Lahanis releasing 20 players

By PARKER TAMBUA
THE Lahanis will release 20 players from their 46-man train-on squad after their trial match against Waghi Tumbe at the National Sports Institute in Goroka, Eastern Highlands, in two weeks’ time.
Team manager Benji Filele told The National yesterday that the Bintangor-sponsored side had lost a number of their regular players to other Digicel Cup franchises.
He said some of the notable players were Nuabo Kuipa and Aeno Lasuwo who joined the Stanley Tepend-coached Lae Tigers.
Filele said the trial was important as they would use it to identify replacements for the players who had left.
“Members of our train-on squad are from the Simon Sia Nines which we hosted in December,” he said.
“We have retained the bulk of the players from last year, but we still need to add new players to fill the void.” The team manager said the Lahanis were looking at a final 26-man squad for the upcoming Digicel Cup season which means 20 players in the train-on squad would be released.
He said club veteran and 2020 player-coach Gonzella Urakusie would be the head coach in the new season.
“The board has decided for Gonzella to be the coach,” Filele said.
“I guess he will not be playing but will focus on coaching.
“We haven’t appointed the team captain yet.
“We will name a captain after the trial against Tumbe.
“I believe there are some good leaders in the squad who will carry the team forward, so we will decide in a few weeks’ time.
“The Lahanis look young and are preparing well.
“We’re aiming to be more competitive this year.”