PNGFA

Coach Peter Gunemba relies on a mix of youth and experience, with veterans Raymond Gunemba, Valentine Nelson, and Nigel Dabinyaba providing crucial support.

Midfielders Daid Tobem and Jason Wadunah are poised to play pivotal roles for the Dwellers as they aim to secure a spot in the finals. Gunemba remains cautious but confident that his team won't be an easy opponent.

Coach Marty Terry of Port Moresby Strikers anticipates a challenging encounter and places faith in veterans Michael Foster, Pascal Kundi to guide the young talents.

The winner of the New Zealand tournament qualifies for the Summer Olympics 2024 in Paris, France.

The majority of the U23 men’s team were selected from the Premier Soccer League and are currently undergoing training for the New Zealand tournament.

Some notable players included in the squad are, Rex Naime, Bruce Tiempo, Joseph Waiwai, Solomon Rani and Obert Simon. They are also current senior national Men’s players but qualify through the age category. 

The full squad is:

However, President of PNG Football Association (PNGFA), John Kapi Natto believes all is well.

The PNG Football Associations President, says this is the Inaugural championship and no one is expecting a huge turn up. He also says that the matches are played during the week where many people go to school and work, which makes it difficult for them to come and watch.

The team left yesterday for Auckland via Brisbane, Australia.

She said the camp in New Zealand is part of the on-going preparations for the opening match against Panama on February 18, 2023.

“We have a young team and they need support from everyone despite people have difference opinions on the make-up of the team,” she said.

The former PNG women’s captain said this is first time in the women football history. it’s a milestone of women football and we must get behind and throw our support to the team.

A proud man he is, the PNG Football President (PNGFA), Kapi Natto knows the national women’s soccer team will do well as they have reached the semi-final to play Samoa. 

“I challenge our women’s team to believe in themselves as they represent the country and go all out with strong determination to win the semi-final and into the grand final.

The Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (Kumul Petroleum) and National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) have financially backed the team with a total sponsorship of K750,000.

Kumul Petroleum dished out K250,000, while NGCB fulfilled their outstanding commitment releasing K500,000 to PNG Football Association on Wednesday, 20th July. 

PNG Football Association President, John Kapi Natto stated that the funding will boost their campaign as the women’s team have already advanced to the quarter final against Tonga on Saturday.

Head Coach, Nicola Demaine said they are expecting Tonga to be well prepared and organized with quick transition to attack and defense and they are also physically strong.

“We are just taking one game at a time since the start of the tournament. We worked hard to pass the Group stages of the tournament with two wins and are now looking forward for the quarter final on the weekend.

After completing two successful training runs at Uprising Resort Hotel Football Park at Navua, Coach Demaine is happy stating that her girls are looking forward to competition in the 3-weeks in the Women FIFA World Cup 2023 qualifying tournament.

“We have quantity and quality players who have been around together for some time, which can get the team through in the first stage of the tournament.

“We now focus on Group Stages of the tournament where PNG will meet Vanuatu tomorrow (July 14) and Tahiti on Sunday (July 17) before thinking of what come before us," she said.

GFI Brand Manager, Nancy Inai and National Field Manager, Christian Lucas presented the items to PNGFA Technical Director, Paul Isorua at the PNGFA office in Port Moresby. 
Isorua who travel with the items will deliver to the team at Pearl Resort Hotel in Fiji. 

The items include bales of Flame sugar, four, rice, branded t-shirts and the water bottles. 

Team Manager, Deslyn Siniu thanked GFI for the support. The team need much support as they prepare for their first game on Thursday, July 14 against Vanuatu.

After going through vigorous training program for the last six months, the team endorsed by PNGFA Executive Committee was released.

The team to be captain by Yvonne Gabong, the team includes veteran campaigners in Sandra Birum, Rumana Morris, Lucy Maino and former OFC Women Nations Cup Golden Boot winner Meagan Gunemba.