As four countries are confirmed for this year’s Melanesian Cup, including PNG, BPNG CEO Joel Khalu says, priority now are the players as the national tournament is been scheduled to take place on the 4th of July.
Khalu says the national event will be used to scout top players to make it into the train on squad. The tournament is expected to see a few affiliates around the country come with their best players, hoping to earn a spot in the national side.
He said while the facility is ready for both the men’s and women’s team to train, prior to the Melanesian Cup, opportunities will also be given to overseas-based players, making sure that PNG puts their best teams forward.
Khalu said after selections, training will play a crucial role, that the best training systems are put in place for the players, as they prepare to contest against some of their Melanesian counterparts. Three of the toughest teams to reach PNG shores for the event will be New Caledonia, Solomon Islands and Fiji.
While PNG waits for a big challenge ahead, Khalu says, PNG is not walking away empty handed from this event, as the country will do anything and everything to get the best players, both local and from overseas, to battle for the top spot.
