Football gunning for gold in Apia

Sports

The Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) has unveiled its plans for the men’s and women’s national teams, with the objective of winning gold at the Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa, in July.
Included in the plans are two international friendlies for the men’s team in June.
PNGFA technical manager Paul Isorua said the proposed schedule for the teams would be tight and crucial as PNG prepares for the Games.
He said men’s coach Bob Morris and women’s boss Frederica Sakette were at the helm of getting their training squad’s preparations underway with the first training camps scheduled for April 15-24 (men) and April 29-May 2 (women).
Harrison Kamake and Margaret Aka will assist Morris and Sakette respectively, with the four accredited as Oceania Football Confederation coaches.
The first training camp for the men’s squad will be split into two groups, with the Port Moresby-based players training from April 15-17.
The players based in Lae, Madang and Highlands will have theirs at the PNGFA Academy from April 22-24.
Players selected for the squad play in the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League and local competitions, with a few overseas-based footballers also on the radar.
Isorua said the coaching staff were working with a group of players as the core of the team.
After the split camp, the final 30 players selected will have a second training camp in Lae from May 20-23 and the women will have theirs in Port Moresby from June 15-30 before the announcement of the final 23 players.
“The training programme we have is intense and will focus on a possession-based style of football,” Isorua said.
“We want to win gold. Anything less than a medal will be disappointing.”
All players are to contact team managers Gordon Manub (men) Roosje Suwae (women) on 70041555 and 72104834/76879540 respectively for the first high performance screening in Port Moresby.
The next screening will be organised in Lae.
Men’s train-on squad: Abel Redenut, Alex Kamen, Alwin Komolong, Atti Kepo, Ricky Wadunah, Basil Jofari, Clement Willis, Daniel Joe, David Browne, David Muta, Dinniget Luaine, Donovan Murray, Edwin Darius, Emmanuel Simon, Emmanuel Simongi, Emmanuel Airem, Felix Komolong, Freeman Giwi, Gregory Togubai, Henry Ronny, Ilai Ilarova, Ishmael Pole, Jacob Sabua, Jonathan Allen, Jordan Kaven, Jordan Tobem, Joshua Talau, Joshua Oscar, Karesa Morris, Kenneth Arah, Kolu Kepo, Koriak Upaiga, Langarap Samol, Leslie Kalai, Michael Foster, Nigel Dabinyaba, Obert Bika, Papalau Awele, Patrick Aisa, Philip Steven, Raymond Gunemba, Ronald Warisan, Russell Nirik, Stahl Gubag, Tommy Semmy, Wira Wama, Yagi Yasasa, Shane Sakael, Otto Kusunan
Women’s train-on squad: Margaret Joseph, Olivia Upaupa, Lucy Maino, Yvonne Gabong, Kesai Kotome, Selina Unamba, Carolyn Obi, Marie Kaipu, Ramona Padio, Georgina Bakani, Gloria Laeli, Betty Sam, Faith Kasiray, Gloria Balamus, Sandra Birum, Rayleen Bauelua, Meagan Gunemba, Judith Gunemba, Fidelma Watpore, Dorcas Sesevo, Deslyn Siniu, Serah Tamgol, Daisy Winas, Jacobeth Bani, Joelyn Aimi, Jacklyne Maiyosi, Isabella Natera, Belinda Giada, Marity Sep, Michaella Kurabi, Mary Wari, Lydia Kose, Alison Paulias, Nicole Walter, Fidorah Namuesh, Norma Kasiray, Susan Manas, Nicole Bekio, Abigail Wagol, Shalom Waida, Jerolyn Gala, Asaiso Gossie, Ruth Giada, Agai Max, Serah Anthony, Pauline Nuasi, Gethrude Waninara, Delma Ambrias, Sylvia David, Mercia Tumin, Tabitha Wana