Morris challenges City players to earn spots in national side

By PATRICIA KEAMO
NATIONAL men’s team assistant coach Bob Morris has challenge 13 of his Lae City players to remain consistent to earn a spot in Papua New Guinea squad for the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers in Qatar.
City coach Morris will also be overseeing the 30-man squad until head coach Marcos Gusmao arrives in PNG to finalise preparations. He said he was happy to see 13 City players in the Kapuls 30-man squad.
Morris said he believed the players were selected on merit.
“Their National Soccer League performances were the basis of their selection, including their game experience and consistency,” he told The National.
“Whether they can maintain their performance to make a final cut when the head coach arrives, depends solely on their game and discipline.
“The head coach has his own style and philosophies, so this will be a very tough challenge for them and everyone in the squad.
“I can’t confirm whether all 13 can will make the cut, but they have passed the first process and now they all have to go through the final process.
“I am no stranger to the national team and head coach,” the Kapuls assistant coach said.
“I was his assistant coach back in 2007 with the national women’s team during the World Cup qualifiers here in Lae.
“I also assisted him (Gusmao) in the same year with the men’s team to the Solomon Islands for a friendly match.
“That gives me a good understanding in recognising his style and philosophies.” At the same time, the Lae City coach said he was excited to learn some new coaching methods from an international mentor.
Meanwhile, PNG Football Association general secretary Pius Letenge told The National that Morris would be working with the technical department to plan training programmes for the squad.