World Cup awes Karl

By HENRY MORABANG
Travelling from remote Sinasina in Chimbu to the heart of the most advanced nation on the globe was something Martha Karl could not believe doing.
“The trip to the US is the highlight of my career as a youth footballer playing for Papua New Guinea. The trip really helped me improve my game,” Karl said.
Growing up in a football-oriented community in Morobe, the 19-year-old Chimbu girl could not resist playing the game that surrounded her daily.
“I got into football following youths from my compound who were involved in it; that was why I got stuck into the game.”
Karl said she was selected to be part of the PNG U20 women’s training squad from the Lae Football Association youth team by the PNGFA talent scout.
“If I almost had a change of heart to switch sports but if I had done so, I would not be here now with the U20 team.
“By God’s grace I am now with the final 21.”
Karl was one of the three young footballers who completed Grade 12 at Goroka Grammar School last week.
The other two were Joy Tsuga and Lace Kunei.
She said: “I am very happy to make the final cut.
“I aim to give my best for the country at the World Cup.”
Karl said she admired how former PNG midfielder Sandra Birum played.
She also follows Martha, the Brazilian women’s captain, on the world stage.
“The two trips to South Korea and USA have greatly helped me as a player, and the team overall to prepare for the World Cup,”
After the World Cup, she said: “I will return to my compound and encourage the young girls to take up football.
“I will talk about my experience of how football has taken me around the globe.”
While in New Zealand, the Sinasina girl wants to give her best and make the starting team for PNG at the World Cup.