Mune picks on form

NATIONAL women coach Steven Mune yesterday named eight Pacific Games in his squad for the Olympic Qualifier match in Tonga next month.

The squad is dominated by Mungkas FC with seven players, University Inter FC have four, Bara and PNG Power with three players each while Wau, VAT Yamaros and Hekari United miss out altogether.

The two notable omissions from the squad include stylish University flanker Esther Kurabi and creative midfielder Jacqueline Chalau of VAT Yamaros.

Mune said the selection was done under strict criteria which unfortunately saw some senior players missing out on the final squad.

He did not elaborate on the selection criteria used but said players were picked on their performance during the Ox & Palm WNSL competition and on the national team’s style of play.

The team has recalled first choice goalkeeper Linda Bunaga from University Inter to replace Kini Toua of Mungkas.

"It is a tough call for a coach to make but with the composition of current team, I am confident we can be a competitive outfit during the one-week women’s Olympic qualifier in Tonga," he said.

Mune said he was pleased with the composition of the team which included several members of the 2011 Pacific Games in Noumea, New Caledonia, while younger talents who had been consistent in form were given a chance on the international stage.

The survivors of the Pacific Games include Watpore, Bunaga, Honekii, Sesevo, Max, Birum, Siniu and Ramona Morris.

Former players Limbai and Winas has fought their way back into the national team.

Mune said the team would leave for the Gold Coast on Sunday for further training.

They play three trial matches against Queensland club and state teams before leaving for Nukualofa, Tonga, on Feb 17.

The competition is from March 1-9.

The squad: goalkeepers – Fidelma Watpore (Bara), Linda Bunaga (Uni), Linda Honeikii (Bara), defenders – Dorcas Sesevo (Mungkas), Agai Max -PNG Power, Aida Gerota (Uni), Esther Kenatsi (Mungkas), Daphney Francis (PNG Power), midfielders – Esther Muta (Uni), Barbara Muta (Uni), Nagina Hola (Mungkas), Claire Tsuga (Mungkas), Daisy Winas (PNG Power), Sandra Birum (Poro), strikers – Georgina Kaikas (Poro), Ramona Morris (Mungkas), Zina Limbai (Bara) and Fatima Rama (Mungkas).

By HENRY MORABANG