Chow says Komolong to boost City’s title defence

The National Sports

KUMUL Petroleum National Soccer League (NSL) defending champions Lae City welcomed the signing of Papua New Guinea international Alwin Komolong in the Morobe capital yesterday.
City owner Ian Chow announced the signing of the defender — who is the older brother of squad member Felix Komolong — for the remainder of the season, which is on hold due to the nationwide Covid-19 State of Emergency.
Chow said the new recruit would boost City’s title defence as they aim for their sixth straight premiership.
“The side who play as a team are going to win it,” Chow said.
He said City had failed to fire at the start of the season despite the inclusion of six PNG representatives.
Adding to the side’s woes was their early Oceania Football Confederation Champions League exit in February.
“So we got rid of our stars and the side will now play as a team,” Chow said.
He said Alwin Komolong, who played with German third-tier side SC Fortuna Cologne last year, would bring a wealth of experience to the country’s premier football competition.
Komolong missed out on a Champions League run with Fiji’s Ba last month due to issues with his transfer certificate but was now happy to be part of the Lae Biscuit Company-sponsored side.
“There’s been a lot of talk since the breakaway of (the former coach and the PNG representatives from) the club and being part of the side now is about getting the talk done,” he said.
Komolong said City were a young team and it provided an opportunity for the players to step up.
He challenged the side to showcase their skills and push for a regular spot in the team.
“We have a good core group of players who can vie for the title. We’ve got a solid defence and midfield now to support our attack. We need to work together to deliver results,” Komolong said.
The 24-year-old has more than 16 caps for PNG and has spent four years playing college football in the United States.
In the NSL, Komolong started playing with Besta United in 2009 before he joined Port Moresby in 2012 and Madang in 2015.