Lahanis appoint Urakusie as player-coach

The National Sports

By PARKER TAMBUA
THE Goroka Lahanis have appointed former skipper Gonzella Urakusie as player-coach and Michael Moses will be his assistant as the 2018 champions continue to make their way up the Digicel Cup ladder.
The Lahanis have recorded two wins and a draw over the past three rounds to find themselves just one spot outside of the top-six with four rounds left before the playoffs.
Urakusie told The National yesterday that the club management had made the decision in the best interest of the team.
The veteran forward said hooker Charlie Buka had been appointed as skipper with Brandon Nima and Nuabe Kuipa as vice-captains.
“After we recorded our fourth loss of the season against Waghi Tumbe in round four, the management made the reshuffle,” said 32 year-old Urakusie, who will be retiring at season’s end.
“I think the management made the changes for the good of the team and I guess we are seeing some success now.
“Moses and I are working closely together.
“We understand each other and our players also understand us.
“We are communicating and working as a unit now and it’s a positive sign for us.
“Moses is backing me so the team spirit is great.
“We are now counting on Buka to lead.
“He has been with the team for quite a long time now and I know he can lead.
“It’s also great for Nima and Kuipa to gain experience in a leadership role.
“They are the ones who will be taking the team forward when I retire.”
Urakusie said he didn’t play in the Lahanis’ first win of the season against the Central Dabaris as he sat on the sideline as coach.
But he then took the field in their 14-14 round-six draw with the Rabaul Gurias before sitting out last week’s win over Isou.

2 comments

  • Yes, that is the right decision made by the team because he has everything that the teams needs and he is going to give it to them.

  • …. The Lahanis supporters are tied of the managements input and interest affecting the team..The Management is trying to dictate as coach and players passing the the buck “to Coaches and players for inconsistencies . The exodus of upcoming boys moving out making the team to push start early really is the cruz of the losses. Otherwise , get the house in order and take ownership by providing incentives and career paths for players future.On the flip side,as a player coach,Gonzales has to start as a club coach as a base level before he is elevated. Being a Ex- Kumul and Hunters doesn’t guarantee quality in coaching.This are two different fields in themselves and needs experience in their own accord. Any way , Mr Gonzales took the Goroka Reds to a 3 loss against the whites early this year….so were the Lahanis Management on high under the NSI kumurere tree “”””….For goodness sake , leave Mr. Moses complete his term and he deserves better than a simple respect…He has delivered for EHP on 3 finals occasions….. Mind you,one day , the Nature will take ownership on behalf of EHP people for a better flagman-ship like Muruks .

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