Head coach Rachael Wadunah says the girls have trained hard and are well aware that the aim for each of the teams participating in the tournament is to win – but says her side will come in hard against each of their opponents and give their best on the field.
Wadunah admits that despite facing some issues she has encouraged the girls to stay focused and says they’re coming into the competition with a lot of confidence.
“This is my first time coaching a national team and I’m a little bit nervous, but with the four different training camps that we have had I have gained the confidence to take the team for the championship,” she says.
“We’ve trained extremely hard during our different training camps and it’s time for all that preparation to be put into practice now.”
Team captain Rumona Morris, a stand-out member of the national U-17 team two years ago, is excited to once again be handed the armband.
“I’m nervous but with support from the coaches and my teammates it gives me confidence to be leading the team,” she says.
Morris’ experience also extends to the senior national team, joining the side at the OFC Women’s Olympic Qualifiers in 2012.
The Papua New Guinea side will face their first challenge on Tuesday at 1pm when they take on Tonga at Mangere Centre Park in the opening match of the OFC U-20 Women’s Championship.
For more on Papua New Guinea football go to www.pngfootball.com.pg

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