PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea - Fans of the Papua New Guinea women’s national team will see a blend of experience and youth when the side hits the TAIC show court at the 2017 FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup this September.

The final roster of twelve players and three shadow-reserves were announced today, following the squad’s three-day training camp held in Port Moresby over the weekend.

Veteran’s Emily Koivi, Marca Muri, Mary Elavo Jnr. and Nester Sape bring their hoops knowledge and leadership qualities to the team while dynamic, PNG crowd favourite Betty Angula has also been named.

19-year old point guard Rosa Kairi has retained her position from the countries 2015 Pacific Games lineup and headlines the team’s younger contingent of athletes which includes - Normalisa Dobunaba (18), Ericka Amos (19) Mary Cindy Elavo (21) and Sherah Yawasing (21).

National Capital District players Betty Wong and Elina Yala have also earned selection following solid showings in training camp.

BFPNG Vice President and Chair of the women’s selection panel Ms. Karo Lelai said the team’s main priority was a top-three finish at the FIBA Melanesia Cup and qualification for the 2019 Pacific Games.

“That’s certainly the goal and we want to make sure that is achieved first and foremost,” Ms. Lelai said.

“There’s many young players in this team who will be getting their first chance to represent Papua New Guinea at the senior international level, so we are not going to put unrealistic expectations on them, which will then lead to unnecessary pressure.”

“The FIBA Melanesia Cup provides a great platform for those individuals to gain much needed high-level experience and that’s a major part of the Federation’s ongoing national program plans.”

“While we are still focusing on the now and doing well come September, this side has also been put together with the future in mind.”

“It’s definitely an exciting time for PNG women’s basketball and we are looking forward to seeing our female stars on-court in just a few short weeks’ time.”

For more information, please contact BFPNG Chief Executive Officer Joel Khalu on khalujoel@gmail.com

 

PAPUA NEW GUINEA WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM - 2017 FIBA MELANESIA CUP:

Betty ANGULA 

Betty WONG

Elina YALA

Emily KOIVI 

Ericka AMOS

Marca MURI

Mary Cindy ELAVO 

Mary ELAVO Jnr.

Nester SAPE

Normalisa DOBUNABA

Rosa KAIRI

Sherah YAWASING

 

SHADOW-RESERVE PLAYERS:

Gimai KEBEI

Lydia GOTUNO 

Marrina BOINO