The PNG Men’s National Football team Coach, Flemming Serritslev, says that he is content with the current preparations of the train-on squad.
These comments were made amidst concern over the notable absence of a number of key players, although Serritslev is adamant that the focus is on getting the best out of his available crop of talent.
Only 9 more weeks remain until Papua New Guinea face Francophone side Tahiti in what is undoubtedly a massive test to the nation’s credibility as a powerhouse in Pacific football.
Wins over the Solomon Islands and Samoa, as well as draws against Tahiti and New Caledonia and reaching their maiden final after four decades, the Nation had fought hard to earn their top tier mantle.
However, seven months on, and the National team is almost starting from scratch, with the blooding of new faces as Serritslev looks for additional options.
Whilst media reports have stated that 9 players from PNG champions,Hekari United, are unavailable at present, with speculation that OFC Champions League duties have pulled them away the Danish coach remaining unfazed, and says that he will work with what he has at present.
There is a notable concern, though, left defender Roland Bala has suffered a suspected medial cruciate tear in his left knee, and is expected to be out for up to two and a half months.
The current training camp is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, and Serritslev is already preparing for the next session, which he hopes will be soon. This is because with no full squad at hand, and without a steady National Soccer League competition, the regiment that he has created and planned meticulously, may be the only football many of these players may see, until that March qualifier
