Slefendorfas eyes return to Kapuls

AS the first match of the 2018 Fifa World Cup Russia qualifiers approaches for Papua New Guinea, George Slefendorfas is eager to stand with the Kapuls in their two matches against Tahiti in March.
The Melbourne-based striker, born of Lithuanian and Papua New Guinean parents, sat on the edge of his seat as he watched his former team-mates make history at last year’s OFC Nations Cup, progressing to the final of the competition for the first time in 40 years of trying.
“I watched it all. Had to watch it live obviously,” he said.
“It was definitely very touching knowing the status of the men, where they’ve come from, to where they’re going.
“For the future of these players, if they can stick it out together and bring other experienced guys in, I’m sure we can go a long way,” Slefendorfas said.
After a stint with the national team back in 2014 under coach Wynton Rufer, the one-cap Kapul is back training with the squad under current coach Flemming Seritslev.
Slefendorfas has high hopes of making Seritlev’s final 23-man squad, which will be announced later this month and said it would be an honour and opportunity he would grab with both hands.
“I’m here to win and train as hard as I can,” he said.
Seeing the development in football across the Oceania region has given Slefendorfas high respect for teams like Tahiti, but the 29-year-old is confident PNG has what it takes to earn the three points.
“If we stay true and disciplined, I’m sure we can go all the way.”
Tahiti and PNG will meet for their first clash of the 2018 Fifa World Cup Russia qualifiers — OFC Stage 3 — in Port Moresby on March 23 before both teams travel to Tahiti for the second leg in Papeete on March 28.