Strikers mulling exit

By PATRICIA KEAMO
PORT Moresby Strikers are considering withdrawal from the National Soccer League due to several issues caused by the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic that forced the deferral of the competition.
Team manager Gordon Manub told The National yesterday that they were managing the club on a tight budget as well as trying to ensure the safety of their players and officials.
“The current situation isn’t allowing our team to train and as such we are considering several options as to whether we will be able to continue this season,” he said.
“We are faced with ensuring the safety of our players and officials, and the nationwide call for vaccination.
“The extended two-month Covid-19 lockdown will force our club to consider withdrawing from the 2021 season.
“The extension is detrimental to our football, but the health, wellbeing and safety of our players and officials are paramount.
“We have not received any approval to restart training as a team and have made alternate arrangements to begin as soon as we confirm the new Covid-19 measures released by the National Control Centre.”
Meanwhile, Manub said the club was proud to have five of its players selected as part of the 30-man national squad for the Fifa World Cup qualifiers in Qatar.
From the five players, forward Mathew David, goalkeeper Ila Ilarova, and defenders Mathias Oyabua and Godfrey Haro are rookies while skipper Patrick Aisa is a Papua New Guinea international.
“Our first-choice goalkeeper Ishmael Pole should have been considered in the squad, but was unable to receive a call-up due to an injury,” Manub said.
“We have accepted this and are helping him return to form to be reconsidered for a call-up.
“Several of our players who had represented the country at the junior level were part of the recent national men’s team exhibition match.
“Unfortunately, they were overlooked during selections.
“We are working to ensure these players focus on their club duties in the remaining games to get into the playoffs, and to press for selectors and the national coach to consider them.”