PNG expecting strong rivalry

By PATRICIA KEAMO
WOMEN’S National Soccer League (WNSL) interim committee deputy chairman Deslyn Siniu says the national team will not be underestimating any country as they prepare for the qualifiers for the 2023 World Cup.
She said although New Zealand — whom Papua New Guinea have been second best to in Oceania —have automatically qualified for the World Cup as the host nation, the other Pacific Island countries were still a threat to PNG. “We are not underestimating any of those Pacific Island countries, they are good in their own way just like PNG,” Siniu said.
The former PNG captain said the level of competition and challenges team faced from the other countries varied over the years since the Pacific Games in 2003.
According to Siniu, in 2003, Fiji were the biggest threat to PNG then it was Samoa in 2007 and New Caledonia in 2011.
“But in the 2018 Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Nation’s Cup, Fiji were a major threat, they caused an upset by beating PNG,” she said.
“So for PNG, we don’t take them lightly, everyone is a threat to us, we only have to maintain our composure and believe in ourselves that we can play football.
“From what I saw in the last match between Genesis and Hekari United, they have set the standard.
“But I believe there’s more to improve on.
“We just need more investment, support, training and experience in terms of playing world-class teams, that will enhance the national team in terms of their performances.
“We have the potential to compete internationally and the WNSL sets that platform.
“So if we continue, more resources are pumped into women’s football and with Fifa’s support, PNG can be the best.”
Siniu said compared with her time, there was no competition like the WNSL, which helps upcoming players in terms of performing at the national and international level.
“We also want to maintain that status quo as the best in the Pacific,” she said.
“We’re just one step into the World Cup.
“For our aim to reach the World Cup, with NZ automatically qualifying, I think one of our challenges now are the qualifiers and I believe that having more international friendlies will assist our girls.”