B’ville face Gulf

Passam eyes winning start with Komara scalp in NSL

By ROBINSON LEKA
BOUGAINVILLE will be looking to begin their Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League campaign on a winning note when the David Passam-coached side face Gulf Komara in Port Moresby tomorrow (1pm kick-off).
Besta striker Jonathan Allen has been recruited to lead Bougainville’s attack against the Petroleum Resources Kutubu-backed club at the Papua New Guinea Football Stadium.|
Passam told The National that the 19-year-old’s inclusion would boost their attacking options in their second season competing in the country’s premier football challenge.
“We’re quietly confident that we will get off to a good start,” the 54-year-old said.
“We have a couple of new players who will boost our campaign. Training has been going well over the last month and I’m sure of putting in a good performance in our opening match.
“He’s (Allen) one of our young players who is probably going to lead our attack and he’s already looking comfortable with the rest of the team.
“We’re hoping that we can progress and improve on our campaign from last season but it will be a lot tougher now with teams stepping up considerably. Our squad are all in good spirits and we are looking forward to the match.”
The next Port Moresby encounter tomorrow will see last year’s runners-up Hekari United face Star Mountain (3pm kick-off).
Meanwhile, the season was launched at the Laguna Hotel in Port Moresby last night. Fixtures: Sat, Dec 14 – PRK Gulf Komara v Bougainville, Tusbab Stallions v Lae City, Morobe United v Vitiaz United, Kutubu v Morobe Wawens, MRDC Hekari United v Star Mountain.