Pepe: Hard work pays off

By JACK AMI
Papua New Guinea Pepes’ Boio Peter says becoming an elite netballer comes down to hard work and desire.
Peter, 19, said she was proud to win gold with the Pepes when she debuted at the Mini Pacific Games in Vanuatu last year.
Peter, who turns 20 in September and is from Lese Kavora in Gulf, is slowly finding her feet as a shooter alongside experienced hands in Rayleen Andrew and Jephert Tulapi.
The Limana Vocational Centre student is among 15 players selected, with the final 12 yet to be announced for this month’s World Cup qualifier in Auckland, New Zealand.
Peter, hopeful of making the final team, said she represented the junior Pepes in New Zealand in 2016 off the back of hard work.
“I have a lot of respect for my senior teammates, the management, PNG netball executives, headed by president Julianne Maliaki, and national selectors for tapping into my talent and promoting me to this level,” Peter said.
“I have learnt a lot in the many training sessions.
“The high performance training was intensive and to make it meant that I had to be disciplined, dedicated, determined and committed.
“We all get along with each other, with the senior players encouraging us every step of the way.”
Peter started playing netball with the Isapea Warriors from Gabi in Hanuabada in the Under-13 division when she was eight years old.
“I then linked up with the Telstars Under-15, Under-17 and Under-21 where I was identified to represent Port Moresby at the national championships,” she said.
“I was fortunate to have join Telstars, with coach Veitu Diro mentoring me.
“She promoted me to the premier division when I was in the Under-21 side, coming off the bench to replace the senior players.
“But in 2016 and last year, I became a regular starter.
“I’m always proud to play for my country, family, the Telstars and PNG netball, and will take on any challenge that comes my way.”