Pai, Olo excited about return

By MICHAEL PHILIP
EXPERIENCED Digicel Cup players Stanley Olo and Daniel Pai have returned to their former Digicel Cup club Agmark Gurias after spending two years with the Lae Snax Tigers and Kroton Hela Wigmen.
Gurias team manager Mapua Tamtu confirmed their availability on Sunday in an interview with The National.
“Olo and Pai are experienced Digicel Cup players,” he said.
“They left us for personal reasons and joined other teams, but we are happy to have them back.
“Pai is our development player back in 2014 and made his debut in 2015,” Tamtu said of the prop.
“So we’re all excited to have them here and we’re looking forward to seeing what they can do this season.”
The pair’s contributions in the opening round of the Digicel Cup helped the Agmark-sponsored side to beat hosts Enga Mioks 18-16 at Aipus Oval in Wabag on Sunday.
Olo, a former Lae Tigers hooker and SP Hunters squad member, said: “It was a great feeling to be back with the Gurias. Everybody fits in well for this season and we’re looking forward to the coming rounds.”
Following their gritty win on Sunday, Olo said the side would need to re-group again this week and work on their weak areas as they face fellow first-round winners Moni Plus Port Moresby Vipers at home in Kokopo.
“It’s always a challenge playing in the Highlands for a coastal team,” he said.
“But we managed to hold on and come up with the win, so my teammates deserve the credit.
“There are a few areas that need improvement, we will work on them and come back stronger on Sunday.”
Meanwhile, Pai said he was excited to be wearing the green, red and white jersey again and aimed to be a more consistent performer for the club.
“This is where it all began, so I am giving my best for the team,” he said.
“It’s a good start for us, but we can still build on that and improve in the coming rounds.”