Kaipu set to strike career highlight

 FEMALE striker Mari Kaipu, pictured, of Kikori, Gulf, is expected to experience one of her major highlights in her soccer career this July. 

The 18-year-old has yet to complete her year 10 and 12 education however, she is putting her studies on hold for now as she shapes herself for the Pacific Games. 

Making the PNG women’s Under-20 in February last year, Kaipu has  shown extraordinary performance over the last couple of months, making her way into PNG’s premier women’s team that will take part in the Pacific Games and other international friendly matches. 

Surprised by being named in the national team at the beginning of this year, Kaipu is both excited and nervous as she looks forward in performing for the national team.  

Looking back on her career when she started playing the sport, Kaipu never actually thought she could come this far. 

Her raw talent was identified when she played for the National Capital District Public Servants Soccer Association (NCDPSSA) during two Besta Cup Challenges in 2012 (Lae) and 2013 (Alotau).

Before that, Kaipu was attached with the Souths club that took part in the Port Moresby Soccer Association (PMSA) in 2008, which later shifted to the NCDPSSA in 2010.  

With none of her family members fond of soccer in the past, Kaipu said that her participation in the sport has drawn the interest of her parents, who are now fully supportive. 

Papua New Guinea womens soccer assistant team manager, Miriam Lanta, spoke highly of Kaipu, saying that she made it to the top very quickly, and as an official of the team, she had confidence in her and expect no less than 100 per cent from her. 

Kaipu is grateful to her family, especially her dad Rex Kaipu and her number one mentor Vonnie Kapi Natto, Hekari United’s team manageress, who have supported her ever since she started playing in the PMSA.  

“She gives me advice and she gives me financial support.

I couldn’t have made it this far without (Vonnie) Kapi Natto,” Kaipu said.