Mt Hagen happy with WNSL finish

IT was a rollercoaster of a season for Highlands Conference runners-up Mt Hagen who bowed out of the Women’s National Soccer League quarterfinals.
Despite falling short of the semifinals in Port Moresby, coach Alex Ralemba told The National that he was pleased with the team’s overall performance in the country’s premier women’s football competition.
Mt Hagen lost 0-6 to Hekari United at Papua New Guinea Football Stadium.
Ralemba said playing Hekari in the nation’s capital was a huge task for his players.
“We’re used to playing in the cold climate, so the Port Moresby heat was challenging for our players,” he said.
“To face a team like Hekari at the top level was bit hard for the players.
“Most of them don’t have such high skills to match Hekari.”
Ralemba praised his players for remaining focused despite facing challenges during the season.
“The games were stopped one point, so we had to send our players home,” he said.
“The stops and breaks weren’t helpful in preparing our players.
“But we did our best when the games resumed.
“These challenges didn’t stop us from reaching the finals.”
Ralemba said the experience would provide a platform for them to prepare for a stronger campaign next season.
“We’re planning to go back and come back stronger next year,” he said.
“We will improve as much as possible for a better campaign next season.”