Pepes need to be competitive

 By KYMLIE KARANI

THE Pacific MMI Pepes will have to build a strong wall of defence in order to beat world class netball outfit Fiji in their first match of the Pacific Netball Series on June 4 in Samoa.

With three weeks away from the PNS, head coach Annie Iamo and her management team is working hard on strategies of how to maximise their defence against their opponents.

The PNG Netball Federation is confident with current mix of youth and experience and is hoping for good results which would mean a third place finish.

“Fiji  are ranked 7th in the world and are the best team in the Pacific but we are hoping that with the good combinations we have, we can be competitive,” PNG netball president Julienne Leka-Maliaki said.

Meanwhile, the PMMI Pepes commenced their final phase of training last week mainly focusing on court craft before they depart for Australia on May 30 for two lead-up matches in Brisbane, Queensland.

PNG Pacific MMI Pepes will play Samoa on June 5 and Cook Islands on June 6.

The team has had to regroup with the unavailability of key players in current captain Lua Rikis, Richandah Kassman, Marie Ottio and Rhoda Kerea who were part of last year’s squad that played in Fiji.

These women represent a big loss in playing stock however inclusion of veterans Kilala Owen, who was recalled this year to the national team after a lengthy absence, and specialist defender Kapu Kapi and boom youngster Margaret Eka on defence are expected to make up for the loss.

The Pepes: Tiata Baldwin, Cheryl Renagi, Maleta Roberts, Rayleen Andrew, Kula Iamo, Nerrie Adula, Margaret Eka, Kilala Owen, Albertine Ehari, Winnie Mavara, Kapu Kapi and Tau Galewa.