Papua New Guinea Women’s National Team coach Spencer Prior has named star midfielder Rayleen Bauelua as captain to lead the team against Panama on Sunday.
The match to be played at North Shore Harbor Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, is the opening match for the FIFA Intercontinental Play-off.
Prior said, the 28-year-old Loaua villager from Murat Local Level Government in New Ireland province is a hard worker both on and off the field.
“Rayleen is going to captain the team given her output, work rate, and leadership qualities she has displayed in the team during camps in Australia and New Zealand,” the coach said.
The Mussau lass was nervous when she was told to captain the team.
“I was nervous but very honored and proud to lead my team. It’s a big role, but I am happy to lead,” the PNG midfielder said.