Her dream has come true earlier than expected.
Harmon received an early call-up to the national team after several senior players became unavailable.
She arrived with her older sister, 22-year-old Elizabeth Harmon, also an accomplished player and the Cook Islands to participate in the OFC Women’s Nations Cup – the qualifer for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.
A grade nine student from Tereora College in Rarotonga, Harmon says she feels special being one of the youngest players in a senior competition, and is looking forward to the matches.
Coming from a family of footballers, Harmon started playing at the age of eight, for Tupapa Maraerenga Football Club.
She says the inspiration to play football came from her father, current Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) President, and her older siblings.
And having sister Elizabeth here with her in Kokopo has made the transition to the senior side a lot easier, as well as provided the confidence to prove herself.
Cook Islands coach Jimmy Katoa says with senior players unavailable it is a chance for management to select younger players like Moeroa, who are deserving of inclusion.
In regards to their chances, Katoa says they didn’t come to Papua New Guinea to make up the numbers.
“We are here to do our best,” he says.
There first match is against hosts Papua New Guinea he knows it’s going to be tough.
“I hear PNG have been in camp for quite a while now and they have got an experienced coach. It will be a good challenge and I think the girls will respond to that challenge.
The opening match on Saturday sees defending champions New Zealand get things underway against Tonga at 11am.
Cook Islands kick off against Papua New Guinea at 2pm.
Both matches are being played at Kalabond Oval in Kokopo.
Story courtesy of the Post Courier

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