Hockey names U18 squads for April tourney

THE Papua New Guinea Hockey Federation has announced its training squad for the World Cup qualifier and the Oceania U18 championships in Port Moresby in April.
The men’s and women’s squads are dominated by Port Moresby-based players with PNGHF president Kaluwin Potuan, pictured, saying they had focused their selection on Port Moresby players because of costs involved in bringing a squad together.
He said many of the players would also be at school and taking part in the tournament would take them away for a long period.
He also called on parents to support their children while they are on representative duty.
The April 23-27 event at the Hockey Pavilion at the Sir John Guise Stadium complex has attracted eight countries including heavyweights of the game, Australia and New Zealand.
The other countries include Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and host Papua New Guinea.
All have confirmed their attendance except for Samoa and New Zealand.
The technical official for the Work Cup qualifier will be appointed by Oceania Hockey development officer Gill Gemings.
Gemings will be in Port Moresby on Feb 5 to see the first stage of preparation and also to meet with PNG Sport Foundation and the PNG National Olympic Committee.
They are expected to make some major announcements on hockey development in the country.
Meanwhile, the local organising committee was set up to oversee the preparation of the World Cup qualifier.
The first and task of the LOC is to secure funding for the world event with the help of the government as well as Port Moresby’s major corporate houses. It is estimated it would cost K1.5million to stage the one-week tournament in Port Moresby.
Squads: Men — Raymond Pomaleu, Henry Pomoso, Joe Jack, Joe Boino, John Koivi, Julius Pota, Ludwick Siski, Senau Siski, Terence Pomaleu, Gerard Terence; Women — Theresa Pomaleu, Georgina Bon, Isabelle Koivi, Eileen Solien, Emi Gairo, Majela Potuan, Rowena Gairo, Rachel Muia, Davina Ilumpui, Mary Salaiau, Salome Taniova, Rebecca Pokiton, Rosemary Eho, Kimberley Bernard, Fidelma Kanau.