Stallions aim for second win against Bougainville

BY NATHAN WOTI
TUSBAB Stallions will be aiming for their second win of the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League season when they face hosts Bougainville in Port Moresby tomorrow (5pm kick-off).
However, they will be without Solomon Mapai, Darren Polli and the red-carded Freeman Giwi.
Stallions Rachel Wadunah told The National yesterday that she would be counting on Nigel Malagian to lead the side in the trio’s absence.
“It’s unfortunate that Solomon, Darren and Freeman won’t be playing,” she said.
“But I expect Nigel to continue his good form. With the help of Michael Saun and George Korei, who joined us from the Eastern Stars, we should be in good hands.”
The trio have been replaced by Kuar Plaise (in for Polli), Kivie Kapai (Mapai) and Richie Apisa (Giwi).
Wadunah said she had a young team, the youngest being her brother Jason Wadunah.
But so far the, club have performed beyond expectation and she wants them to maintain that.
“My players are excited about playing in the competition,” Wadunah said.
“Some of the players have never been to Port Moresby, so that’s going to be exciting for them. But my message to them is to control their emotions and remain focused.”
Wadunah said despite tomorrow being their first meeting, she said her defenders and midfielders were wary of Bougainville winger Jonathan Allan.
“We will definitely look to contain Jonathan. He is their best player.
“If we contain him and starve him of possession, then we’ll have a bit more control,” she said.
Meanwhile, Bouganville coach David Passam said he was yet to see Tusbab play this season.
“So I don’t know what to expect,” he said.
“But they won 5-0 in their last match against newcomers Kutubu so that should give us an indication of how strong Tusbab are.”
Passam said they were not underestimating the Stallions.
“We’ve been working on improving our defence.
“We also want to make sure that our attackers make use of their opportunities,” he said.
Passam said there were no injury concerns in camp so he was looking forward to fielding a full-strength side in tomorrow’s main match in Port Moresby.