National goalkeeper inspires Loi

**Genesis goalkeeper Leah Loi in action against Port Moresby City at Papua New Guinea Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday. – Nationalpics by PATRICIA KEAMO**

By PATRICIA KEAMO
GENESIS goalkeeper Leah Loi says her long-term goal is to make the Papua New Guinea women’s football team as she continues to impress in the Women’s National Soccer League (WNSL).
Born to parents Monica and Paul Loi, from East Sepik, West Sepik and Madang, the Mamose lass kicked off her soccer career with Bara in the Lae Football Association competition in 2013.
“I used to play on the flanks but when we (Bara) didn’t have a goalkeeper, (national and Bara custodian) Fidelma (Watpore) pushed me to take up the role, so I did,” said the 20-year-old.
“She is my role model in soccer, it was through her that I became a goalkeeper.”
When she relocated to the nation’s capital, Loi joined Leilam before moving to fellow Port Moresby Soccer Association (PMSA) club Genesis last year.
One of her football achievements with Genesis was last year’s PMSA nine-a-side grand final victory while another highlight was a premiership with Bara in 2015.
Loi’s performances over the last seven rounds of the Women’s National Soccer League have been noteworthy as she continues to save goals and contribute to Genesis’ ladder-leading dominance in the Southern Conference.

Goalkeeper Leah Loi receiving her player of the match award from bmobile acting national marketing manager Devan Kula after Genesis’ 1-1 draw with Hekari United in round five of the Women’s National Soccer League Southern Conference at PNG Football Stadium in Port Moresby last month. Bmobile is the official communications partner of the league. – PNGFApic

After leaving school at Grade 10 to look after her sick mum, Loi turned her focus to football with the aim of representing the country.
“My goal is to make the national team, so I have to give my best in each game and remain consistent,” she said.
“I’m always confident in my abilities but facing Port Moresby City and Hekari United can be a bit challenging.
“Having said that, I’m confident that we will make the playoffs and reach the grand final.”
Despite suffering a minor injury during their match against City last weekend, Loi said she was impressed with how her teammates had won 5-1.
As a development player who came this far under Genesis coach Percy Mataio and goalkeeping trainer Kalafi Mesake, Loi urged other youngsters to focus on football and learn from senior players.
“We have to humble ourselves and learn from them,” she said.
“Believe in yourself that you too can make it into the national team.”