Kamake, Wasi to coach U16, U19 rep sides

THE Papua New Guinea Football Association has announced that Maurie Wasi and Harrison Kamake were appointed as the national Under-16 and Under-19 coaches respectively.
Wasi, a former international and a successful footballer, managed to transfer his successful run in his career recently as he rose to important coaching roles in the country.
After making the move to New Zealand 12 years ago, Wasi has been involved in football both as a player and a coach, but as his knowledge for the game developed, coaching became his new passion.
“I’ve been playing but also involved in coaching for the last six years and I’ve been really getting in to it. I’m really enjoying coaching so I want to see if I can go far with that and if I’m good enough,” Wasi said.
“Firstly just to get the opportunity and being considered is humbling and a privilege for me.
“I played for the national team for 14 years and I really enjoyed my time but now I want to use my experience to help my country.”
Wasi is currently the head coach of Madang FC in the National Soccer League, the Papua New Guinea premier competition.
He will also lead Madang at the OFC Champions’ League Group B match in New Zealand this week.
Wasi is more eager than ever to contribute to his country’s football development after witnessing the recent achievements that have resulted from the Papua New Guinea football community’s hard work and determination.
“I’ve been in the game for a very long time and in my time we’ve never come this far,” he said.
“By getting involved and working with the younger players coming through, our nation has reached a new level.
“I’d like to thank PNGFA for giving me the opportunity to lead my country’s next crop of football talents. It’s a huge honour and privilege as not many people get to do that.
“My goal now is to qualify the U16 men’s national team to the Fifa U17 World Cup.”