Ovia eyes World Cup

AS the national men’s cricket team prepare for their Twenty20 World Cup debut on Oct 17, assistant coach John Ovia — a former Papua New Guinea Barramundi — is close to realising a boyhood dream.
The Hanuabada villager remembers watching the World Cup semifinal in 1996 with his father.
“We were watching the game between Australia and West Indies, Dad was cheering for the West Indies, I wanted Australia to win,” Ovia said.
“The final was very tense, but Australia fought back to win the game, my Dad didn’t talk to me for a while after the match, but that was when I first dreamt of playing in a World Cup.”
A talented right-hand batsman, Ovia started playing at Kempa cricket club before joining Poreporena to enhance his chances of being selected for the Barramundis.
He has represented PNG with distinction from 1995 through to 2009 and even had the honour of captaining the Barramundis in one game.
Ovia has played in the national colours against countries from all over the world, having a highest score of 150 against Samoa and “too many 50s to remember”.
He shared the field with many Barramundis legends during his time, but rated Jamie Brazier as the best batsman he played with, and Rarua Dikana as the best bowler and captain.
In terms of games, Ovia recalled a match against Italy where, without a couple of key players, the Barras rallied to win.
“My coach said ‘today is your day, John, to win this game’,”he said,
“We eventually won six wickets.
“Down chasing around 200, I was still at the crease on 70-odd when we scored the winning runs.
“I came off the ground in tears, I was so proud and happy for my country.”
Ovia’s coaching career started in 2008 and he had since been a key figure in the Cricket PNG high performance department.
Now as the most qualified active coach in PNG, he plays a pivotal role alongside national head coach Carl Sandri and consultant coaches like Chadd Sayers, who has been brought in as a specialist bowling coach.
“I have worked with a lot of coaches in my time, I enjoy working them, I learn a lot from their experience, and it is part of my role to help players understand and commit to the processes they put in place,” Ovia said.
“They are all different in their coaching styles, Dipak Patel was a smart, skilful cricketer, with a relaxed style.
“Joe Dawes brought professionalism, work ethic and belief, and now I’m enjoying working with Sandri, who is very positive.”