Along with Papua New Guinea, teams from Maldives and Laos will arrive in Jakarta to take part in the MNC Cup, a new tournament, from 21-24 November with host Indonesia rounding out the participants.
PNGFA and OFC President David Chung says the association is grateful for the invitation extended by the Football Association of Indonesia.
“Apart from the experience gained from the tournament itself, it is an excellent opportunity to strengthen the bond between our great nations,” Chung says.
All the young players chosen for the squad have come through the PNGFA national development programmes and PNGFA consultant David Brand says it is an excellent opportunity for those players.
“All the players have been in the PNGFA system with many of them coming through the Besta PNG United Development programme specifically.
Composed of talented young players the Besta squad participates in the Telikom National Soccer League.
Coach Bob Morris recently went through the selection process ahead of the 2014 season and says a lot of new players were putting up strong challenges for the final spots.
“As a development team last season we gave a good challenge to all the clubs, we really gave them a run for their money and did well to finish third.”
Brand says short notice of the U-23 side’s entry into the MNC Cup hasn’t helped preparations and means the PNGFA has not set their expectations of the team’s potential to perform too high.
“It will be a good opportunity for the players to gain experience,” Brand says.
“Obviously we would like to achieve the best results we can and we will also use the exercise as player development and preparation for the Pacific Games in 2015.”
Hoping to help aid the development process is Asia Pacific Football Academy director of football Giovani Fernandes.
PNGFA has been working closely with Fernandes as they base their academy in Lae on the successful APFA model.
Fernandes will travel to Indonesia with the team as a technical advisor and coach mentor to Bob Morris.
Match schedule:
Maldives v Papua New Guinea
20 November
Kick-off: 3.30pm (local)
Papua New Guinea v Indonesia
22 November
Kick-off 7pm (local)
Laos v Papua New Guinea
24 November
Kick-off 3.30pm local
All matches will be played at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia
For more on Papua New Guinea football go to www.pngfootball.com.pg