By GABRIEL KATUHO
PNG Kapuls new head coach, Felipe Vega Arango, is looking at putting a team together for the World Cup qualifier that is scheduled to take place next month (November).
Felipe, who arrived in the country over the weekend for a three-year contract as a Kapuls head coach, is now well fitted into his work place and is ready to execute his first task.
His first task is to prepare the Kapuls for the upcoming World Cup qualifier in Fiji against the New Caledonia.
In a press conference yesterday, Arango said more work need to be done in order for PNG to be champions in the Oceania.
The coach said with just one month remaining before world cup campaign, he wants to start training as early as possible.
Arango thanked PNG Football President John Kapi Natto and his management, for having the trust in him for the head coach role, and promised to work hard to see football in PNG transform and grow.
“I believe PNG football can go to the next level and I call it the sleeping giant,” Arango said.
“This is the biggest nation in Oceania and I believe we should be doing better.
“If we work really hard we can reach new heights with the help of everyone involved in the federation,” he said.
“Being professional, committed, and respectful to the coach is what we are going to stand on.
“Strict in the discipline of the players which I believe is the key.
“I believe in the players and I believe in their skills; we need to start working as soon as possible.”
Arango said he will be very strict and expects the players to keep up to the standard as he describe that an International football is not easy.
“We really need to work hard, if we work hard, I believe we can achieve greater results,” he said.
After reviewing few matches from PSL via live stream, Arango said the players need help and he will work with them to improve their fitness and tactics.
“They are great players, fitness is lacking a little, especially to play international football.”
He added that PNG football needs to improve in international level and he will do his best to build players and assist coaches as well so that the coaches can develop the future players.
“The technical department needs help to implement coaching methodology and to implement coaching training and coaching education, but if we work in the right way, we can accomplish good things.
“We will do a mini pre-season, a lot of fitness, implement good nutrition, good life habits, no drinking, no smoking, and everybody really needs to work hard.
“I don’t want lazy people in the team because international matches are not easy, we need to be humble and we need to push.”
Mr Natto expressed his gratitude to the new coach and said he is confident that he will bring the result as he did to Solomon Island National team.
PNGFA General Secretary Gordon Manub said the technical team will work together with Arango to have the final list of players announced later this month.
