Hockey teams ready for Oceania Cup in Fiji

By LESLIE OMARO
THE PNG men’s and women’s hockey teams are set for the Oceania Cup in Suva, Fiji with 14 players making their international debut.
Both men’s and women’s teams have seven debutants each who will be playing in PNG’s tri colours.
PNG men’s coach Thomas Kahai said PNG was looking forward to improving their performance this year with almost half of the team made up of development players.
“The new players have settled in the last two weeks of training in preparation for the games.
“There are seven new faces in the women’s side and they will be supported by player of the Pacific 18-year-old Ruby Kisapai, who will be playing in her third Oceania Cup,” Kahai said.
The new kids on the block for the men’s team are Tapas Kangol (26 years old), Polin Kangol (22), Michael Chakumai (32), Eddie Gebo (23), Russell Tarutia (23), Hussein Lowa (19) and Terence Maramoma (18).
The debutants for the women are Monica Wadi (25 years old), Jessica Kevan (28), Theresa Chakumai (27), Christine Moyap (22), Molly Popu (33), Kari Raurela (20) and Nialel Matambuai (18).
The men’s squad is Selwyn Tamur, William Bon, Michael Pokanau, Tapas Kangol, Joseph Potuan (captain), Polin Kangol, Pulsan Tapo, Michael Chakumai, Terence Maramoma, Sapau Tapo (vice-captain), Andrew Potuan, Milton Kisapai, Eddie Gebo, Michael Potuan, Hussein Lowa, Russell Tarutia, John Issinni and Michael Pomat.  The coach is Thomas Kahai and the team manager is Selan Lelai.
The women’s team is Jennifer Maramoma, Gabriella Kisapai, Terry Kiapin, Ruby Kisapai, Lalamen Kariton, Tiani Tapo, Monica Wadi, Jessica Kevan, Julienne Naron, Kulamei Kahai, Terry Potuan, Theresa Chakumai, Christine Moyap, Sefarna Bore, Kari Raurela, Nialel Matabuai and Molly Popu. The coach is James Tapo and team manager is Caroline Kahai.
“PNG Hockey Federation will be sending two teams for the men and women to participate at the event for rating Pacific Island nations eligible for any sanctioned qualifiers,” Kahai said.
“Key logistics in airline tickets, accommodation, training and meals are catered for players and officials.
“The federation thanked the National Gaming Control Board for the K150,000 sports grant in meeting some expenses for the players and officials.
“We also express our gratitude to other sponsors who assisted in cash and kind.
“Teams will be leaving for four days training with two match practices with the U18s at the Queensland hockey centre under the guidance of Queensland head coach Barry Vohland and Mick Evans.”