Kamake’s quest

AS head coach of the Papua New Guinea National Elite Football Academy, Harrison Kamake, pictured, is responsible for the development of the country’s best emerging talent.
Last month Kamake proved how seriously he takes that role when he became the first Papua New Guinean to earn an Oceania Football Confederation B Licence.
OFC technical director Patrick Jacquemet said Kamake’s achievement should be acknowledged.
“Gaining the OFC B Licence is not an easy process,” Jacqumet said.
“It requires true commitment and Harrison has shown not only that he is dedicated to the process, but that is capable of being responsible for his own learning.
“He has proven that he is willing to go the extra mile to improve his own knowledge and in turn benefit the youths he is responsible for. “He is a real asset to the PNG Football Association.”
Kamake said his focus had always been improving opportunities for footballers in PNG aged from six to 17 years.
“There are so many opportunities to grow, but we need to start at the grassroots level so that players will filter through the system,” Kamake said.
In his role with the Lae Football Academy all aspects of player development come under the microscope including school work and life alongside the delivery of programmes focusing specifically on football.
“Working with youths is great.
“I get to see their confidence grow as their skills develop.”
Through his role with the academy Kamake has also been able to assist with Besta PNG United FC, the PNGFA development team which participates in the National Soccer League and has had a hand in the development of some of country’s rising stars.
“I would love to build a really strong foundation of youth players here. There are definitely some talented kids who could go far.
“I hope to use the knowledge I have gained from earning the B Licence to develop football in PNG and my aim is to provide leadership, integrity and enhanced opportunities at all times when working with players regardless of age or ability,” Kamake said.
“As a coach I want to get players to entertain possibilities that stretch the limits of their talent.”