By HENRY MORABANG
The Papua New Guinea U23 men’s soccer strongly believed that it can produce some positive results at the Olympic Games qualifying match in Lautoka, Fiji, next week.
Coach George Cowie and captain David Muta, both said they will be out to restore some lost pride.
Cowie who is renowned for providing instinct killer performance for Solomon Islands will be at helm for the Qlympic qualifier.
“The boys are not overconfident, never scared of any team and they believe in themselves that they can win a match,” he said.
The visiting Scottish coach said this U23 was important for PNG. The tournament will qualify us to China for the Olympic Games and to resurrect the men’s football in the region.
Cowie said men’s football was low compared with other Melanesian countries while he praised women’s football for keeping PNG’s head above the troubled waters.
The U23 team is well balance with majority of players coming out of the semi professional competition.
He said the boys have showed a lot of enthusiasm.
Coach also announced that David Muta will captain the team.
“David has shown a lot of leadership both on and off the field. He has strength and depth to organize and lead the boys on the paddock,” he said.
Muta thanked coach Cowie and the management for his appointment as captain.
The media-shy West New Briton said he was looking forward to leading the boys and ensuring that they perform to the best of their ability.
Cowie said he wants to win the first three important games - against the Solomon Island, New Zealand and Fiji - which will decide our course during the Olympic qualifying tournament.