The 17-year-old is in with a decent of chance after being named in the latest Papua New Guinea women’s team travelling to Thailand for an upcoming friendly.
The young striker plays for Shaq 21 FC in the Kimbe Soccer Association competition, and caught the attention of national team coach Gary Phillips at the PNG Games with her skills, speed and striking power.
“This is the only representative game that I have played and to be in the training squad for the senior women’s soccer team is a great achievement for myself,” Padio says.
Being included in the 23-strong training squad alongside the experience of Sandra Birum and Deslyn Siniu is great motivation for the youngster.
“We all want to represent the country especially on home soil,” Padio says.
“My aim now is to give all my best at the international friendlies in Thailand and achieve my goal.”
Padio started playing football as a five-year-old in the Pikinini Sport competition and recently completed Grade 10 at Kimbe Secondary School.
With encouragement from her grandparents, she made it into the school competition and in 2011 was selected to represent Kimbe in the U-20 Championships in Goroka.
In 2013 she was included in the Kimbe-select side for the Besta Cup and PNG Games.
For more on Papua New Guinea football visit www.pngfootball.com.pg