Pepes squad announced

THE PNG Netball Federation has endorsed a 43-member training squad in preparation for the Pacific Cup to be held in Cook Island from June 5-8.
The Pacific Cup is the regional qualifying tournament for the 2011 netball World Cup.
PNGNF secretary Julian Leka-Maliaki said yesterday, the squad includes current 15 members of Pepes team,  last year’s U21 World Youth Cup team and players selected from the PNG Games held in November last year in Port Moresby. 
She said given the significance of the Cook Islands tournament,  selectors and the national body have opted for youth in the train-on squad which is by  experienced members led by seasoned campaigners in captain Monalisa Leka, Lua Mavara, Winnie Mavara and Dianne Kala.
The Pacific Series is an important event in the PNGNF calendar as it is  sanctioned by netball’s governing body (IFNA) as a qualifying tournament for the World Cup. 
PNG is currently ranked 12th in the world and must be placed either 1st or 2nd at this tournament to participate at the World Cup in Singapore.
She said the trials for the Pacific Series would be held on April 17-18 before the team leaves for Cook Islands in May 27.
There will also be another training camp in Brisbane, Australia, from May 28 to June 2 before Cooks Islands for the tournament scheduled for June 3-5.
All members in the train-on squad are to contact the management team immediately through Pole Kassman (head coach) on 72154426 or Mike Petrides on 76880763 for details regarding programme.
Meanwhile, the PNGNF will hold a fundraising event for the Pepe’s “Netball Fun Day” to be held at the Rita Flynn Courts on March 20.
The registration fee to participate is K300 and the management team can be contacted regarding this event.
The training squad is as follows: Maleta Roberts, Lydia Rosa Vele, Yvonne Vele, Nettie Sau, Melinda Tau, Latticia Gaia, Vasuru Ruga, Rayleen Andrew, Marypaul Buehler, Nerrie Sape, Daphne Hungrabos and Fiona Turhurus (shooters), Alurigo Opina, Cheryl Renagi, Gase Moka, Olive Jonah, Alice Hare, Betty Sam, Ali Mark, Cathy Niggins, Torea Rea, Maria Mou. Neino Kopi and Doso Koko (mid-court), Sonia Terea, Florence Genolagani, Linessa Pouna, Jessie Logo, Lama Lua, Alison Benny, Belinda Lote, Betty Aisi, Patricia Kalang, Kila Jacob, Jennifer Elizah, Rai Kapa, Valio Vele, Heliana Hoge Kapigeno, Tanya Yama,  Diane Anton, Rova Karo and Jelix Neki (defenders). 
The current Pepes players include : Lua Rikis, Tiata Baldwin, Gewa Raula, Marie Otto, Leana Hughes, Michelle Gietzel (shooters), Mona Lisa-Leka, Dianne Kala, Richadah Kassman, Rhoda Kerea (mid-court), Yvonne Magutau, Nisha Omi, Ravu Raula, Winnie Mavara and Raka Nope (defenders).