Paul looking to emulate midfield aces

National men’s team rookie Pala Paul maintaining possession as Tavur’s Andrew Marampau Jr applies pressure during round five of the National Soccer League at Papua New Guinea Football Stadium in Port Moresby last season. –PNGFApics

By PATRICIA KEAMO
WHEN he started playing soccer at the age of seven in Central, little did Pala Paul know that his dream of representing Papua New Guinea would come true 15 years later.
Raised by a single parent, Taulo Paul, Pala played his way into the National Soccer League from Babaka.
Now, the Gulf Komara midfielder is preparing with the final 25-man national squad for next month’s Fifa World Cup qualifiers next month.

**Pala Paul receiving a bmobile man of the match award from Papua New Guinea Football Association president John Kapi Natto after scoring a goal against Southern Youth in round six last season.**

“My family and relatives in the village were just as thrilled as I was when I got selected for the final squad,” the Rigo native told The National.
“Above all, I thank God for making it possible for me to live my dream.
“I also acknowledge the Komara management, coaches and squad.
“If it wasn’t for their support, I wouldn’t have come this far.”

**Lanky Gurias flyer Liam Joseph is from Matupit and Tavui.**

After completing Grade 10 at Kwikila Secondary School, Pala was unable to continue his education or seek employment, so he continued playing soccer with the aim to one day represent the country abroad.
“When I came to Port Moresby, I joined Wantoks in the Hekari United Academy,” the 22-year-old said. Watching veteran Papua New Guinea internationals David Muta and Michael Foster inspired me to play for my country one day.
“Muta and Foster were my role models, I watched them play growing up.
“When I joined the academy, they taught me a lot of things which helped me in my football career.
“They taught me to be patient and disciplined during the game, and to be passionate.
“I am happy that I get to play with them before they retire.
“I’m determined to pick up from where they will leave off.”
After a year at the academy, Pala made his league debut in 2018 with Gulf Komara under the mentorship of former national goalkeeper David Aua.

**Midfielder Pala Paul in action during a trial match against a Southern Conference Under-23 select side last month.**

“I used to play as a defender and striker, but Aua saw something in me and developed me into a midfielder,” he said.
“I’ve been with Komara for the last three years and one of my achievements was competing in the 2018 Battle of Giants hosted in Lae where we won the grand final under the former club name, Erema.
“I am grateful to my club coach who always pushes me to give my best during training and on game days.
“My focus now is to stay committed, put all my time and effort into working hard and achieving something for my country.
“I’ll always hold on to the advice my father gave me when I was a boy and that was, humble myself and always return to my roots despite wherever life takes me.
“I will do my best for the team as we represent the country in the qualifiers.”
Meanwhile, Aua said he was proud of Pala for making the national squad.
“We are happy for the young man, all the way from the village into the league and now the national squad,” he said.
“He has worked hard to get where he is now.
“But he still has a long way to go, so the experience will help him improve his skills as a midfielder.”