Besta PNG Utd vow to lift

Normal, Sports

BESTA PNG United FC have vowed to improve their performance this year after remaining winless since the start of the Telikom National Soccer League challenge started in early November.
Besta PNG United FC coach Matthew Witu said since they started their campaign in the NSL, he had having difficulties finding the right combination.
However, after several games, Witu believes he has found the combination that should work miracles when the NSL resumes this weekend.
“It was difficult for me after being given the task to select my own side and work with them before the start of the competition last year.
“It has not been easy since I started my campaign with the boys in the NSL. 
“I would assume we had a very good game against CMSS Tigers in our last outing in Lae. I think the boys had proven that they are a team to be reckoned with.
“However, it was experience that got the better of them to see the visitors coming away in the last two minutes to score two fast goals in succession to run away with a 4-2 victory.
“I cupped my head and just could not believe it,” he said. 
However, Witu said the boys were maturing in every game since the NSL started and with more games ahead they could pull a few surprises against their more established opponents.
The side, dominated with unknown players, was selected after the U20 championships in Madang in early October.
The side is made up of Caleb Bosuk, Joseph Siddy, Joseph Itana, Junior Matthew, Michael Keith, Kevin KIla, Raymond Romo, Emmanuel Simon, Lechan Manase, George Kambakoli, Max Sengum, Langarap Samol, Jamal Seeto, Vanya Malagian, Emmanuel Ajakapa, Roland Bala and Bret Seriba.
In their opening encounter after coming off a bye, they drew University Inter FC 1-1. They had to work extra hard to force the equaliser after trailing 1-0 at the break.
In the following match, they went down fighting to reigning premiers Hekari United FC 6-1 in a one-side encounter at the Lloyd Robson Oval in Port Moresby.
The only goal for Besta PNG Utd came from Vanya Malagian from a penalty kick outside the 18-yard box.
Earlier, Witu said Hekari were the team to play.
“The young boys have heard of some of these big name players. Despite the 6-1 defeat, we scored against them and it is a big thing for us,” Witu said.
“Some of these young guys have never seen their faces and they were excited about playing against them. Hopefully, their experience will rub off on them in the long run,” he added.
“Credit should go to the Hekari boys for the win. They were the better side on the day,” Witu said.
Hekari Souths FC team manageress Vonnie Kapi-Natto said despite the loss she gave credit to the U20 boys for putting up a good fight.
“The boys did very well and it is good sign for the players,” she said.
However, coach Witu is adamant that with the help of Tweedy Malagian and Amos Romo, the U20 boys would improve as they continue to play more games.
Witu thanked Malagian and Romo for assisting him in the Besta PNG U20 campaign in the NSL.
He also acknowledged the support of International Food Corporation (IFC) through their tinned fish brand Besta.