Official queries PNGFA’s axing of players from squad

THE Papua New Guinea Football Association’s (PNGFA) omission of 10 players from the national women’s squad has been queried as the group prepare for next month’s friendly matches against the Solomon Islands.
The 10 players are Fidelma Watpore, Asaiso Gossie, Yvonne Gabong, Arnolda Dou, Sagude Zale, Isabella Natera, Joelyn Aimi, Sandra Birum, Georgina Kaikas and Sonia Embahe.
PNGFA said last week that the omissions were due to underperformance and injury.
Lae Football Association (LFA) official Carol Yawing, however, said these players were part of Papua New Guinea’s title-winning campaign in the recent Oceania Football Confederation Women’s Nations Cup in Fiji.
“As a women’s representative (of LFA), I want to know who made the call to drop these players and replace the coach,” she said.
“This is an insult to the players and us. Tusbab students had sacrificed their education (to be in the squad).
“Morobe players and others had give their time and efforts to be in the squad.
“Now that they have been omitted, what will be done to help these players? The mother body (PNGFA) needs to explain to member associations as we struggle to help ensure continuity in the Women’s National Soccer League (WNSL).
“Where is the fair play that we want to promote?” Yawing said the 10 players had contributed to the country’s title-winning success in Fiji.
“Sandra Birum and Georgina Kaikas had trained fulltime, but were never given game time,” she said. “The players who are carrying injuries have to be monitored and assessed before any decision is made.”