PNG Kapuls returns home

By CHARLIE DUMAVI
FOOTBALL in PNG is now shifting its focus to the Pacific games after the men’s national team failed to defend the Melanesia Spearhead Group Cup in New Caledonia, finishing at fourth placing.
The men’s national team, PNG Kapuls, arrived in the country today. They were welcomed with a reception hosted by PNG Sports Foundational (PNGSF) at PNGSF office in Port Moresby.
At the reception the boys were told to focus on the challenges that is ahead building on the experiences they had in the recent tournament.
PNGSF CEO Albert Veratau said despite the outcome, the game of football continues to grow and PNG must work alongside Oceania football confederation to grow the code in the country.
He said Kapuls gave their best to represent the country in the MSG cup competition.
“They (Kapuls) gave it everything, we still a dominant team,” Veratau said.
“Football is growing in OFC, thanks to OFC for giving us every opportunity for the kids to realise their dream. We see dreams, we see big future for our generations and we will continue to work with PNGFA to realize the dream to see football grow.”
Moreover, PNG Football Association (PNGFA) president John Kapi Natto who was also present to welcome the boys back home, expressed that the boys did their best.
He affirmed their commitment to collaborate with the coaching staff to prepare the team for the Pacific Games.
“Welcome boys, we are still strong!” Last year you where the champion, the championship goes around. It is not over Melanesia Spearhead group Cup is next year and Pacific games is the new challenge,” Kapi Natto said.
“I told the coach to tell us what went wrong so we can improve from there. Our attention should now be focused to Pacific games. You players have to work harder and be discipline.”
He added that while participating in the upcoming competitions, PNGFA holds the aspiration to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and beyond.
“One of our dreams is to pay in the world cup” and that is a dream all players should have,” he added.
PNG Kapuls captain Raymond Gunemba acknowledged the warm reception at home. Despite not bringing back the trophy, he attributed all glory to God.
“Thanks for the support. We went down and expected to win but we saw our failures and we will regroup for Pacific Games and Wold Cup qualifiers, a big mountain ahead of us,” Gunemba said.
Solomon Islands took home the 2023 MSG cup title followed by New Caledonia, Vanuatu and PNG on fourth placing.
Moreover, PNGFA is yet to announce its final men’s and women’s team to take part in the Pacific Games.