Morris eyeing return – The National

Madang-raised Rumona Morris in action against Port Moresby City during round seven of the Women’s National Soccer League Southern Conference at Papua New Guinea Football Stadium in Port Moresby last month. – Nationalpics by PATRICIA KEAMO

By PATRICIA KEAMO
GENESIS’ Rumona Morris is eyeing a comeback to the national team for the 2023 World Cup qualifiers, for which the Women’s National Soccer League (WNSL) is creating a pathway.
Raised in Madang but with roots in Manus and Milne Bay, the forward first represented Papua New Guinea abroad in 2010 as the skipper of the Under-15 national team at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.
Her soccer career started when she was 12 years old where she competed in the Madang Soccer Association competition with Newtown, Nabasa and then later played for Tusbab Blue Kumuls when she started making her international appearances.

**Genesis forward Rumona Morris maintaining possession against Hekari United midfielder Sonia Embahe.**

The 27-year-old is the third in a family of four born to parents Roselyn Maiya and Bob Morris, who is the coach of the national men’s Team Red in Lae.
After representing Holy Spirit Primary School in Madang (2006) in the fundamental football programme, Morris went on to lead the U15 national team to the Youth Olympic Games.
That same year, at the age of 15, Morris was selected to join the national women’s team to New Zealand for the World Cup qualifiers.
With 14 caps since 2010, her international appearances included the 2012 Pacific Games in New Caledonia, Oceania Football Confederation Women’s Championship (2010 and 2014) and on three occasions, Morris led the U20 national team to Malaysia and New Zealand.
In 2015, Morris was part of the national women’s team who were preparing for the Pacific Games in Port Moresby but due to study commitments, she did not participate.

**Rumona Morris receiving the Southern Conference’s most valuable player award from Papua New Guinea Football Association president John Kapi Natto.**

“I missed out on several representative opportunities and from then on, I concentrated on completing my studies,” she said.
In 2019, she completed her studies at Kokopo Business College in East New Britain and worked as a personal assistant to the general manager at Madang Star International Hotel before joining the WNSL.
“I decided to quit my job and move to Port Moresby to pursue my soccer career in the WNSL.”
Morris first played with Port Moresby City before she was recruited by Genesis in the mid-season transfer window.
With her previous experience leading the national U20s abroad, Morris said she hoped to one day also lead the senior side.
“The WNSL attracts a lot of elite PNG players which is very challenging for me as a developing player,” Morris said.
“But after a long spell (without international appearances since 2014), I am aiming to make a comeback.”
Morris has also represented the country in another sport. She played for the PNG Palais in the 2013 Hong Kong Sevens.
“I like to see young players devote their time and commitment to clubs and associations to grow the game because creating a pathway attracts potential players and raises the standard of the sport,” she said.