With Germany at the top of the world after their 1-0 success in final of the FIFA World Cup ™ in Brazil, it seems to be the perfect destination to learn and launch a career.
Papua New Guinea U-20 captain Felix Komolong is currently living the dream of every young football players who expects a career at the professional level.
Komolong is on trial at four-time Bundesliga champions Werder Bremen where he trains with the U-20 squad.
The young defender first hit the international scene with the Papua New Guinea U-17 team in 2013 before catching the eye of Papua New Guinea U-20 coach Wynton Rufer who appointed Komolong captain of the side at the OFC U-20 Championship in Fiji in May 2014.
Rufer remains one of the club’s greatest strikers of all-time, scoring 59 goals in 174 appearances. He was part of the squad which won the championship in 1993 and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1992.
The close relationship between the club and Oceania’s Player of the Century was the window of opportunity Komolong needed to experience the highest level of football.
‘’I still have close contacts and friends at Werder Bremen. When they saw Felix playing they were interested in having a closer look.’’
Rufer believes the young player has all the qualities to succeed at the top level.
‘’He is tall and has a very good physique. Technically he is a strong player and he is able to play with both feet.’’
The former All White great used his experience and knowledge to advise the young player to allow him to perform at his best.
‘’I told him to have confidence in himself. Felix is a quiet boy. Germans have a strong personality and are very confident. He needs to show his strength and confidence.’’
Komolong left for Germany on 24 September for a three-week trial.