The PNG Football Association has named its 30-member squad for both the men and women’s team for the upcoming Pacific Games in Samoa.
Both the men and the women’s team had two training camps last month to trim down the squad to 30 players.
After the first camps last month, 30 men and 30 women were selected to undergo the second training camp.
The final 23 players with seven non-travelling reserves will be announced next month before the team leaves for Samoa for the July games.
In a press conference, PNGFA President, John Kapi Natto, said the sport has steadily reached new heights, where the climax was almost reached by the men’s team during the 2016 OFC Nations Cup.
“But unfortunately, we fell to New Zealand,” he said. “But I think that momentum of success is still there.
“I believe in our men that they can do it. 2016 was a stepping stone for the men. And I think the core of this team were from 2016.”
Judging from the 2016 OFC Nations Cup for men and the women as queen of the Pacific, Kapi Natto is confident that both teams can bring home gold.
Kapi Natto further clarified that he was not involved in the coaching nor selection of the teams.
The women’s squad: Margaret Joseph (POM), Yvonne Gabong (POM), Kesai Kotome (Lae), Selina Unamba (Lae), Carolyn Obi (Lae), Marie Kaipu (POM), Ramona Padio (Kimbe), Georgina Bakani (Kimbe), Gloria Laeli (POM), Betty Sam (Kimbe), Faith Kasiray (Ramu), Gloria Balamus (Wewak), Sandra Birum (Lae), Rayleen Bauelua (POM), Meagan Gunemba (Lae), Fidelma Watpore (POM), Dorcas Sesevo (POM), Deslyn Siniu (POM), Serah Tamgol (Lae), Jacobeth Bani (Madang), Joelyn Aimi (Lae), Jacklyne Maiyosi (Alotau), Isabella Natera (Madang), Michaella Kurabi (Madang), Lydia Kose (POM), Nicole Bekio (Ramu), Abigail Wagol (Ramu), Shalom Waida (POM), Asaiso Gossie (Ramu), Lucy Maino (USA).
Team officials (women): Head coach – Frederica Sakette, Assistant coach – Margaret Aka, Team manager – Roosje Suwae, Kit manager – Susan Watpore, Physio – Stanley Pokasap
The men’s squad: Patrick Aisa (Hekari), Jonathan Allen (Besta), David Browne (New Zealand), Nigel Dabinyaba (Toti City), Michael Foster (Toti City), Raymond Gunemba (Toti City), Daniel Joe (Hekari), Alex Kamen (Morobe United), Atti Kepo (Hekari), Kolu Kepo (Hekari), Felix Komolong (USA), Alwin Komolong (Germany), Dinniget Luaine (Besta), David Muta (Hekari), Ishmael Pole (Hekari), Jacob Sabua (Toti City), Langarap Samol (Kagua Erave), Tommy Semmy (New Zealand), Emmanuel Simon (Toti City), Joshua Talau (Toti City), Gregory Togubai (Eastern Stars), Koriak Upaiga (Hekari), Ronald Warisan (Toti City), Emmanuel Airem (Toti City), Stahl Gubag (Tusbab Stallions), Leslie Kalai (Hekari), Abel Redenut (FC Bougainville), Henry Ronny (Morobe United), Shane Sakael (Hekari), Philip Steven (FC Bougainville).
Team officials (men): Head coach - Bob Morris, Assistant coach – Harrison Kamake, Goal keeper coach – Godfrey Baniau, Team Manager, Gordon Manub, Kit manager – Samson Steven, Technical manager – Paul Isorua
(PNGFA President, John Kapi Natto)