Aka to lead U15 girls to Youth Olympics

 FORMER PNG women’s soccer international Margaret Aka was appointed as coach of the Under-15 girls for the upcoming Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China later this year.

Aka, who has played a major role in the country over the last years, is to turn her hand to bringing through the next generation of women footballers. 

The 38-year-old West New Briton will help prepare the U15s. 

Aka is a longtime football advocate and is currently the Just Play manageress looking after the OFC Just Play programme in Papua New Guinea with the Papua New Guinea Football Association. 

Her love and passion for the game goes back to 1991 when she was at Kimbe High School.

“I was inspired by my dad who told me stories about himself playing football when he was younger. When I finished Kimbe High School I received an offer to Sogeri National High School and while playing for the school team my interest for the game grew and I never looked back,” said Aka. 

In 1996, the lass from Guhi village in Kimbe, West New Britain Province, played for Telikom Football Club in the Port Moresby Soccer Association competition, winning seven grand finals and nine club championships.

She started representing the country in 1998 playing in the OFC Cup in New Zealand, then at the 2003 and 2007 South Pacific Games. 

During her time representing the country she had the opportunity to play alongside reputable players like Madam Judge Cathy Davani, Frederica Saketta, Geraldine Eka, Nellie Taman, Ikanau Matangiau.