Women’s football squad finalised for qualifiers

THE national squad has been finalised for next week’s Oceania Football Confederation Women’s Nations Cup in Fiji with experienced campaigners Sandra Birum, Rumona Morris and Lucy Maino among the selections.
The train-on squad have been preparing for the last six months.
To be captained by Yvonne Gabong, the squad include Nations Cup golden boot winner Meagan Gunemba.
The final squad members are Faith Kasiray, Fidelma Watpore, Betty Sam (goalkeepers), Joelyn Aimi, Lavina Hola, Margaret Joseph, Maino, Isabella Natera, Olivia Upaupa, Shalom Waida, Serah Waida (defenders), Gabong, Rayleen Bauelua, Kesai Kotome, Morris, Ramona Padio, Birum, Sonia Embahe, (midfielders), Arnolda Dout, Asaiso Gossie, Gunemba, Marie Kaipu, Charlie Yanding, Zagude Zale and Georgina Kaikas (forwards).
The travelling officials are general team manager Vonnie Kapi Natto, team manager Deslyn Siniu, head coach Nicola Demaine, assistant coaches Percy Mataio and Edna Thomas, goalkeeping coach Godfrey Baniau, kit manager Susan Watpore and physiotherapist Gabi Hiparara.
Demaine said she was happy with the squad, adding that the team had experienced players who knew what was needed to get the job done.
“I’m happy youth and experience in the squad,” Demaine said ahead of the team’s departure.