Touch Football Papua New Guinea (TFPNG) has formally announced its U18 and U20 boys and girls train-on squad on Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025, for the Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup in May.
TFPNG Director Isikeli Gewa said the selections consisted of juniors who made physical appearances at the 2024 National Touch Championship in Lae, Morobe, from December 12-16.
“The train-on squad will be made up of only the players from associations that attended the championship, which falls in the U18 & U20 age categories,” Gewa said.
“The winning teams at the national championships to dominate the squad as advised by the head selector & technical director, Gary Kaiuk.”
He said it would be a 30-man train-on squad for both teams as a Junior Mix Division will be created from this.
“We look to cut the team down to 14 players in each division by the end of March 2024,” Gewa said.
“Two teams, 3 divisions per team & 14 players in each division, so we are looking at 84 players in the under 18s & 20s teams. This comprises girls - 14 players, Mix - 14 players, and boys - 14 players.
“Training Programs should start by February before we assemble every player by March in Port Moresby for the training camp & trials to trim the team down.”
Gewa mentioned that the current squad comprised local players with the majority from small centers in PNG.
“The new TFPNG executive focus is on our PNG-based players as we want to build and prepare them for the next Pacific Games and World Cup,” he added.
“This is to ensure we build our junior development programs. We have been focusing too much on the current players and internationals, and we haven’t developed our small centers like Madang, Kainantu and Alotau, to name a few.”
Meanwhile, the newly appointed TFPNG executives led by President Steven Kuimp are waiting for the Financial Reports from the 2024 World Cup Management for acquittal purposes.
Gewa said once all had been sorted out, they would make comments on sponsorships.
U18 Boys Train-on Squad: Emmanuel Noka, Shaun Mickey, Thomas Sarude, Meshach Arada (Alotau Touch Association), David Napa, Raynen Dingu, Daniel Kasup, Harry James, Job Saul, George Nalau, Mathew Gnawa (Finschhafen), Jason Tony, Kegan Yikolisa (Huon), Richard Born, Lenny Baisa, Emmanuel Baisa Michael Gumagara, Erick Yori, Jr Clinton Kaha (Ijivitari) Wesley Graham, Brian Napa, James Verani, Francis Sammy (Lae Corporate), Ephraim Oscar, Philimon Timu, Duncan Manzi (Madang), Ernest Awok, Russel Siwa (Panu), Rendal Bareji, Gary Nunuen (Sohe).
U18 Girls: Ivy Simati, Nene Kave, Kezziah Wariupa (Alotau), Kikoco Yaking, Basilisah Nagong, Grace Leo, Babra Teikita, Nicolette Joel, Zesrillah John (Finschhafen), Gloria Nathan, Daisy Keamo (Gate-Way Kainantu), Florence Sevese, Joan Wakiawa, Yapem Bejo, Sylvia (Ijivitari), Elishama Eddie (Lae), Jamie Ania (Madang), Sofina Waninara (Panu), Jesmin Dira, Loreta Soweni, Esta Tale (Popondetta), Louise Tura, Maleka Oivo (Sohe).
U20 Boys: Joe Harry Jr, Kimo Napa, Leo Ruben, Salamo Kayoka, Gilbert Pudess (Finschhafen), Pondos Kauyap, Peter Parpar, Noel Jeffrey, Shaun Wekos (Gate-Way Kainantu), Benjamin Patrick, Emanuel Arumbi (Huon), Travis Gunaba, Wilo Kaha Nauri, Daniel Gumagara, Francis Kaboir, Samson Bulunasoi (Ijivitari), Clarence Simon, Joe Agom, Lui Takaili, Toby Afatimba (Lae), Brendon Rex, Zico Pileng, Dante Hulama (Madang), Daniel Willie, Noah Gillina (Owan), Steven Yalewa, Ezra Soweni, Lolo Vegogo, Ross Auro (Popondetta), Wilson Teru (Sohe).
U20 Girls: Michelle Kispot (Alotau), Sherolyn Kepuae, Derolyn Kitum, Shirley Pudess (Finschhafen), Masia John, Natasha Peter (Gate-Way Kainantu), Valentina Beibi (Huon), Faylin Apisai, Vinica Horiva, Debrah Iagoro (Ijivitari), Pune Vali, Louise Miria, Leah Liru (Lae), Natasha Able (Madang), Jesmin Tepi, Lowah Ori (Owan), Finelly Sebora (Panu), Olam Toki (Popondetta), Maria Newman, Jama Koa (Sohe).
Photo Supplied
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