BY SIMON KESLEP
WITHOUT international recruits, it’s still the game for Lae City FC in the 2022 OFC Champions League.
Coach Bob Morris told the Post Courier it was not a loss as he still had faith in his homegrown players.
The absence of star recruits like Nigerian Jibola Afonja, Japan’s Kohei Matsumoto including Port Moresby-based Pala Paul is now expected to prompt Lae City to kick off their O-league campaign (10am PST) this Thursday against ABM Galaxy of Vanuatu in the Opening Match of Group A.
“Yes, of course, without international recruits, I have no choice but to stay with my local experienced players,” says Morris.
“The likes of Skipper Simon Emmanuel, Kapuls Captain Alwin Komolong, Felix Komolong, Philip Steven, Ronald Warisan, Jacob Sabua, Stahl Gubag, Obert Bika, Mathew David, Jonathan Allen, Joshua Talau, future youngster Bruce Tiampo, Jordan Tobem (goalkeeper) and Thomas Yagum.
“I guess I have enough experience in the team that they provide the backbone of the team,” Morris said.
He said the ongoing player transfer issues involving Pala Paul will in no way affect the team’s performance, however, the intention was to give the youngster a lifetime opportunity to compete at OFC level .
“I was just promoting young players and giving them good visibility, but if there is a selfish motive, it doesn’t affect Lae City FC at all. In fact, I don’t lose anything but growth. of a beautiful potential player like Pala. He has achieved his personal goals.
I have no problem with that, just wish him and the club the best in their endeavours.
The inclusion of versatile striker Matthew David also provides another standout firepower.
David’s impressive performance as a goalscorer in the 2-1 domestic play-off win over Hekari United FC a month ago should give Morris some reshuffle options when it comes to rotating forwards in offensive.
“I have good bench players too, whether Matthew comes off the bench or starts it won’t make a difference, they all have a good understanding,” he said.
The clash against ABM Galaxy is considered an important game for the Lae Biscuit company sponsored team.
“The first game is important for us. We need our full squad and I don’t underestimate any team here because I believe every team is champion in their respective country.
“I can’t play here, I’m going with a full squad,” Morris said.
He said it was still premature to name Lae City FC’s starting XI.
“I guess I will rely on the current experience of PNG Kapuls. Ronald Warisan (goalkeeper), Alwin Komolong, Philip Steven, Felix Komolong, Thomas Yagum, Simon Emmanuel, Jacob Sabua, Stahl Gubag, Obert Bika, David Mathew Bruce Tiampo We always have good supporting players on the bench,” Morris said.
BY SIMON KESLEP
WITHOUT international recruits, it’s still the game for Lae City FC in the 2022 OFC Champions League.
Coach Bob Morris told the Post Courier it was not a loss as he still had faith in his homegrown players.
The absence of star recruits like Nigerian Jibola Afonja, Japan’s Kohei Matsumoto including Port Moresby-based Pala Paul is now expected to prompt Lae City to kick off their O-league campaign (10am PST) this Thursday against ABM Galaxy of Vanuatu in the Opening Match of Group A.
“Yes, of course, without international recruits, I have no choice but to stay with my local experienced players,” says Morris.
“The likes of Skipper Simon Emmanuel, Kapuls Captain Alwin Komolong, Felix Komolong, Philip Steven, Ronald Warisan, Jacob Sabua, Stahl Gubag, Obert Bika, Mathew David, Jonathan Allen, Joshua Talau, future youngster Bruce Tiampo, Jordan Tobem (goalkeeper) and Thomas Yagum.
“I guess I have enough experience in the team that they provide the backbone of the team,” Morris said.
He said the ongoing player transfer issues involving Pala Paul will in no way affect the team’s performance, however, the intention was to give the youngster a lifetime opportunity to compete at OFC level .
“I was just promoting young players and giving them good visibility, but if there is a selfish motive, it doesn’t affect Lae City FC at all. In fact, I don’t lose anything but growth. of a beautiful potential player like Pala. He has achieved his personal goals.
I have no problem with that, just wish him and the club the best in their endeavours.
The inclusion of versatile striker Matthew David also provides another standout firepower.
David’s impressive performance as a goalscorer in the 2-1 domestic play-off win over Hekari United FC a month ago should give Morris some reshuffle options when it comes to rotating forwards in offensive.
“I have good bench players too, whether Matthew comes off the bench or starts it won’t make a difference, they all have a good understanding,” he said.
The clash against ABM Galaxy is considered an important game for the Lae Biscuit company sponsored team.
“The first game is important for us. We need our full squad and I don’t underestimate any team here because I believe every team is champion in their respective country.
“I can’t play here, I’m going with a full squad,” Morris said.
He said it was still premature to name Lae City FC’s starting XI.
“I guess I will rely on the current experience of PNG Kapuls. Ronald Warisan (goalkeeper), Alwin Komolong, Philip Steven, Felix Komolong, Thomas Yagum, Simon Emmanuel, Jacob Sabua, Stahl Gubag, Obert Bika, David Mathew Bruce Tiampo We always have good supporting players on the bench,” Morris said.