By CHARLIE DUMAVI
FORMER Hunters hooker and current EMK Sepik Pride Captain Wartovo Puara Junior has expressed that Digicel ExxonMobil Cup level is very low and that is reflected on Hunters performance.
Speaking during their first trial match in Bava Park in Port Moresby, Puara said his move to join the EMK Sepik Pride was to help expend the game in that part of the country, especially helping young talents to one day play in the Hunters and represent PNG.
“There’s a reason why, the Hunters level is dropping, because the Digicel cup level is very low. And for me to go down (to Sepik), I can see the big difference in the level of game.
“I think for me going down, I can help the boys there with my experience to one day come to the Hunters,” Puara said.
He said he is happy. “I did not regret my decision to join the Sepik.”
The Sepik Pride Captain said majority of the Sepik people take part in playing football and for him to be part of a new team from there makes a lot of difference in the development of the game.
He said their first oppose match in Wewak was played in front of a packed crowd and that show how the people show their support for the team.
Puara also added that they have been given a very little time to prepare for the competition but he is confident they have a good team and will learn from one game at a time as season start.
“Our focus is on every game. We are a new team with many new players who are locals from Wewak and around PNG. With the help of few senior players, we’ll do well this year. Our focus will be on each game,” Puara said.
The trial match against Central Dabaris was their first trial match in which the match ended with a 12-12 draw.
Puara added that the trial match shows them where they stand and they will work harder in the remaining days before the round one kick off.
