Soccer squads begin training

By PATRICIA KEAMO
TWO train-on squad teams for the national men’s football team kicked off training Port Moresby and Lae this week.
Team Black are training under coach Erickson Komeng and his assistant Nathan Vicent at Papua New Guinea Football Stadium while Team Red, under Bob Morris, are camping at the PNG Football Association (PNGFA) Academy at 11-Mile outside Lae.
Although this year’s Fifa and Oceania Football Confederation tournaments have been put on hold until further notice, the squads will continue preparations for the first fixture of a three-match series before the final squad is selected for the Fifa World Cup qualifiers.
Komeng told The National that due to time factor, his side had kicked off training on Monday and they would be joined by some of the players from outside of Port Moresby.
“We have limited time, so we’ve started,” he said.
“We are looking forward to fielding a good team to face the Lae side.”
In an earlier interview, PNGFA general secretary Pius Letenge said the two teams would train in their respective locations throughout the series. “When we are ready to host the first match, we will fly the southern players to Lae or vice versa,” he said.
Morris is assisted by Morobe United’s Samson Steven with Luaine Wosae and Harrison Kamake managing and mentoring Team Red respectively.
Komeng’s men are managed and mentored by Jeremy Masalo and Margaret Aka respectively.
Squads: Red — Abel Redenut, Alwin Komolong, Ati Kepo, Bruce Tiampo, Carlos Onne, David Muta, David Hauka, David Tomare, David Browne, Dickson Suraro, Emmanuel Simongi, Emmanuel Airem, Gregory Togubai, Ilai Ilarova, Jonah Philip, Jonathan Allen, Joshua Oscar, Kenneth Arah, Kolu Kepo, Mathias Oyabua, Nathan James, Obert Simon, Pala Paul, Papalau Awele, Patrick Aisa, Philip Steven, Ricky Wadunah, Riggie Togubai, Ruach Wemin, Scott Henry, Tommy Semmy, Yagi Yasasa; Black — Basil Jofari, Daniel Joe, Dave Tomare, Dinniget Luaine, Donovan Murray, Eaka Philemon. Eliuda Fugre, Emmnauel Simon, Felix Komolong, Ferdallash Namuesh, Godrey Haro, Isome Kila, Jordon Kaven, Jordon Tobem, Joseph Waiwai, Joshua Talau, Karesa Morris, Koriak Upaiga, Langarap Samol, Mathew David, Michael Foster, Obert Bika, Pala Paul, Peter Dabinyaba, Pettyshen Elijah, Philip Steven, Randall Passam, Russel Chris, Stahl Gubag, Sylvester Wanim, Sylvester Waifhunia, Vagi Koniel.