PNG senior men's football team prepares to take on Tahiti

The Papua New Guinea senior men’s national team will reconvene in Port Moresby on Sunday 5 March for their final preparation before they face Tahiti on the 23 March at Sir John Guise Stadium.

With only 25 more days remaining until Papua New Guinea face Francophone side Tahiti in what is undoubtedly a massive test to the nation’s credibility as a powerhouse in Pacific football.

Head Coach, Flemming Serritslev, says that he is content with the 23 players named in his squad.

These comments were made amidst concern over the notable absence of a number of key players, although Serritslev is adamant that the focus is on getting the best out of his available crop of talent.

Wins over the Solomon Islands and Samoa, as well as draws against Tahiti and New Caledonia and reaching their maiden final after four decades, the Nation had fought hard to earn their top tier mantle.

“We did not qualify by chance. We worked for it. We are going to work for positive results and to go all the way,” says Serritslev.

PNG want to live up to their name. The 23 players that are coming for the training camp are betting on confidence and team work, even though they know that the odds are against them.

The side will be bolstered with the presence of eleven PNG overseas based players, Raymond Gunemba, Nigel Dabinyaba, Alwin Komolong, Wira Wama, David Browne, Aaron Spain, Brad McDonald, Felix Komolong, George Slefendorfas, Jamie Woodlock, Michael Foster and Wira Wama.

With this camp Serritslev will announce his final roster to face Tahiti.

Squad: Aaron Spain (NZ), Alwin Komolong (USA), Brad McDonald (Aus), Charlie Lepani (Mungkas), Donovan Murray (PS Huawei), Emmanuel Simon (LCD), Felix Komolong (NZ), George Slefendorfas (Aus), Giwi Simon (Besta), Ila David (UIFC), Jacob Sabua (Madang), Jamie Woodlock (NZ), Michael Foster (Aus), Nigel Dabinyaba (Malaysia), Patrick Aisa (Madang), Philip Steven (Genesis), Raymond Gunemba (NZ), Ronald Warison (LCD), Sammy Campbell (UIFC), Stahl Gubag (Madang), Wira Wama (USA), Clement Willis (Mungkas), Richard Alois (PS Huawei).

Team Management: Flemming Serritslev (Head coach), Reginald Davani (Assistant coach), Trevor Smal (Doctor), Samson Steven (Kit manager), Godfrey Baniau (Goal-keeper coach), Hendrilla Vilosi (Physio).