Pepes picked

PNG Netball Federation president Julianne Leka-Maliaki yesterday announced the PNG PMMI Pepes squad to play in next month’s Pacific Netball Series in Port Moresby.
She said the team was selected following recent selection trials and camps over the Easter weekend in Port Moresby.
Included in the team are three Australia-based players in goal shooters Tiata Baldwin and Maleta Roberts and midcourt player Cheryl Renagi, and one from Madang, Nisha Omi, while the rest are from the nation’s capital.
The Pepes: Baldwin, Roberts, Marie Otio, Mary Paul Beuhler, Alurigo Opina, Richanda Kassman, Renagi, Lama Lua, Lua Mavara-Rikis, Winnie Mavara, Omi, Nancy Kapi, Jessie Logo, Rhoda Kerea and Albertine Ehari.
Pole Kassman is coach with Boe Lahui her assistant and Helen Havora as team manager.
Leka-Maliaki said the Pepes were currently preparing for the upcoming Pacific Series to be staged from June 6-10 which will include Samoa, Cook Islands and Fiji.
She also announced the PNGNF’s development team to the NSW State Holden Championships in Sydney from June 11-13.
The side includes players from the Alotau, NCD, Kairuku-Hiri and Central competitions as well as two Pepes.
The PNG development team: Logo, Tau Galewa, Linessa Pouna, Kinibo Baroa, Rayleen Andrew, Ehari, Agnes Lucas, Paruru Vaieke, Dorcas Ilagi, Rhoda Kerea, Gasi Moka , Rava Agi, Stacey Alu, Philomena Naime and Boio Rei.
The management  team is Margaret Opina (coach), Oti Sarufa (assistant) and Kori Navuru (manager).
Leka-Maliaki said the PNGNF was excited about the progress of the development team since commencing training early this year and the players had showed “a lot of commitment, dedication and enthusiasm” towards their training programme. 
“This is the beginning of PNG netball’s development pathway programme for junior development in the country which will commence next year and will include U15 to U21 divisions,” she said.