U21s ready for Glasgow
The National, Wednesday August 7th, 2013
By KYMLIE KARANI
THE Papua New Guinea Netball Federation’s hopes now lie in the new breed of young debutants in the Under-21 national team to raise the code in the country.
The federation yesterday announced its 12-member squad for the upcoming World Youth Netball Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.
The squad has been given the thumbs up by coach Margaret Opina as the fittest U21 side to leave these shores.
The U21s also boast several current Pacific MMI PNG Pepes.
The World Youth championships, from Aug 22-31, will see PNG compete in Pool D against the Republic of Ireland, Barbados, England and Singapore.
The young guns include Kimberly Rawali, Shannah Dringo (POM), Jephat Tulapi (Lagatoi), Kapa Mailia, Paruru Vaieke (Motu-Koita), Edea Gamu (Kairuku-Hiri) and Winifred Parker and Courtney Abel (Brisbane).
These players will complement the experienced Marypaul Buehler, Margaret Eka, Nerrie Adula and Tau Galewa, who are also part of the senior national squad.
Another Pepe, Rayleen Andrew has been named as a non-travelling reserve.
Team manageress Kori Toua said that the team would train right up till departure where they leave for Glasgow via Brisbane and Dubai on the Aug 18.
The management team is Margaret Opina (coach), Oti Sarufa (assistant coach) and Kori Toua-Navuru (manager).
The U21 squad: Shooters – Marypaul Buehler (POM), Jephat Tulapi (Lagatoi), Kapa Mailia, Paruru Vaieke (Motu- Koita West); Defenders – Courtney Abel (Alotau), Tau Galewa (Central), Margaret Eka (POM), Edea Gamu (Kairuku-Hiri); Midcourt – Nerrie Adula (Lae), Kimberly Rawali, Shannah Dringo (POM), Winifred Parker (Brisbane).Non-travelling reserves: Rayleen Andrew, Villi Nopiri (POM) and Aiva Suave (Kairuku-Hiri).