We hope to return soon, says Team Spain

Spain received a heartwarming farewell from its host community and youths from the Moresby South electorate of Port Moresby, the JT compound of Taikone, yesterday evening.

Spain bowed out of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup on Thursday night after a heart-breaking loss to Korea DPR (3-2) in the first quarterfinals match.

The Taikone community hosted the farewell gathering at Naked Fish, where gifts were exchanged between members of the community who adopted the country and supported them during the matches.

A performance by the Vabukori string band and Tolai dances were performed by the community, which two of the girls from the visiting team could not resist but join in.

Team Spain’s media officer, Marina Sam Miguel, said the best thing they take back is the people's kindness, smiles and waves they get every time they make their way to the stadiums for their matches.

"We feel very, very welcome and we hope to come back sometime soon," Miguel said.

Unfortunately, Member for Moresby South and Minister for Sport, Justin Tkatchenko, couldn’t be there for the farewell but pre-recorded his message to team Spain.

Tkatchenko, as the Sports Minister, thanked Spain for coming to PNG and competing against other 15 countries.

"Thank you for coming to our beautiful country and hope you have fond memories and hope that one day you will come back to our country.

"Emau, bamahuta and safe trip back to Spain," JT said.

Moresby South women leader Rose Hagua said as their adopted country during the tournament, they were lost for words when team Spain lost to Korea last night.

"We were there for you. We hope you will still remember us. We farewell you but we hope that we will still communicate after you leave," said Hagua.

Cheerleader Sarah Manda, on behalf of the group, thanked everyone who was involved in making Team Spain feel at home.

“Things didn't work out for the girls but we are happy to have met you,” she said.

Each player and official of team Spain was presented with a PNG bilum, hat and PNG-coloured shirts.

Other members of the Taikone community also gave bilums to their favourite players and posed for numerous selfies with them.

A jersey signed by the U-20 girls was given to Minister Tkatchenko as a sign of appreciation for the hospitality in the country.

The girls return to Spain tomorrow.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton