Pole planning goalkeeper clinics

Sports

By PARKER TAMBUA
PAPUA New Guinea international Ishmael Pole says he is planning to organise regular clinics as goalkeeper coaching is lacking at the junior level throughout the country.
The Hekari United No.1 told The National yesterday that he was working with other Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League (NSL) goalkeepers to get the PNG Football Association’s (PNGFA) backing.
“Goalkeeping is a unique role which requires its own coaching from the rest of the team,” the Southern Highlands native said.
“One of the problems that we’ve identified in PNG soccer is that we don’t have goalkeeping coaches at the junior level and in smaller football associations.
“I only got someone to coach me the technical part of the position when I made the Under-20 national side before transitioning into semi-professional football where I learned most of my skills.
“We want to change that.
“That is why me and other goalkeepers like Morobe United’s Vagi Koniel, former PNG international Anton Pipi, my younger brother and former Kutubu No.1 Jonathan Pole and others, have come up with the idea to impart our experience and knowledge to youngsters who are interested to learn.
“We are planning to start the clinics in Lae and target goalkeepers between the ages of 15 and 20 years old.
“We’re looking at running the clinics on Wednesdays and Saturdays.”
Pole, from Kagua, said they wanted to schedule the clinics during the NSL offseason.
He said they were awaiting approval from the sport’s national governing body to run the clinics.
“We’ve already submitted our proposal to PNGFA,” the 27-year-old said.
“Hopefully, they can get behind us.
“We’ also appeal to sponsors to support the clinics because goalkeeping can win games for PNG.”