CRICKET PNG Garamuts Head Coach Kila Pala has reflected on his recent International Cricket Council (ICC) Level 3 Coaching Course in Malaysia after returning to Papua New Guinea and leading the Under-19 Garamuts through the ICC East Asia Pacific (EAP) Division 2 Qualifier.
Pala travelled to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 16 August 2026 to undertake the ICC Level 3 Coaching Course, joining coaches from different countries for the intensive one-week programme.
Following completion of the in-course component, Pala returned to PNG and continued his work with the U19 Garamuts, who travelled to Vanuatu on 5 September 2026 for the ICC EAP Division 2 Qualifier.
The Garamuts went on to secure qualification to ICC EAP Division 1, defeating Samoa in the final on 12 September 2026.
The close timing of the two commitments gave Pala an immediate opportunity to apply lessons from the international coaching programme while working with PNG’s next generation of players.
Reflecting on his experience in Malaysia, Pala identified several key lessons, particularly the importance of placing players at the centre of the coaching process.
“The biggest takeout from the course for me was the players at the centre of focus,” Pala said.
He said the programme also challenged coaches to reconsider their role by creating situations that encourage players to develop their own solutions.
“Coaches are the problem setters, players are the problem solvers.”
“Reflection of self and everything involved in and around a High-Performance setup were also big takeouts for me,” he added.
International Coaching Experience
Pala described the programme as a valuable learning experience, particularly because of the level of international experience represented among the participants.
The course brought together coaches from different countries, including former national coaches from top-tier cricket countries, two former Pakistan international players and a current Afghanistan Test player.
“Former national coaches of the top-tier cricket nations were there. Two former Pakistan international players and a current Afghanistan Test player were there also.”
“We had a wealth of experience in the room and it was nice to cohort with all of them,” he added.
Pala said working alongside experienced coaches from different cricketing environments provided valuable perspectives that he hopes to apply within PNG cricket.
“It was a very informative week and hopefully I can pass on what I learnt to the players,” he said.
Final Stage of ICC Level 3 Programme
While the in-course component has been completed, Pala’s ICC Level 3 qualification continues with the final 12-week post-course project.
Participants have been placed into groups and allocated a Master Tutor to work with them throughout the project.
“The first two parts of the course are done, and now I’m on the last leg, which is the post-course project,” Pala said.
“We have been put into groups and also allocated a Master Tutor to work with in putting together the project.”
Pala will now continue working through the project requirements over the next 12 weeks as he completes the final component of the ICC Level 3 programme.
Pala acknowledged the Cricket PNG Board and Management for providing him with the opportunity to undertake the international coaching programme.
“Firstly, I would like to thank the Cricket PNG Board and Management for the opportunity given. Thank you,” he said.
He also thanked Cricket PNG’s sponsors for their continued commitment and support.
Pala extended his appreciation to Cricket PNG staff, particularly those within the High Performance programme, for their continued support and confidence in him.
“To the Cricket PNG staff, especially High Performance, thank you for your continuous support and trust in me,” he said.
He also thanked the media for their contribution to promoting cricket and sharing the achievements and activities of PNG’s players and national teams.
Pala’s ICC Level 3 experience, followed by the Garamuts’ successful EAP Division 2 campaign, represents an important period in his continued coaching development and Cricket PNG’s broader investment in strengthening coaching capacity.
The knowledge gained through the international programme will now be applied through his ongoing work with players and coaches in PNG.