PNG under-19 cricket team departing Port Moresby on June 2 for their training camp as part of their preparation for the the ICC Men's U19 Cricket World Cup EAP Qualifier in Darwin. Photo: Cricket PNG
A berth at the ICC Men's under-19 Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka is on the minds of the Papua New Guinea team as they travel to compete in the East Asia Pacific (EAP) qualifier in Darwin, Australia.
Having had challenging preparation period, the Garamuts departed Port Moresby last Friday, bound for a one-week training camp under former New Zealand test match player Hamish Bennett before they start their campaign this weekend.
Former PNG national team captain Jack Vare leads the side as coach into a series that will see them play some of the region's best.
"This is my first time as head coach for the national team," Vare told The National in Port Moresby before his team left PNG.
"I've captained the Barramundis. Played for almost 10 years and I'm in a transition mode from a player to coach. This will be my first trip as the head coach for Garamuts.
"As player and captain before, one thing I believe in is getting the little things right. When you take care of little things, big things will take care of themselves. Mountains are hard to climb but if you go step by step you will reach the top.
"That is my concept heading into the tournament."
He said his side has not enjoyed the preparation they wanted.
"Not the ideal preparation we wanted but it is what it is. We're working on what's in hand and very confident with the boys. No promises or bigger expectations.
"If we qualify, we will go to Sri Lanka for the U19 World Cup," he added.
Vare said the squad is made up of young players and some have never played an international match and are going on their first ever tour.
He added New Zealand added another challenge at the qualifier, apart from the region's teams.
"All the teams participating in the EAP qualifier are within our region except for New Zealand, who are a test playing country and they're a threat to us."
"New Zealand will be a massive task but we don't want to look ahead, we don't want to be complacent. We will take every game as it comes."
The regional qualifier starts on June 12, with Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Vanuatu taking part.
The winner of the qualifier will join three other nations - one each from Africa, Europe and the Americas - as the final four sides in the 16-team World Cup in Sri Lanka.
PNG under-19 cricket team: Tau Trevor Griffin (c), Nelson Pate (vc), Ware Robin, Dauncey Tom, James Frank Momo, Igo Pako Morea, Gaba Frank, Razmi Stanley Bau, Methuselah William, Anthony Tamarua David, Suvenia Sean Tau, Nao Tau, Aluend Robson Boge, Martin Taboa. Non-traveling reserves: Lekwa Henao Nao, Arua Gavera, David Taraka. Officials: Jack Vare (head coach), Norman Vanua (team manager), Hamish Bennett (specialist coach), Rodney Maha (assistant coach), Siyih Johang (physio).