Wawens help late Laiwaden goalkeeper Gewa’s family

MOROBE Wawens held a gathering on Saturday to thank their players for competing in the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League (NSL) last season.
Club owner Andrew Namuesh presented an undisclosed sum of money to Papua New Guinea Football Association senior vice-president Roy Kamen to pass on to the late Mikes Gewa’s family.
Laiwaden goalkeeper Gewa passed away last season after succumbing to an injury sustained in a challenge by Wawens’ Jason Farrock, who was subsequently sent off.
Namuesh said they didn’t have any funds to assist the family at the time of the incident. But now with funds available, they’ve decided to help the family.
“We did not have a sponsor but did our best to dig into our pockets to hold the team together,” team manager Kossie Java told the players.
“You had been patient when we didn’t have funds to compensate you for your services as a player.
“Tonight’s gathering is to say ‘thank you’ with what little we have to give to you.”
Kamen said football was bigger than anyone.
“We must focus on football and advance in it but it all comes down to discipline,” he said.
Kamen said Wawens had a bright future because of their talent, management and coaching staff.
“When these groups work together, you have a brand already,” he said.
“My encouragement is that it will not come easy and those who will market the brand are the players.
“Lae City did not follow an easy route. They came the hard way. Now they have a good sponsor because of their talent.
“If they can do it, we can too. The players, coaching staff and management need to put their heads together.
“Nothing is impossible. Put God first because with Him, all things are possible.”