Fijian Fereti Verebula is the new head coach of the PNG Special Export Lager rugby sevens team.
His assistant is popular Kimbe Rebels mentor Freddie Mathies with Danny Kaiser as manager.
The announcements were made by PNG Rugby Football Union chief Richard Sapias at a media conference in Port Moresby Monday.
Sapias said the appointments were made following a thorough process.
“The positions were advertised and the appointments were made through the normal selection procedures.
“They met all the requirements and I congratulate them. They will be in these roles for two years.
“Their immediate goal is to prepare a competitive team for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow from August 3 to 9,” Sapias said.
Verebula has been assistant coach to Fijian national side including the women. He has coached the Fijian Warriors and has had stints in USA, New Zealand and recently in China preparing a side for the Youth Olympics.
“I am honoured to be appointed head coach. I have not seen much of PNG rugby but from what I have seen over the past two weeks, our players are naturally talented and fit,” he said. “But the first task I will be addressing will be to have a changed mindset,” Verebula stressed.
Assistant coach Mathies said he had always aspired to coach as this level but due to work commitments had to forego those dreams until now. “I am also honoured to be appointed assistant coach.We will give our best to bring the rugby 7s up to par on the international scene,” he said.
PORT MORESBY, (POST COURIER)
