Netball PNG announces Pepes train-on squad

By SULI SULI
NETBALL Papua New Guinea has endorsed the national women’s train-on squad following last weekend’s trials at the Rita Flynn Courts in Port Moresby.
The federation announced the 12-man Pepes squad on Monday with the majority of them scouted from the Port Moresby Netball Association.
The squad are preparing for the World Cup Oceania qualifiers which will be held in Fiji from July 16.
The players went through physiotherapy and medical checks at the Sir John Guise Stadium Indoor Complex yesterday.
Screening will continue today at the Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Centre with players to undergo fitness tests.
Federation high performance manager Iammo Launa told The National that the squad would be trimmed before their travel to Brisbane where the team would be finalised next month.
“We will trim the squad after our next trials,” she said.
“Our Brisbane-based players will also be considered.
“So the final team will be announced on June 17.”
Meanwhile, Launa said they were having issues with venues.
“We’ve been struggling to find proper venues to train,” she said.
“Right now, the Rita Flynn Indoor Complex is not conducive to use.
“The outdoor courts are not suitable for the athletes either.
“We don’t want our players to be injured, given the current state of the facilities.’’ With some sporting venues being used for the general election, Launa appealed to the PNG Sports Foundation to secure a venue for Netball PNG to prepare the Pepes.
Meanwhile, PNG are among five Oceania countries, including Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Island, that have been confirmed for the qualifiers.
Train-on squad: Mareva Oda, Kevau Tamarua, Violet James, Kala Ali, Alice James, Barbara Arivusu, Vili Nopiri, Jacklyn Lahari, Genevieve Ume, Lani Kapapoita, Kilala Owen, Lesiele Vele