Paceman Raho keen to coach

 By HUXLEY LOVAI
HEBOU Papua New Guinea Barramundis bowler Pipi Raho hopes to one day take up coaching roles at his local cricket club, Wanderers, in the Port Moresby competition.
The 28-year-old right-arm paceman, who is part of coach Dipak Patel’s side that plays Kenya in two World Cricket League Championship 50-over games next week,  already helps out with training the Wanderers women’s, Under-17 and U19 teams, along with encouraging more young people to take up the sport.
“After my cricket playing career, I’m interested in taking up a coaching role at my club, maybe as a bowling or fielding coach,” Raho, who calls himself a medium pacer, said.
Raho, who is expected to be one of the Hebou Barramundis mainstays in a three-pronged pace attack comprising Norman Vanua and all-rounder Chad Sopper, said giving something back to the community was important and give him a lot of satisfaction.
“I would like to share my experience with the next generation of young cricketers.”
Raho made his one-day international debut against Hong Kong in Townsville, Australia, on Nov 8, 2014.
His Twenty20 International debut was in February 7 this year against Ireland at the same venue.
Despite the Amini Park wicket being better suited for spinners, Raho said as long as there was decent bounce and movement, the pace attack would contribute to the fortunes of the Barramundis by getting them off to strong starts in terms of building the pressure on the Kenyan top-order and picking up early wickets.
“I still think this wicket is good for medium-pace, because the pitch is low and slow batsman will probably try to hit big shots and that will give fielders a chance,” Raho said
“Medium-pace bowlers have different deliveries and change things up with slower bowls and Yorkers apart from seam and swing.”
Raho said the team had improved their game after playing top-ranked nations like Ireland and Afghanistan because the challenge posed by those teams required the Barras to be perfect — or near enough — in all areas.
“New fielding tactics introduced by coach Patel have lifted the fielding standards, such as running hard for the ball, and making sure that your body position is aligned with the bowler during the over,” Rho said.
“Patel has helped my bowling with a lot of helpful tips, such as improving the approach to my deliveries.
“The gym work has improved my fitness and upper body strength.
“It has helped me become a better cricketer.”