The 16-year-old is currently in Japan with OFC Champions League winners Auckland City who are preparing to make their fourth appearance at the premier FIFA club tournament.
To take to the field against J.League champions Sanfrecce Hiroshima on December 6 would be a birthday gift of sorts for the Port Moresby-born youngster who will turn 17 just 11 days after the December 16 final.
Despite the enormity of the occasion, the quietly spoken midfielder is taking it all in with an open mind.
“I’m enjoying the experience. Japan is a nice country, the people are very nice and I’m learning a lot from the experienced players in the squad,” he says.
“Being one of the youngest players hasn’t really sunk in yet. The other players tell me about their experiences at the Club World Cup and they describe it as one of the greatest experiences of their lives. They tell me it’s something that I will never forget as an experience.”
Browne is the first Papua New Guinea player to be part of the tournament since Hekari United played in Abu Dhabi two years ago and says his compatriots have been an inspiration to him.
“I used to watch YouTube videos of footballers a lot. The boys from the Hekari team I really liked,” he says.
He also speaks highly of national team skipper David Muta.
“I met David a few times at football matches and really looked up to him. He played for Oceania against the LA Galaxy.”
Auckland City coach Ramon Tribulietx says his selection of Browne, who has been with the side for three months, provides an opportunity for the teenager to gain some experience for the future.
“He is a young boy who is full of talent and speed. How he does things is very good,” Tribulietx says.
“We put him in because we believe he is good enough. He is readjusting to the change between high school football and playing with us in the ASB Premiership, which is a tough competition, and obviously in Japan.”
Browne agrees that the standard of football in New Zealand is a lot higher than what he is used to, with the transition into the senior ranks in Auckland proving a challenge.
“It was tricky at first to get used to all the players here – the style of football, and the level of football.
Training and playing with these guys has helped lift my own levels. It wasn’t an easy transition. I’m still going through it,” he says.
“I’ve learned to work hard for what you want. You may not be the best at everything, but as long as you have a great work ethic you can improve on the areas you need to, so you never stop learning.
Browne, who has been in New Zealand studying after receiving a scholarship to attend St Peter’s College in Auckland, also has a message for youngsters growing up in Papua New Guinea.
“If you love a sport, or you enjoy it and it brings pleasure in your life, then stick with it and give it everything you’ve got, it will do some good for you in the future.”
Auckland City play Sanfrecce Hiroshima on December 6 at Yokohama International Stadium in the FIFA Club World Cup play-off.
The match kicks off at 7.45pm local time (11.45pm NZ time) and will be screened live in New Zealand on SKY Sport 3.
For more on Papua New Guinea football go to www.pngfootball.com.pg

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