PORT MORESBY – Three more Papua New Guinea players have secured contracts to play in the newly established Queensland State League soccer competition.
They are Leana Geno, Tau Winnie and Ila Ilatia Jr, all from Gelle Hills franchise in the Telikom-sponsored National Soccer League (NSL) competition.
They will travel next Tuesday to join their clubs in Brisbane.
Redlands City Devils new signing Ila Ilatia Jnr
The three PNG players will join a host of international players at the Redlands City Devils FC including Japanese junior international Yoshi Akada, Fiji international Raj Oshen and Irish junior international Barry Moran. Gelle Hills franchise owner Wilfred Vali is a proud man after the three players were offered contracts to play for Redland Devils.
According to letter to NSL official Wesley Waiwai, dated April 25, Rob Jones, director of senior football at Redlands City invited the PNG trio to play for the club.
Vali said he was very happy with the arrangement and negotiations initiated by Waiwai, who also heads the marketing division of the club, mainly in selling players to Brisbane clubs.
Vali said while he was happy with the players playing pro football Down Under, he strongly warned them to lift themselves in discipline and commitment.
“The onus is on you. If you do well, more players are likely to follow you but if you mess up, you would shut the doors for other PNG players,” he stressed.
Queensland bound: Tau Winnie
The franchise owner said it is a new challenge. “All of you leave the country as ambassadors of Gelle Hills and PNG,” he said. “Be diplomatic in all your actions.”
Vali said this is an initiative started by NSL and we must make full use of the opportunities that are presented.
He thanked all the stakeholders of Gelle Hills including parents, supporters, water boys and the coaching staff for their hard work in nurturing the three players to be finally recognized for their talent.
He said playing overseas on contract is a dream true. “Not every soccer player has such an opportunity.”
Vali said the departure of trio to Redland Devils is also part of a long term partnership that Hills and the Devils have established.
He said not only will the players benefit from stints with the club but officials as well, particularly the technical department of the clubs.
Waiwai said Gelle Hills does not promise its players goodies in terms of money but “we provide them football opportunities for them to go higher in their football career in line with NSL motto ëkick higher’.”
He said at least the players have now realized their dream instead of just playing in the NSL competition only.
The export of the players has raised the number of PNG players playing in Queensland State League to six. The other players are David Muta, Kema Jack (Sunshine Coast) and Alexander Davani (Brisbane Strikers)