Netball names U21s for qualifier

NETBALL PNG announced its final 12-member team to participate at the Oceania Regional Youth World Cup Qualifying tournament scheduled for next week in Auckland, New Zealand.
According to Netball PNG’s high performance coordinator Mona-Lisa Leka, a lot of effort and energy has been put in by the coaching team and the PNG Sports Foundation’s high performance unit to prepare this team to ensure they achieve the results expected of them.
She said the event from Sept 26-29 was part of Netball PNG’s high performance programme, supporting the broader vision under its three-year strategic plan.
“We are excited about this team not only for this qualifying event but more importantly, developing and nurturing the next breed of Pepes,” Leka said. Five countries from the region (Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands, Tonga, PNG) will be vying to finish in the top-three positions at this event to qualify for the Netball Youth World Cup in Botswana, Central Africa, next year.
The U21 team will be led by captain Courtney Abel and her deputy, Japerth Tulapi, under the watch of U21 coach Renagi Mulina, supported by Pepes head coach Unaisi Rokoura and team manager Theresa Isikiel.
PNG U21: Shooters: Jeperth Tulapi (POM), Rowena Djengozov (Pom), Ravusiro Vali (Central), Boio Peter (Pom), Mid-courters: Eloise Vele (Pom), Karolyne Kanapoti (Pom), Erika Amos (Lae), Martha Matuka (Pom), Defenders: Courtney Abel (Alotau), Serena Ovia (Pom), Edna Pala (Pom), Genevieve Ume (Pom).