‘We’re learning’
The National, Thursday 13th June 2013
By JOHN PANGKATANA
THE road to the World Cup has sought to up-skill members of Team Kumul.
The camp currently going through its third edition in Port Moresby has already rubbed off positive vibes amongst the players.
Highly respected senior player and one of the few survivors of the last World Cup in 2008 Charlie Wabo has nothing but praise for the management of Team Kumul under Mal Meninga and Adrian Lam.
Wabo said the World Cup would take a lot out of you.
“I believe we are on the right track in building our team to be not only competitive but smart footballers as well,” he said.
Wabo, 28, from Usurufa, Kainantu in the Eastern Highlands, said apart from the heavy fitness regime they have been put through, they are also picking handy tips as well.
“Whether you are new or old, we are learning exciting new things everyday under big Mal and Adrian (Lam),” Wabo said.
Wabo firmly believes the style of coaching is developing them to be better footballers.
“The camps have been a real eye-opener for all the players involved,” he added.
“Areas of discipline has pushed us and we are definitely seeing the game differently,” Wabo added.
“It is important that what we gain will be channeled back to our local leagues or the Digicel Cup.
“I’ll personally see that our younger players will grow with the knowledge,” Wabo said.
Wabo further added that the players are all in good spirits and are just pushing to maintain high standards and expectations of the people of Papua New Guinea.
The camp will end with a 1.7km run and fitness test and then the coaches and several of the players will have some commitments with a school clinic scheduled for today.
Out of all the players, Port Moresby Vipers halfback Israel Eliab and Rabaul Gurias fullback Albert Patakwere not able to fully apply themselves in training due to injuries sustained in their Digicel Cup matches on Sunday.
Eliab has an ankle injury while Patak has a sore knee.
Team Kumuls general manager Matthew Natusch said a decision would be made soon about the date of the next Kumul Camp and how many more there would be before a final squad would be announced.