Members of the Papua New Guinea squad have been inspired by a team talk speech by retired PNG Defence Force commander, Brigadier General Jerry Singirok, as they prepare for their World Cup opener against New Zealand.
Speaking to the Kapuls on the eve of the game at the Oceania FIFA World Cup qualifying tournament in Qatar, Singriok (65) said:
This tournament will expose the team as the ambassadors of Papua New Guinea. How you perform, how you conduct yourself both on the field and off the field will represent the type of country that you represent.
“Therefore this game is not only a game of soccer, you are basically ambassadors of Papua New Guinea.
“Go out and do your best.”
Coach: ‘The team is very focused … and wants revenge’
According to the Loop PNG news service, Brazilian coach Marcos Gusmao told his players:
“We are playing final. Every game is final and I believe in you.
“The New Zealand Whites the favourite but we will play as final and play to win. We need to score goals.”
The coach told Loop: “The team is very focused on the game and wants revenge. We are sure we will have a great game.”
Gusmao named his starting line-up on Friday:
Roland WARISAN, Koriak UPAIGA, Alwin KOMOLONG, Felix KOLOMONG, Daniel JOE, David MUTA (c), Emmanual SIMON, Jacob SABUA, Tommy SEMMY, Raymond GUNEMBA, Ati KEPO.
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