Kapi Natto warns players

Sports

By PATRICIA KEAMO
PAPUA New Guinea Football Association president John Kapi Natto has warned players in the national men’s train-on squad that discipline will be given thorough consideration during the final selections.
He said that after an exhibition match between Team Red and Team Gold, both comprising squad members, at Papua New Guinea Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday.
Kapi Natto said there was no room for ill-disciplined players and team officials.
“This is the first time we are doing selections like this,” he told the squad members.
“In the past, coaches just picked players.
“But it’s not going to be the case anymore.
“Selections are underway, an announcement will be made at a later date.
“We are trying to do selections where you play and earn a spot in the team.
“Not only that, it starts with discipline, once you get into the national team, it will be very hard.”
Meanwhile, Kapi Natto said they were yet to decide whether there would be another exhibition match.
But he said if the association’s selection panel came up with a final squad, there would not be another one.
“You played a very good match,” Kapi Natto said.
“Both coaches deserve credit for fielding balanced sides.
“If you miss out (on selections), don’t think that you’ve missed out altogether.
“There are only 25 players who will go to Qatar.
“For the qualifiers in Qatar, the final squad will be required to get vaccinated.
“The final squad will be made of players in domestic and international competitions.” New Zealand-based Tommy Semmy, who is on trial with A-League club Newcastle Jets, is expected to make the final squad.