Step up: Gunemba

By LARRY ANDREW and PARKER TAMBUA
LAE City coach Peter Gunemba called on fellow Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League franchises lift their game after the defending champions’ 8-1 thrashing of Kutubu at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae on Saturday.
Gunemba, who returned from Vanuatu with his side after they failed to advance beyond the OFC Champions League group stage, told The National last week that the clubs needed to be more competitive in the domestic competition.
He said stepping up competition in the NSL would mean stronger Papua New Guinea sides in the Champions League.
“It will be positive for football in the country to see other NSL clubs raise their standards,” Gunemba said.
“It’s not good seeing only Hekari and Lae City dominant all the time and going to the Champions League.
“All teams have to continue raising the bar, be competitive and give a good challenge so that it makes our competition stronger. This will allow PNG teams to perform well in the regional league.”
The five-time NSL-winning coach said their focus was now back on the NSL. He said one of the bonuses in City’s trip to Vanuatu was the positive feedback from football followers around the region.
He said locals there had praised the improvement of football in PNG. Gunemba said the onus was now on all NSL clubs to aspire to regional football standards.
He said it was achievable as PNG had an abundance of talent.
Meanwhile, Gunemba praised rookies Vitiaz United for forcing a scoreless draw with Hekari. He said the draw meant the race for the minor premiership and the Champions League spots was now wide open.