Women’s team tasked

THE national women’s team have been challenged to create their own legacy when they compete in this month’s Oceania Football Confederation Nations Cup at ANZ Stadium in Suva, Fiji.
Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) president John Kapi Natto issued the challenge before the team’s departure to kick off their bid to qualify for next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The winner of the July 13-30 Nations Cup will advance to a 10-team playoff tournament in New Zealand in February to vie for one of three spots on offer for the World Cup.
Kapi Natto said the national men’s team had only won bronze in 1987 in Noumea, New Caledonia, under the coaching of PNG legend Kisakiu Posman.
He said since his involvement in football from 2002, the national women’s team had won five straight gold medals under different coaches in Francis Moiyap, Steven Mune, Gary Philip and Frederica Siwin.
PNG are seen as the second-best team behind New Zealand in the region.
“We have been playing second fiddle to New Zealand,” Kapi Natto said.
“But their automatic qualification as co-hosts has provided an opportunity for Pacific Island countries to make a breakthrough on the world stage, and nothing is impossible.
“Our biggest obstacle in the region are New Zealand.
“We always fall short at the regional level.
“But now is the time for us to rise and show the region.”
Kapi Natto challenged the team to believe in themselves, be discipline and remain committed.
“No obstacle will stop you,” he said.
“Let’s not complain but look towards what legacy you can leave behind when you retire.
“Our mindset needs to be changed and start putting your country first, not your club or your association.
“PNGFA has done everything to get you here and to Fiji.
“So what can you do for PNGFA and the country?”
Kapi Natto urged the players to remain focused on the goal to win the Nations Cup.
“It is my dream for PNG to play in the Women’s World Cup,” he said.
“We all must have the same dream.
“So if you win, you will send shockwaves through the country.
“That is the dream.
“That is what you all have to dream to get there (World Cup) next year.”