City, Madang coaches take heat from weekend results

By LARRY ANDREW
TOTI City FC and Madang FC coaches say they are happy with the results of the last Saturday’s game in Lae.
The game which was one of a double-header, was won by City 7-2.
Both teams will represent the country in the OFC Champion’s League which starts next month.
City coach Peter Gunemba said their focus was on the OFC Champion’s League and the NSL games would serve as trial matches.
“Saturday’s game against fellow OFC Champions League contenders, Madang was just one such trial for us (Toti City, who will retain the Lae City Dwellers name in the regional tournament),” Gunemba said.
“As we play week after week we can improve from our mistakes from the previous games and get them corrected, improve and move on.”
He said the Madang side was settling down well with coach Mauri Wasi and doing a fine job, even without some of their experienced players from the previous season.
“It will get time to get his boys through but I think in the likes of Michael Foster, Neil Hans and others, who pick up their form, they’ll be more competitive in the next few games before leaving for the Champions League,” Gunemba said.
Wasi said they have to bounce back and that would determine whether his side were genuine contenders in the NSL and the OFC Champions League.
Wasi said he was happy to give something back to Madang and the country.
“Thanks to Madang FC for giving me the opportunity. I am learning as a coach and hopefully my players and I will learn together. The style of play I am trying to bring across is new and the players are still taking to it.
“At the end of the day we still have to go back and continue to work hard and bounce back in the next game.”