Sepik set sights on NSL

A NEW team are setting their sights on entering the upcoming men’s National Soccer League as they look to help develop the sport in their home province.
Sepik general secretary Clarence Hukahu told The National that they would submit their expression of interest (EOI) to the Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) before the May 28 deadline.
He said their train-on squad had already kicked off preparations, having completed their third week of training last week.
“We have already sent an email to PNGFA requesting for an EOI form and we’re expecting a response by this week,” Hukahu said.
“East Sepik Deputy Governor David Kausik has committed K10,000 for the team’s EOI (non-refundable fee), so we’re hoping for the money to be released in time for the payment by the end of the month.”
He said they were looking at a 22-man squad for the season with the bulk of the players to be from East Sepik and some men from West Sepik, Madang and Morobe.
“Similar to the focus we had for our Women’s NSL team, our aim is to unite Sepik and Mamose through football, that’s why we’re including players from those provinces,” Hukahu said.
“The players that will make up the Sepik team will be selected from the football associations in Wewak, Maprik, Vanimo, Madang and Lae.” Meanwhile, Hukahu said the men’s team were being managed by the management and coaching staff of the women’s team.
“We will be appointing a separate management and coaching staff for the men’s team in due course,” he said.
“But for now, the same staff (from the women’s team) are looking after 10 of our 15 Wewak-based players who are training at Sir Michael Somare Stadium.”