The 10th edition of Oceania’s premier international football competition will get underway in Port Moresby on 28 May.
Serritslev is expecting a tough competition but he is adamant Papua New Guinea are good enough to challenge for the title, especially if they make the most of their home ground advantage.
“It will be a tough and closely contested tournament,” says the 69-year-old former Danish international.
“In our group we have the two finalists from the last Nations Cup.
“However, our objective is to win every game and to be crowned champions.
“It will be a big advantage to play at home and it’s our job to play and fight well to get the home crowd behind us.”
Serritslev has selected the majority of his players from two Papua New Guinea National Soccer League clubs.
There are 12 Hekari United and five Lae City Dwellers players in his final 23-man squad and the PNG coach is confident he has the right balance.
“I prefer fast and skilful players and these were the main principles in my selection criteria.
“It was not too difficult to select the final squad because I have been following the National Soccer League for a long time.
“I’m not worried that most of my players come from just two clubs.
“I believe that the good understanding between them will be an advantage.”
The PNG squad is currently in a training camp in Lae to prepare for the Nations Cup and Serritslev says he is pleased with his players’ attitude and their progress.
“In the first part of the camp, we’ve mainly focused on the physical aspects of our game while in the second part we will concentrate on tactics and speed.”
“I have a squad of very committed players and I’m very satisfied with the work they have done so far, it has been a good preparation.”
Papua New Guinea will begin their OFC Nations campaign against Group A rivals New Caledonia on 29 May.
Papua New Guinea
Goalkeepers
Ishmael Pole (Hekari United)
Ronald Warisan (Lae City Dwellers)
Leslie Kalai (Hekari United)
Defenders
Daniel Joe (Hekari United)
Valentine Nelson (Lae City Dwellers)
Felix Komolong (Hekari United)
Roland Bala (Port Moresby FC)
Otto Kusunan (Hekari United)
Koriak Upaiga (Hekari United)
Jeremy Yasasa (Hekari United)
Philip Steven (Rapatona)
Midfielders
Alwin Komolong (Kentucky University, USA)
Michael Foster (Lae City Dwellers)
Obert Bika (Lae City Dwellers)
Wira Wama (Hekari United)
David Muta (Hekari United)
Simon Emmanuel (Hekari United)
Jacob Sabua (Port Moresby FC)
Papalau Awele (Hekari United)
Forwards
Patrick Aisa (Rapatona)
Tommy Semmy (Hekari United)
Raymond Gunemba (Lae City Dwellers)
Nigel Dabinyaba (Lae City Dellers)

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