While Papua New Guinea women footballers prepare for the big battle ahead, the men’s team PNG Kapuls will be out fighting in the second leg of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifiers in Solomon Islands.
The first round of matches in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifiers OFC Stage 3 has been confirmed with the Group B encounter Tahiti and Solomon Islands kicking things off on November 7, in Papeete.
Papua New Guinea and Fiji will sit out Round one of stage 3 with byes and rejoin the action in Round 2 of the games.
With Solomon Islands and New Caledonia will prepare for their upcoming encounters with two friendly matches in Honiara next month.
New Zealand will also be making the most of the FIFA International Window in October with two big matches against Mexico and USA lined up.
However, Papua New Guineans are yet set up trials as players are already lodging complains to the PNGFA about setting up trials to get their heads back into the game.
One of Papua New Guinea Kapuls prominent player Michael Foster posted on the PNG National Soccer League page on social media saying that the Solomon Islands are hosting trials for the upcoming games while PNG has nothing yet.
“The Solomon Island Inational team will host two friendly matches against New Caledonia and on the 5th and 8th of next month in preparation for their 2nd leg qualifier which is good for both countries leading up towards the tournament. My question is Can PNGFA also organise few friendlies for the Kapuls as well?” Foster said posting on the social media soccer page.
He added that, players need to play more international matches so they can get match fitness and also gain the confidence back where they left during OFC nations in Port Moresby.