City move on after sacking

By PARKER TAMBUA
NEW Lae City coach Bob Morris says they have moved on from his predecessor Peter Gunemba’s sacking and the exit of 10 senior players in the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League (NSL).
The players, including captain Raymond Gunemba and Nigel Dabinyaba, walked off in protest over Peter Gunemba’s sacking after a poor Oceania Football Confederation Champions League campaign in February.
Morris told The National yesterday that City was bigger than anyone and that the team would maintain consistency as they aim to defend their title.
“I think the situation hasn’t affected our preparations,” the former Morobe Wawens and national men’s team coach said.
“In fact, it has given us extra motivation, taking into account all the negativity we’ve received in recent weeks.
“Our preparations and bonding have been positive. My players are very much motivated in camp.
“What has happened is a dead issue,” he said.
“We want to move forward with the right kind of approach and coaching style. We are motivated every day.”
He said the player exodus had presented an opportunity for young talents to prove their worth for the remainder of the season and going forward.
“Winning may not be our primary focus at the moment but our hard work will be bear fruit in the near future.
“I have a youthful team which who have been overlooked because of the dominance of the senior players.
“Now there’s a vacuum for them to showcase their abilities and I’m hopeful that they will deliver.”
Morris said he was under no pressure to add to City’s record of five title.
“I have worked with these types of youths before, and I know how to shape them. It’s not new to me,” he said.
“If I can bring (Papua New Guinea international and Hamilton Wanderers striker) Tommy Semmy up from the rural setting to where he is now, I don’t see why I can’t do the same with these players.
“It just need them to have a great attitude and maintain discipline to achieve consistent results on the big stage.”
Meanwhile, the PNG Football Association has extended its suspension of the country’s premier football competition until June in response to the coronavirus pandemic.