Women’s soccer team announce co-captains

UNITED States-based defender Lucy Maino, pictured, has been selected to co-captain the national women’s soccer team alongside veteran Deslyn Siniu and Sandra Birum.
“To be given the co-captaincy alongside Deslyn and Sandra is a big achievement for me,” Maino said ahead of their title defence at the Samoa Pacific Games, which start on Sunday and end on July 20.
“I am so proud to fly my country’s flag at the Pacific Games and being given the co-captaincy was something I never expected.
“There were few other senior players in the squad and leading the team ahead of them is challenging for me.”
Maino, from Mekeo in Kairuku, Central, said she had received a lot of support from her teammates and officials.
“I have a lot of responsibility and with the support of everyone, it makes it easier for me to handle all obstacles.”
Maino, who plays for the University of Hawaii’s Hilo Vulcans, said she had been in camp for the last two weeks in Port Moresby, and spirits were high among the squad members.
“The players are getting physical and are focused after the two weeks of intensive training,” Maino said.
“We all have scarified for the Games, and our aim is to defend our Gold medal and bring it back home.
“Nothing is impossible. Show us the love and we will return it.”
Squad: Fidelma Watpore, Dorcas Sesevo, Margaret Joseph, Lucy Maino, Sandra Birum, Rayleen Bauelua, Yvonne Gabong, Serah Tamgol, Deslyn Siniu, Meagan Gunemba, Marie Kaipu, Ramona Padio, Selina Unamba, Joelyne Aimi, Lydia Kose, Michaella Kurabi, Shalom Waida, Gloria Laeli, Georgina Bakani, Betty Sam, Gloria Balamus, Asaiso Gossie, Faith Kasiray.