Browne heads up high, making mark for PNG

DAVID Browne, the youngest Papua New Guinean player to appear at a FIFA club World Cup, is reaching for the sky but with his feet firmly on the soccer ground.
His team Auckland City face Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their opening match in Yokohama, Japan, tomorrow night. 
Former Oceania club champions and reigning kings of PNG soccer, Hekari United, took part in the last tournament in Abu Dhabi in 2010.             
“I’m enjoying the experience.
“Japan is a very nice country, the people are very nice and I’m learning a lot from the experienced players in the squad,” Browne said.
“I went to a primary school called Living Light College that played football, so I had no choice but to play football, and I loved it a lot.
“I used to watch YouTube videos of footballers a lot. The boys from the Hekari team I really liked.”
Browne also speaks highly of national team skipper David Muta.
“I met David a few times at football matches and I really looked up to him. He played for Oceania against the LA Galaxy.”
With the standard of football in New Zealand higher than what is used to, Browne says the transition into senior ranks with Auckland City hasn’t been easy.
“It was tricky at first to get used to all the players here, the style of football and the level of football. Training and playing with these guys has helped lift my own levels. It was not an easy transition. I’m still going through it.”
Technical aptitude comes easily for Browne but his attitude to putting in the energy to improve is extremely focused.
“I have learned to work hard for what you want. You may not be the best at everything, but as long as you have a great work ethic you can improve on the areas you need to, so you never stop learning.”
With the Auckland City U-17 tournament in March 2013, Browne believes it could be a great event. However, he is not eligible to take part.
“It should be exciting but unfortunately I can’t play as I’m too old. But to see the level of players and the teams playing in the tournament will be a fantastic experience for the players who take part.”
A well-liked member of the Auckland City soccer club, Browne had this advice for young players in PNG.
“If you love a sport or you enjoy it and it brings pleasure in your life, then stick with it and give it your everything.
“It will do something good for you in the future.”