Youngsters face tough choice

 By HENRY MORABANG

NINETEEN-year-old Papua New Guinea women’s soccer representative Talitha Irakau faces the biggest challenge so far in her short football career — she has to manage her education with playing for the country. 

She made the tough decision to leave her parents in Lae and move to neighbouring Madang to play soccer  and most importantly — continue her education.

The part Madang and Sepik lass was asked by the Bugandi Secondary School administration to withdraw after she missed 30 days of school this year because she was on-the-road with the national team.

While preparing for an Under-20 tournament in New Zealand with coach Rachel Wadunah early this year, Irakau learned she was not alone. 

Four members of the women U20 squad face the same dilemma. 

Rumona Morris, Georgina Kiakas, Dina Awele and Karen Romo were asked to withdraw from their schools.

Tusbab High School in Madang threw a lifeline to the five for them to pursue their education and sports dreams. They now play for the school’s team in the town competition, Tusbab Blue Kumul FC.

Wadunah, who is a teacher with Tusbab Secondary, initiated the programme with the school administration to support young footballers to study and play football for school.

After her return trip from New Zealand, Irakau, who is in the ninth grade, packed her bags and moved to her temporary home — Madang.

It was through Wadunah that the five girls were given their second chance.

Tusbab Blue Kumul FC is one of the leading clubs in terms of promoting women’s football in Madang.

“It was unfortunate that there was little or no support for women’s football but at the club level — if I can make a difference — I will commit myself,” Wadunah said. 

“Soccer can make a lot of difference, especially in addressing gender imbalances in the communities and I am committed to use it as a tool,” she said. 

She said she was passionate about promoting football among girls.