Young PNG star trials with A-League club
Emmanuel Simongi spent a week training with Brisbane Roar.
Emmanuel Simongi spent a week training with Brisbane Roar.
The 17-year-old has been spending time at the OFC Education Centre for a second year and is one of Papua New Guinea’s brightest prospects.
Simongi made his international debut in the OFC U17 Championship back in February, and helped his nation reach the semi-finals where they were knocked out by eventual winners New Zealand thanks to a goal three minutes into added time.
Simongi has now had the chance to spend a week with Australian A-League side Brisbane Roar’s U17 and U19 teams and took part in an internal game.
Brisbane Roar Academy Director Drew Sherman, who formerly managed the Cook Islands Men’s National Team, had this to say to Football in Oceania about the young midfielder.
“He did quite well, obviously it’s a tough one for him with a new environment and adapting to the pace of training. We will keep an eye on how he goes back at OFC and maintain a dialogue with his coaches about his progress for now.”
Simongi himself was happy with the chance he got and has high hopes for the future.
“I was glad to be invited for the trial and hope that I will secure a spot next year at the Brisbane Roar Academy,” Simongi told the PNGFA website.
Let’s hope Simongi’s dreams can come true.
Thanks to Drew Sherman for his comments. You can find Drew on Twitter here.
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