Brazilian to coach PNG for qualifiers

The National Sports

BRAZILIAN Marcos Gusmao will return to Papua New Guinea next month for his second stint as the national head coach as the men’s team prepare for next year’s World Cup regional qualifiers.
The PNG Football Association announced the South American’s appointment yesterday when naming a 30-man squad ahead of the qualifiers, which would be held in Doha, Qatar, in March.
Association president John Kapi Natto said the squad selection was done by experienced and upcoming coaches in Bob Morris, Samson Steven, Erickson Komeng, Nathaniel Vincent and goalkeeping mentor Godfrey Baniau.
The coaches were assisted by association technical director Paul Isorua, and technical officers Harrison Kamake and Margaret Aka.
Kapi Natto said they carried out player analysis in the areas of technical, tactical, athletic and mental capabilities.
Off-field conduct and Covid-19 requirements were also taken into account to ensure that all players were eligible to travel amid the pandemic.
“We are proud to announce that New Zealand-based Tommy Semmy has confirmed his availability for national duties,” Kapi Natto said.
“David Browne, who plays in Europe’s Finnish Premier League, is yet to confirm his availability. So he has been named as the 31st player.”
The final team will be named by the South American.
Isorua said it was not the final squad and there was still an opportunity for players to come into consideration by way of consistency in the National Soccer League.
Since hosts Qatar have strict Covid-19 protocols that require all visitors to be vaccinated and undergo a test two days prior to arrival, the PNG contingent will need to get the jab. Squad: Roland Warisan, Ila Ilarova, Russel Chris, Jordan Tobem (goalkeepers), Alwin Komolong, Philip Steven, Joshua Talau, Felix Komolong, Mathias Oyabuya (defenders), Daniel Joe, Koriak Upaiga, Joshua Oscar, Emmanuel Airem, Godfrey Haro (Wing Backs), David Muta, Simon Emmanuel, Michael Foster, Jacob Sabua, Yagi Yasasa, Nigel Dabinyaba, Stahl Gubag, Atti Kepo, Obert Bika, Paul Pala (midfielders), Raymond Gunemba, Kolu Kepo, Mathew David,Jonathan Allan, Patrick Aisa, Tommy Semmy (strikers)