Alwin in Zurich
The National, Wednesday 8th May 2013
By HENRY MORABANG
NATIONAL Under-20 soccer captain and FC Port Moresby striker Alwin Komolong, pictured, is in Zurich, Switzerland, for the FIFA Youth tournament.
Komolong, of Karkar Island, Madang, and German ancestry, left last Friday to join the WYNRS academy team for the Blue Star/FIFA Youth Cup beginning tomorrow (PNG time).
The WYNRS academy is overseen by former FC Zurich forward and New Zealander Wynton Rufer.
It was set up by Rufer with the aim of providing a pathway for players to prepare for a professional career.
WYNRS is an acronym for Wynton Rufer Soccer and is pronounced ‘winners’, was indirectly established as a result of New Zealand hosting the FIFA U17 World Cup in 1999.
Primarily based in Auckland, New Zealand, the academy operates in Wellington, Christchurch, Hawkes Bay and Dunedin.
Komolong has joined the Auckland-based academy to become the first Oceania representative side at the famed youth tournament, which this year is enjoying its 75th anniversary.
Komolong said he was very excited to attend the tournament.
It is the biggest youth tournament in the world where opportunities arise from, with talent scout from all over the world, including Europe, in attendance.
“I’m looking forward to it. It’s big opportunity for me,” he said.
He said his primary aim was to secure a contract.
“If everything goes well, I want to grab it and play overseas,” he said.
The WYNRS team from Oceania will be among youth teams from Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund, Botafogo, Basel and defending champions FC Zurich.
Komolong said he was happy to be selected by WYNRS and the PNG Football Association for endorsing his selection. “My parents and family are excited about the trip.”
He thanked his club’s management for their continued support.
The trip will help promote Oceania players attached with the academy in Auckland and is seen as a first step towards a pro career.