Coach Mataio names U23 squad

THE national men’s Under-23 selection trials start today at the Papua New Guinea Football Stadium with head coach Percy Mataio naming a 32-man squad for the Oceania Football Confederation Olympic qualifier in Fiji next month.
The bulk of the squad took part in the National Soccer League, with the inclusion of two overseas-based players — Felix Komolong and Gimale Essacu.
Mataio said the players were required to undergo the trials.
“The Southern trial is only done for one day and players who fail to attend will be replaced,” he said.
“We’ve got only five weeks to prepare.
“Therefore, we need to get things rolling quickly to give us some opportunity to really assemble a strong team for the qualifier.”
Papua New Guinea Football Association technical manager Paul Isorua said the coaching staff has been assigned to select a competitive team for the qualifier.
Trials start today at 2pm.
Squad: Goalkeepers – Jordan Tobem, Jonathan Pole, Illa Pene, Jerry Seriba; Defenders – Felix Komolong, Gimale Essacu, Peter Dabinyaba Jr, Carlos Onne, Leana Rawali, Ilamo Karo, Wesley Wawa, Mathew Kalulu; Midfielders – Gregory Togubai, Stahl Gubag, Freddy Kepo, Ricky Wadunah, Bernard Purari, Emmanuel Simongi, Willie Gerega, Abraham Allen, Yagi Yasasa, Timothy Marley, Tyran Vapara, Bruce Tiampo; Forwards – Jonathan Alu, Barthy Kerobin, Pokana Mea, Nasa Gabong, Sane Henry, Frank Toboroyan, Terence Pamak, Karesa Morris.