Pole becomes better goalkeeper during champions league

HEKARI United’s Ismael Pole says he has become a better goalkeeper despite the club bowing out in the group stage of the Oceania Football Confederation Champions League in February.
The 27-year-old told The National yesterday that he had enjoyed facing some of the region’s best strikers in their three pool matches at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby in February. “Our pool was tough,” said Pole, who is from Southern Highlands (dad) and West New Britain (mum).
“Defending champions Hienghene Sport (from New Caledonia), Galaxy (Vanuatu) and Eastern Saburbs (New Zealand) were strong teams with quality players.
“I’ve faced some of Oceania’s top strikers and I’ve learned a lot.
“I gained invaluable experience from our most recent regional outing and I thoroughly enjoyed the tournament even though we didn’t make it through to the finals.
“We prepared well but if only our forwards made use of every chance they got, we would’ve produced more positive results.
“You can play great football but if you can’t score, you can’t win.
“But we’ve moved on and I am prepared to use whatever knowledge I’ve gained from the tournament when the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League resumes.
“The experience will also help improve my goalkeeping skills for international matches.”
Hekari lost 1-2 to Eastern Suburbs, drew 2-2 with Hienghene and won 2-1 against Galaxy.