The PNG Football Association this week announced the appointment of Felipe Vega-Arango as the new Head Coach (HC) for the National Kapul’s team. PNGFA President John Kapi Natto said, so far with this new appointment, Felipe is the 13th coach for the national team and will lead the team for three (3) years. “He comes all the way from Spain and is not new to this part of the world and the Oceania region. He spent almost 6-7 years in the Solomon Islands with the SI Football Federation as the head coach and assisting in the technical areas.” Their recent coach, Warren Moon, who was brought in on a short stint did not stay long and Kapi Natto said, they are looking for a long-term coach who is willing to come and stay and develop the sport for the national teams and going down to the youths and grassroots level. “We want a coach that will stay for a long time to develop a strategic plan to take our teams forward,” said Kapi Natto. He said, they have seen his track record and are excited to work alongside coach Felipe. “I know the timing to prepare our men’s national team for the world cup qualifier is just a month away before the team travels to Fiji for the first match against New Caledonia. It’s a great challenge and all of us have put our faith in him.” Kapi Natto added that, with the new incoming coach, it’s a good timing for the development of the new crop of Kapul’s team. Meanwhile, Head Coach Felipe Vega-Arango said, they will start training as early as possible to start preparing the team for the Oceania Qualifies in Fiji next month to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He says discipline is very important and will start trainings around their fitness levels and technique skills. “I believe PNG football can go to the next level, and this is the biggest country in the Oceania region, and I believe you should be doing better and if we are humble and work really hard, we can reach newer and higher heights.” “I also agree with the President, if we start pushing in the youth, we can have a wonderful future for the national teams, all the way from the U16’s to the senior levels.” Coach Felipe said, to get the team to an international level, he will push the team to get them up there, to ensure the team is committed and professional and being respectful to the coach. “We’re going to be very strict in rules, discipline of the players and I believe is key and I believe in the players, and we will start working/training as soon as possible.” He added that, the players need to be willing to work hard to get to the top. He further stated the team list for the Oceania Qualifiers in Fiji will not be out yet.