U20s delayed

 By HENRY MORABANG

PREPARATIONS for the Papua New Guinea Under-20 women’s soccer team to the Oceania Football Confederation U20 tournament has hit a snag.

Lack of match fitness now seems the possible hitch in their bid to make the final in the tournament following delays in obtaining appropriate travel visas.

The potential PNG women’s soccer stars were supposed to travel over the weekend but their trip was deferred because some members of the touring party were unable to obtain visas in time. 

According to the PNG Football Association itinerary, the PNG team was scheduled to travel last week to play some warm-up matches in Brisbane before heading to New Zealand where the tournament will be staged. 

However, due to the visa issues they will now travel on Sunday direct to New Zealand, arriving two days before the tournament kicks off on February 18. PNG play their first game against Vanuatu on February 20.

Assistant coach Hans Gewambing yesterday steered clear of the media at the PNG camp at the PNG Institute of Public Administration.

However, during the camp in Lae last week, he said the PNG girls were a step closer to realising their dreams and needed to work harder to realise that. The tournament acts as the regional qualifier for the U20 World Cup, with New Zealand the reigning champions defending their title against PNG, Tonga and Vanuatu in a round robin competition.

PNG were runners-up in 2012 and are aiming to make the final once again and launch a more successful campaign against the Kiwis.

Gewambing said they wanted to better their last outing in the U20 tournament.

PNG is one of four Oceania teams chasing a berth at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Canada.

But in order to do that they need to win the Oceania Football Confederation qualifying tournament which is scheduled from February 18-22 at Centre Park in Mangere, South Auckland.

The PNG squad: Lace Kunel, Lavina Hola, Talitha Irakau, Carolyn Obi, Bridget Kadu, Grace Jessem, Diana Dabinyaba, Karen Romo, Natasha Kaski, Rumona Morris, Dinna Awele, Grace Steven, Marie Kaipu, Joy Tsuga, Yvonne Gabong, Alisandra Aipi, Meagen Gunemba, Georgina Kaikas, Nicolla Niaman. 

Team officals: Rachael Wadunah (head coach), Hans Gewambing (assistant coach), Mae Koime (conditioner/trainer), Miriam Lanta (manager), Philip Keriaka (physio therapist)

Draws: Tuesday, Feb 18 – NZ vs Vanuatu; Thursday Feb 20 – PNG vs Vanuatu, Tonga vs NZ; Saturday Feb 22 – Vanuatu vs Tonga, PNG vs NZ.