PNG U19s squad named, backed for OFC titles

PAPUA New Guinea Under-19 men’s soccer coach Harrison Kamake announced his final squad for the OFC U19 Championship in Tahiti from August 5-18.
Except for new inclusions Stahl Gubag, Joseph Wawai, Laventine Munuo and Cameron Nuabi, Kamake has retained the bulk of his U17 team that participated at the OFC U17 Championship in Tahiti last year.
The team did well by qualifying for the OFC U17 Championship semifinal for the first time in the nation’s history losing to New Zealand. Kamake said he was happy with the composition of the team, which was dominated by players from Besta PNG United with three from Southern Strikers and one from Madang FC.
He said he had followed the progress of the players from the National Soccer League and was satisfied with the player’s performance. Kamake said he had quality players and they were looking to face Tonga, New Zealand and host Tahiti.
“We are not afraid of any team because these are the same players we played last year atthe OFC U17 Championship.
“We’ve got good players who are ready to give their best for their country when the OFC U19 Championship kicks off,” Kamake said.
PNG is pooled in Group A with New Zealand, Tonga and Tahiti while Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and New Caledonia are in Group B. Meanwhile, Panamex Pacific (PNG) through milk product brand ‘Boneeto’ has backed the PNG U19s. The company announced in Lae last week the naming rights to the team with a K10,000 sponsorship and presented walkout shirts, training apparel and caps. The team will be known as the Boneeto PNG U19s.
Panamex’s Simonta Hani told the players and the management to perform well through discipline on and off the field. PNG U19s squad: Goalkeepers — Graham Berigami, Baxter Morris; Defenders — Dopson Noi, Kimson Kapai, Freeman Giwi, Sylvester Wafihunia, Dinniget Luaine; Midfielders — Joseph Waiwai, Obert Simon, Emmanuel Simongi, Ricky Wadunah, Yagi Yasasa, Laventine Munuo; Forwards: Jonathan Allen, Barthy Kerobin, Cameron Nuabi, Stahl Gubag, Wolfram Gregory, Abraham Allen; Team management: Coach — Harrison Kamake; Assistant coach — Gina Sam; Physio — Stanley Pokasap; Team Manager — Besi Simongi.