PNG’s Korean adventure

PNG national players in Hekari colours. Image: OFC via Phototek

Papua New Guinea will continue their preparations for next month’s OFC Nations Cup with a 10-day camp in Korea Republic.Coach Flemming Serritslev says it will be the last chance for some of his players to impress before the final squad is announced.

“We will go to Korea next Friday to play against two or three club sides.

“We will take 25 players and we will have to cut two of them straight after the camp.”

The 69-year-old former Danish international says he is more or less settled on his final selection following this month’s OFC Champions League tournament in Auckland.

“I went to New Zealand mainly to watch my own players from Hekari United and Lae City.

“I have 19 players from those two teams in my squad so it was a fantastic opportunity to watch them against quality opposition at a major tournament.”

Serritslev says the Champions League provided his players with much needed match practice.

The PNG coach was also pleased with what he saw.

“I must say I was very satisfied, especially with the performances of a few Hekari players,” he says.

”I thought they played some of the best football in the tournament.”

PNG will open their Nations Cup campaign against New Caledonia before a meeting with defending champions Tahiti and Samoa in their final group clash.

Serritslev says his side will respect all three of their opponents but will not fear any of them.

“It’s a tough group but I think we can match these teams.

“I carefully watched the international players who were on display during the Champions League and there was some quality there,” he says.

“However, I think the fact that the majority of my players come from two clubs is an advantage.

“They have a good understanding of each other and they are settled in their roles.”

Papua New Guinea have a modest record at regional level.

However, Serritslev is optimistic his charges are well placed to produce something special when the 2016 OFC Nations Cup gets underway on 28 May in Port Moresby.

“For me the home advantage is a big positive,” he says.

“Sure, there is also bit of pressure that comes with the expectations of the home fans.

“However, we must make the most of our support and our knowledge of the local conditions.”

Story courtesy of OFC. For more on OFC Nations Cup visit www.oceaniafootball.com