PNG National squad selection for the South Pacific games is underway. Women from around the country are at the PNGFA academy to go through a Physical Fitness Training test for the selection national squad.

PNGFA are planning a meticulous preparation for the 2007 South Pacific Game in Samoa next year. The two best nominated women players from local associations in the country are in the training with PNG's Brazilian Technical Director, Marcos Gusmao at Academy in Lae.

The team is going through a series of physical tests which started on the 30th October 2006, and is the first phase of the womens' training program for the south Pacific Games.

The camp will last a whole week where the women will be tested for their physical fitness. A technical appraisal represents the second phase of the programme.

The players selected come from as far away as Wabag, Wau,and Bougainville.

The team will follow the same process the senior mens followed.

"At present I am happy to have the camp but we don't know their preferred style of play", said Gusmao.

"I will organise a nearby local team to play a friendly match with the squad we have and see for myself how well they play the game and then I will carry on with the training programme", Gusmao said.

"I want to win the South Pacific Games", Gusmao said.

After the women's squad finish this camp, the senior men's squad will start training immediately. They will go through the same training program.

Gusmao hopes to develop methods and programs aimed towards improving on wekanesses.

"I am confident that PNG will win the South Pacific Games this time", he said.

Story courtesy of PNGFA Media Officer Thomas Kambi