Amidst the rural mining township backdrop of Tabubil, several young women are developing at a rate that could see them earn the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent Papua New Guinea at home during the 2015 Pacific Games.
Rachael Mike and Franklyn Devesa featured prominently for Tabubil during the recent PNGFA-sanctioned Besta Southern Regional Championships in Alotau.
Taking their side right through to a tight final which they eventually lost by a narrow 1-0 margin to PMSA, the duo are sure to have given selectors some food for thought with their performances.
The pair made an impression early on as they upstaged the more highly favoured NCDPSSA 3-1 on day two of the tournament.
The win proved one of the event’s highlights as Devesa scored a double, one of which was a screamer from outside the 18-yard box. Mike, as sweeper, helped keep Tabubil’s opponents at bay with a solid performance in defence.
Tabubil’s appearance in the final is proof that even some of the smaller, more remote areas are developing the women’s game.
With national coach Frederica Saketta looking to shape her squad to add a fourth consecutive Pacific Games gold medal to the cabinet, she would do well to cast her net wide enough to include this naturally talented duo.
For more on Papua New Guinea football go to www.pngfootball.com.pg

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