“We had seven new players who started and from that point-of-view it was excellent because at least five of them I will bring back into the squad.
“In Singapore from the 20 players that we had there’s about eight players that I’ll cut, and have done, while three of them weren’t available for this tour including Brad McDonald and George Slefendorfas who are Australian-based,” Rufer explains.
He says what was important for the squad, and in particular the newbies, was the opportunity to play an international match.
“It was very good to be able to play another game and gain more experience – which is absolutely invaluable for any international players coming from the Pacific region.
“I know if I was out to play for a result, it would not have been 5-0, but I had other issues that I had to address and found more players for our squad just playing the game.
“Come July next year for the Pacific Games, we may not be ranked at the top, but we will definitely be the best prepared team.”
Rufer says the process of putting together a squad for the Port Moresby-based games in 2015 is ongoing, but he’s positive about the players he has uncovered so far.
“Nathaniel Lapani, who is Canberra-based, did very well coming on in the second half and could have scored. We had a boy from Hong Kong [Brendan Joe] who was actually one of the best players from the new ones, a defensive midfielder.
“It was actually really positive to play this game in the Philippines.”
Rufer also believes there may be opportunities for some of his squad to trial for professsional contracts with Philippines-based clubs based on this friendly which would be of long-term benefit to the national team.
“Despite losing 5-0 we’ve got players here being invited back for trials for professional contracts. I just negotiated with one of the local clubs, the manager came to the hotel, and he will pay the airfares for two players to come back for trials in December.
“What more can you say? They’re all dreaming about becoming professional football players.”
Papua New Guinea played Philippines in a friendly match on Sunday 12 October in Manila.

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