Hard at training, the PNG under-20 National Women’s team , only announced two weeks ago, has undergone many changes under Head Coach Lisa Cole.
The players, while nervous, are buoyant and in good spirits ahead of meeting Brazil on Sunday.
19-year-old Ellian Manup, from the East Sepik Province, is one of the 21 young women who has made it into the final PNG squad. Formerly a striker, she has played a number of positions throughout the course of the many friendlies that she has played for the country.
But now finds herself as a holding midfielder on perhaps the worlds biggest stage for her. And she admits, there are nerves.
She feels however, that the team has grown mentally and are physically tougher than when they had their first hit out as a group.
Another young player, is Hilda Nake, who is one of the newer members of the Cole outfit. Having travelled to South Korea, the United States and New Zealand, this young lass, had a surprising tale to tell.
A fast versatile player, Nake knows how tough it will be facing Brazil. A sentiment shared by Manup.
For Lisa Cole, the past 11 months has been a long hard road, and now as her young charges reach what is most likely the pinnacle of their careers, she remains steadfast in her commitment to seeing the team do the nation proud, regardless of the results.
Only five more days remain, when PNG face Brazil for the first time, and when the country, plays its first ever World Cup match.
