifteen other female athletes in the women's category.

This would be the first time in the confederation's history that an OFC Player of the Year Award will be made in the category of women's football.

As reported by the Oceania Football Federation, the voting system used to determine the winners of each category will be similar to the one used in Europe to determine the winner of the Ballon D'Or.