Gunemba primed for playoff

By PATRICIA KEAMO
LAUTOKA recruit Raymond Gunemba says getting goal in a friendly match on Tuesday has boosted his morale for tomorrow’s national playoff against Rewa for Fiji’s representative in the Oceania Football Confederation Champions League.
Papua New Guinea pair Gunemba and goalkeeper Ishmael Pole arrived in Fiji on Monday, and were named in Lautoka’s first 11 for the friendly which they won 6-3.
“After not scoring for a while, it feels like I’m back on track now with the goal in the friendly,” Gunemba said.
“I felt really bad about my performance in Qatar (Fifa World Cup regional qualifiers), but everything happens for a reason.” Gunemba said his agent, Sorbie Valentine, had secured the arrangement at short notice.
“Lautoka management informed Valentine that they needed some players from PNG, especially strikers so he reached out to me,” he said.
“The day after, they asked for a goalkeeper, so I reached out to Pole who confirmed his availability, so arrangements were made for us to leave.
“I thank God for blessing me with this opportunity. I thank Lautoka for having faith in me.
“We’ll only play a home and away game each. The second match will be played on Sunday.”
When asked how he would feel if Lautoka were to face Hekari United or Lae City in the Champions League, Gunemba said it would be weird, but he would honour his deal with Lautoka and play his best.
“Playing against your countrymen is never easy, but I have do well for the team that gave me an opportunityut firstly, I have to help Lautoka qualify for the Champions League.”