Kasiray has faith

The National Sports

By HENRY MORABANG
REPRESENTING the country at the World Cup is a dream come true for Faith Kasiray.
The 16-year-old based in Goroka, Eastern Highlands, is one of the two players from the sugarcane town of Ramu in Madang named in the final PNG U-20 soccer team announced this week.
The other player is striker Belinda Giada.
Kasiray said in an interview with The National that she was excited after being named in the playing roster for the upcoming World Cup in Port Moresby next month.
“The World Cup comes once every four years, and for PNG to compete on the world stage is something we (the U20 women) will remember for a long time.
“The global event may not come again to PNG and I am privileged to be one of the lucky ones to play in the World Cup,” Kasiray said.
She is one of the three players vying for the goalkeeping spot left vacant by first choice Abigayle Metta.
Playing at such a level is not new for the Goroka Grammar School Grade nine student.
“I started playing football in 2011 and it was a big jump for me to be included in the World Cup team.
“I started with futsal before I was selected to play in the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in China.
“This was the major breakthrough for me and I am glad I was recognised and made it to the U20 Women’s World Cup team.”
She said she was inspired by her brothers to take up football instead of following her schoolmates into rugby league.
“For that choice, I now find myself selected for the PNG U20 women’s team.”
The Madang teenager said she looked up to PNG Kapul goalkeeper Ismael Pole as a role model.
“During my time with the PNG U20 team, I have learned so many new things about life,” Kasiray said. “The most important thing was how to stay together as a football team and respect each other.”
Kasiray said she will retire home to spend time with her family and catch up with studies once the school year starts next year. “I will be keep playing football and ensure more girls join the football family.
“After school, I want to concentrate and play football for my country in the years to come.”