Wawens remain positive

By LARRY ANDREW
Morobe Wawens say they are out to represent Lae, the province and the country at the Oceania Football Confederate (OFC) Champions League in Fiji, despite not securing any sponsorship from the city’s business community.
The team are leaving today via the Solomon Islands and are expected to arrive in Nadi at 5pm.
Pooled in group B with Fiji’s Lautoka, AS Central Sport and Henderson Eels, the Wawens were going in as underdogs, as they were new to the tournament and 99 per cent of the players were travelling for the first time to represent Morobe and PNG.
Founder Andrew Namuesh said: “Many times we spend to go and play.
“We want to win all our three matches so we can bring some of the Champions League games to PNG.
“We have the raw talent who we want to market to other teams in the Pacific.”
Namuesh told The National that the Champions League was competitive and the team would give their best as ambassadors of the country.
“We have Kenneth Pilailo, Giwi Simon, Alu Awi, Jason Bendi, Moses Kamakeng, Ferdallas Namuesh and Jason Farrock who are experienced campaigners,” Namuesh said.
“These seven players will guide the team at the Champions League.”
Namuesh highlighted that there was no sponsorship support towards the team but acknowledged the PNG Football Association and OFC for purchasing tickets for the 17 players, team manager Kossie Java, vice-president Peter Seske, coach Peter Purari and treasurer Barbara Namuesh.
“We thank the Morobe governor and the provincial administration for backing the team in the National Soccer League when we return,” Namuesh said.
“We also want to thank Sports Vice-Minister Wesley Raminai for providing accommodation, meals and transportation in Fiji.
“The club also acknowledges the support of Fisheries Minister Patrick Basa, Lae City Lord Mayor Koim Trilu Leahy and Finschhafen MP Renbo Paita who have all indicated their support for the franchise when the team return from the Champions League.”