Hockey set for Oceania Cup

 By HENRY MORABANG
THE PNG Hockey Federation is all set for the Oceania Cup in Suva, Fiji, next month.
Federation president Kaluwin Potuan when announcing the squad, said the team was set to take part in the five-a-side tournament which has attracted six countries — Solomon Islands, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Vanuatu and PNG.
All except Vanuatu will field both men’s and the women’s teams in the World League  Round One qualifier match.
Potuan said the team was dominated by Port Moresby players, who were given a second chance after missing out on the Pacific Games last June.
“We have one guy from Manus and three girls from Lae, who will make their first international travel with the hockey team to Fiji next month,” Potuan said.
The hockey chief said the five-a-side tournament was good.
With the current facilities in Port Moresby, Potuan was optimistic that PNG would pose a good challenge for archrivals Fiji.
Kaluwin said the major aim for PNG was to finish in the top to qualify for the next round in Singapore (men’s) and India (women’s).
However, he said the next round would very much depend on financial support from government and sponsors, while thanking the associations constant backers.
PNG teams:  Men’s – Hahee Kusunan, Kusunan Pokiap, Joseph Potuan, Andrew Potuan, Raymond Popal, David Tapo, Thomas Kisakiu, Selan Manuai, Jersey Dusty, coach Manoi Pokiap, manager Harry Kaisa. Women’s – Terry Kiapin, Nikita Terence, Monica Wadi, Alice Fred, Robertha Walo, Joan Roama, Rachel Rabi, Amanada Sisi and Lola Ilumpui, coach Sapau Tapo, manager Raymond Lapun.