The Papua New Guinea (PNG) national men’s football team arrived yesterday ahead of their away match against the Solomon Islands national team on Friday.
The team comprise of mostly young players following changes made in the past months to the previous squad.
David Muta and Tommy Semmy, two renowned players for the PNG squad are not part of the team this time round, however team captain, Michael Foster has confident his young side is here for a good run against the Solomon Islands team.
The PNG team may be young but they have the experience and needed exposure having had some of their young talents spent the past months in clubs abroad, namely in Australia and New Zealand and friendly matches.
Team coach, Flemming Serritslev said anything can happen here in Honiara but the second leg match in PNG next week will decide the overall.
“No matter what happen here in Solomon everything will be decided in PNG in the second game.
“We are looking forward for a good match,” he told local media upon arrival.
Team captain Michael Foster was happy to be back after a spell with Malaita Kingz last TSL season.
He said his boys are young and prepared for the run against Solomon Islands despite having a very young side compared to their previous squad which played in the Nations Cup.
He admitted that it will be tough to take on Solomon Islands on home soil but reiterated his side come prepared and are hoping for a positive in their match.
“We have a good team, mostly young players.
“Due to some circumstances we had to find new players but we succeeded in finding some good players.
“It’s going to be tough playing against Solomon Islands on home soil but the team is prepared,” he said.
By CARLOS ARUAFU
