The Papua New Guinea Kumuls are preparing intensively for their upcoming match against the Vodafone Fiji Bati at HFC Bank Stadium this Saturday. Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou has highlighted the strength of their opponents, acknowledging the Bati as a formidable team with world-class players.
Demetriou stated, “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.” The match is expected to be intense and physical, with Demetriou emphasizing the importance of controlling the ball.
He noted that the Kumuls need to focus on their defense, particularly against the Bati’s attacking strategies. “We know we have got to defend; they (Fiji) love to strike, so we have to make sure that we get our defense on and limit their opportunities,” he explained.
Despite a lengthy preparation period due to many players participating in the Prime Minister’s XIII national side, which recently faced a defeat in PNG, Demetriou mentioned that the players have acclimatized well to the Fijian weather. “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 added.