PNG rep hails Wawens Cup as ‘a great’ platform

By PARKER TAMBUA
THE Wawens Cup is a great platform to expose rural football talents in Mamose, says Papua New Guinea international goalkeeper Ishmael Pole.
The Hekari United No.1, who led Bismarck to a 4-2 penalty shootout win over B-Tech in the final on Sunday, told The National that unknown talents were just as competitive as their more experienced opposition.
“Big thanks to the Wawens Cup organisers, this tournament is getting bigger every year and I enjoyed it,” the 27-year old said.
“There were a good number of Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League (NSL) players who participated in the tournament, playing for their respective teams.
“From what I had seen, the young talents from the rural areas gave them a good challenge.
“Even I faced some good, young strikers and that is what it’s all about.
“It’s about exposing rural players and the tournament is a perfect avenue for them to rub shoulders with semi-professional players.
“I would love to see this tournament continue growing in the years to come.”
Meanwhile, Pole said the Wawens Cup also helped NSL players to stay fit and focused during the offseason.
“It keeps players occupied and away from bad habits which is a good thing,” the Kagua native said.
“We had Emmanuel Simon (Lae City), Kepas Kameng, Alex Kameng, Jeremy Yasasa (Morobe United) and Joshua Talau (Vitiaz United).”