PNG yet to assemble MSG PMs Cup squad

The National Sports
PNG skipper Alwin Kolomong defending against New Caledonia.

By PATRICIA KEAMO
THE Papua New Guinea New Guinea Football Association is yet to assemble a men’s team for next month’s Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Prime Ministers Cup in Vanuatu.
A committee – led by PNG Sports Foundation programmes manager John Susuve – has been formed with association, MSG and foundation representatives to organise the team’s participation in the tournament.

PNG midfielder Michael Foster attempting to evade the Solomon Islands defence.

The tournament – which ends on Sept 30 – will see PNG, Vanuatu, Vanuatu Development Team (Group A), New Caledonia, Fiji and the Solomon Islands (Group B) kick off the pool stage on Sept 17.
According to the committee, the cost of travel and preparations will likely be met by the State since the tournament is an initiative of the MSG governments, including PNG.

Papua New Guinea’s Felix Komolong defending against the Solomon Islands during the Fifa World Cup Oceania qualifiers in Doha, Qatar, earlier this year. – OFCpics

Hosts Vanuatu will organise logistics and accommodation for the visiting teams in the nation’s capital, Port Vila.
Following a committee meeting earlier this week, the foundation has been tasked with securing funding support from government bodies.
Formerly the Melanesian Cup, it has been recognised as a tier-one Fifa tournament.

PNG’s Daniel Joe attempting to contain New Caledonia’s attack.

The top-two teams from each group will proceed to the semifinals of which the winners will meet in the Sept 30 final.
Meanwhile, national men’s football team head coach Marcos Gusmao told The National that he was looking forward to assembling a strong squad for the tournament, pending instructions from the committee.

New Caledonia forcing a save from PNG goalkeeper Ronald Warisan

“I have plans in place, but I’m awaiting confirmation to select players and start training as soon as possible,” the South American said.
“I intend to assemble a strong, young team in line with my game model.”

PNG’s Emmanuel Airem defending against New Caledonia during the Fifa World Cup Oceania qualifiers.

But association general secretary Pius Letenge said it was yet to be decided which category of players would be assembled for the tournament.
“Either we send a youth team, our men’s team or a mixture of both,” he said.
“This is yet to be decided by the committee.”