1 week Ago By Vereimi Wara
The Papua New Guinea Kumuls are not taking their opponent, the Vodafone Fiji Bati lightly, as the clock ticks down to Saturday’s thriller at the HFC Bank Stadium. Kumuls coach, Jason Demetriou, has regarded their opponent as a formidable side, and acknowledged the players as well, noting them to be of a world class form. “They are a strong side and they have got some world class players in their ranks, so we know what kind of game it’s going to be,” said Demetriou.
With the showdown between them being anticipated to be one of robust flair and action, he also says the game will be a physical one. “It is going to be a very physical game and controlling the ball is going to be important,” he said. Demetriou says the side has a lot to defend against the Bati, particularly in their attack strategy.
“We know we have got to defend, they (Fiji) love to strike so we have to make sure that we get our defence on and limit their opportunities.” While the side took a prolonged period of time to convene due to most players being a part of the Prime Minister’s XIII national side, who were defeated 20-42 last Sunday in PNG, the coach noted they had acclimatized themselves to the weather very well. “They are acclimatizing very well, most of them are from PNG and it’s been really hot over there, so we’re enjoying a bit of cooler weather (in Fiji),” he said.
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