Nineteen-year old David Browne, the only son of the country’s most renowned cartoonist the late Bob Browne, was one of the players in 30 countries around the world who applied in the Under 21 category to trial for theNike Most Wanted Global Showcase in Auckland in April this year.
He made it through to the final trials later in March and was among the final 40-60 finalists to earn an all-expenses paid full time residential football programme at the Nike Football Academy based at St George Park, England, the home of England’s National football team.
“David is a naturally talented all-rounder in Sports” says his mother, Segana Vere Browne from Gababa a village in Central province.
“He plays very well in cricket, tennis and basketball but he loves soccer.”
Brown was based in Auckland under a football scholarship with the Auckland City FC attending the St Peters College.
He left the country in 2012 as a 15-year old under stewardship of Wayne Taylor to play for the Auckland City FC.
Browne began his football career in Port Moresby’s most notorious suburb in Kaugere at the school of excellence known as the Living Light Academy along with PNG men’s Touch gold medal winner Samuel Vetu.
In the Under 12 Division, he and Vetu represented PNG in Fiji in 2005 along with the current PNG Under 23 Men’s soccer captain Alwin Komolong.
From there Browne played for Korobosea International School United in 2007-2008 then to St Josephs International School in 2009 then to Port Moresby International School in 2010.
While in Auckland, David had attended a number of tournaments as the seven times champions of the Oceania region in Morocco, United Arab Emirates and Japan and played for the PNG Under 17 international team.
Browne left the country quietly on July 3rd, a day before the Pacific Games opening ceremony for the UK, and had two options to either join the Nike Most Wanted Global Showcase or join a Dutch team from Holland.
His main positions are left wing or striker and his dream to be a professional football has begun on a high note with his selection into the Nike Football Academy.
“This is definitely my dream to be a professional football player. Dad had supported me all the way and I will make him proud. I will work harder when I get there.”
Browne dedicated his success to Taylor who had been the most influential person in his football development career.
“He is an excellent player” Segana says.
“One can basically see it, I saw it in him from his own school as a kid” Segana said.
Segana, doesn’t see much of her son these days as she is based in Kapuna Health Centre, Baimuru, Gulf Province while David is in Auckland.
David and his mother recently visited Port Moresby while on his way to UK.
Segana encouraged David to do his best, stay humble, and above all, play for God because once talent comes from God in heaven.
The idea of having his son travel the world is daunting after spending three years in Auckland but his mother said.
“Let him chase his dream all around the world, I wish him all the best. I’m proud of him and really excited of his prospects.”