Semmy to join national team later due to club commitments

Sports

AUSTRALIAN-BASED Papua New Guinea international Tommy Semmy says he will join the national men’s football squad later this month in Qatar and not next week when the Kapuls arrive in Doha.
The Altona Magic striker said his club needed him to play in Australia’s second-tier football competition until just before the Fifa World Cup regional qualifiers.
“Because of my club commitments here, I had to change my flight from March 7 (Monday) to the following week, so I’ll fly out on March 14 and meet the squad there,” Semmy told The National yesterday.
“I’ve kicked off the season here with Altona and have played two games so far with one draw and one loss.
“I’ll be playing two more matches with my team before leaving for Qatar the following Monday.
“I had a great pre-season with the club after signing with them and the season is going well.
“I’m looking forward to joining the Kapuls in Doha.
“I was told a friendly match was scheduled for March 13.”
When asked about his attacking combination with fellow forwards Raymond Gunemba, Kolu Kepo, Mathew David and Patrick Aisa, Semmy said it would depend on how the coach planned to use them.
“I’ll have to go first to Qatar and observe the squad, play with them before working together on combinations,” he said.
“But I’m confident in the squad.
“It’s up to us now to get our heads right and work on achieving our goal.” Meanwhile, head coach Marcos Gusmao has hinted that Semmy would be one of his picks for the Kapuls’ first 11.
“I will not be announcing the first 11 until we’re in Qatar and joined by Semmy,” Gusmao said. “David Browne might also be included late, so I’ll consider that before naming the first 11 players.”
Kapuls manager Joseph Ealedona confirmed that Browne’s documents had been completed and were being processed.