PNG Emerging Team for Arafura Games
Given the huge success recently enjoyed by the Hebou Barramundi team and the fact that ICC High Performance funding has been secured for the next year, Cricket PNG today announced its intention to send an "Emerging player" team to compete at this years Arafura games in Darwin.
The Team will be playing under the new name The Air Niugini Crocs as a strong measure of recognition for the support given by Air Niugini across all aspects of the Cricket PNG operation.
"The Arafura Games in Darwin provide a great opportunity for up and coming players to compete Internationally" said National Coaching Director Andy Bichel.
"The games are played from Sunday 8th May to Friday 13th and also provide the opportunity for Cricket PNG to reward an Emerging Local Coach with an International appointment," said Bichel.
The Team will be coached by former PNG national player Toka Gaudi who was the best performed coach in last years Cricket PNG National Championship where he led the Monier Miners Team to a Grand Final berth in both the T20 (20 over format) and the 50 over Format.
In accepting the role Toka said, "I accept the opportunity and am greatly looking forward to the challenge of coaching such a talented group."
"I believe that we can set ourselves to challenge for the Final of the event."
"My Thanks for the wonderful opportunity and I am really looking forward to it."
Current and experienced Hebou Barramundi Team Manager Mairi Homosi will anchor the Team and ensure that the high standards required on International duty are maintained.
"There is some really exciting young talent in this Team," said Bichel.
"Young U/19 Fast bowler Alei Nao is only 17 years of age, Toua Tom (18) recently made the EAP Team of the Championship at the ICC EAP U/19 Cup, Sese Bau (18) has just returned home from his Brian Bell scholarship in Melbourne. Charles Amini Junior is only 19 yet he has been to two U/19 World Cups, this year is a big year of consolidation for him as he prepares for the next U/19 World Cup in Australia in 2012 where we hope he can be a dominant player."
"Emerging National squad members, Jacob Mado, Joel Tom, Greg Baeau, all get the opportunity to play some International Cricket and expand their experience base and put pressure on existing Hebou Barramund'?s for the future," remarked Bichel.
"The Team also rewards some local players from outside our current squads who have shown strong form in this years POMCA Season," stated Bichel.
"Eava Lamond is a player we have been watching for sometime and now with the Air Niugini Crocs being formed we can give him his first taste of International Men's cricket."
Former U/19 Garamuts Captain John Boge Reva and former U/19 Garamuts Keeper Arua Dikana have also been included into the Team which include three (3) current Hebou Barramundi players , Assad Vala, Tony Ura and Jason Kila who were all in great form in Dubai.
"Lastly but importantly" said Bichel, "is the appointment of current Hebou Barramundi strongman Hitolo Areni as Captain."
"Hitolo's appointment is crucial as it now gives him Captaincy experience and builds his leadership skills as well as his overall Cricket decision making," said Bichel.
"I know how excited he is about this opportunity and also how competitive Hitolo is. With his leadership and some consistent performances from the various emerging players don't be surprised if they win the Tournament."