Sepik FC sides set for upcoming competitions

THE Sepik Football Club is preparing two of its teams to travel to Lae next week ahead of the kickoff for the PNG Football Association national competitions on June 17.
General secretary Clarence Hukahu said the Under-19 men’s team and the senior women’s team finalised their teams and are awaiting travel arrangements from Wewak to Lae.
Hukahu said the Moins would be competing in the Women’s Conference Soccer League while the Poniengus would compete in the National Youth Soccer League (U19 men’s).
“We are pooling together our resources to at least pay half of the registration fees and get travel arrangements in order for the team to travel,” said Hukahu.
“Apart from commitments from the Tourism Unit of the East Sepik administration, three submissions were made to three companies. The Local Gold Buyer in Lae, Guard Dog Limited, OK Tedi Development Foundation in Ramu and Lae respectively. That was done by a guardian of our local talent from Markham.”
Hukahu said the club appointed three co-captains for the teams.
PNG representative and Lae-based player Kesai Kotome will lead the women’s team alongside Bridget Paime and Phornica Nere.
For the Poniengus, the co-captains will be Josiah Tunan, Leslie Mami and Othniel Mowe.
“The 2023 season looks good as Sepik FC returns with the aim to earn a spot in the 2024 Oceania Football Confederation women’s qualifiers (Champions League) with the U19 looking to thrive in the youth league,” said Hukahu of the club’s prospects in the newly formed competitions.
“The Moins have the support of national representatives Kesai Kotome, Leah Loi, Georgina Kaikas, Joelyn Aimi, Bridgit Paime while the U19 are fortunate to have the experience of Josiah Tunan, Cartbert Rose, Abraham Janjimari who competed in the 2021 NSL season.”
“Since some CIS children are part of the team, we look forward to good support from the CIS Community and the Sepik Community in Lae, Morobe and the faithful in Madang who travel up every weekend to see the game,” Hukahu said.
“The club is determined to progress this year through our faith in God and the commitment to work towards improving the Sepik way of doing things.”