‘I want to play like Nosaina Pokana because he’s a left arm bowler too.’ Karoho’s dream is to become a Kumul Petroleum PNG Barramundis player. It’s no wonder he looks to Barras bowler Nosaina for inspiration.
Playing in the Pari Cricket Club at the age of seven, the now 18-year-old says making the PIH Under 19 Cricket PNG team was one of his proudest moments. ‘I loved cricket since at a young age. When I was picked, I was very happy, and I was proud. My family was very happy for me too.’
Karoho isn’t the only one in his family to represent PNG in cricket. He says he follows in his cousin’s footsteps, Vagi Kalo who also made the U19 PNG cricket team a few years back. Karoho is proud to carry that legacy through.
As the U19 team continues to train hard and prepare for their World Cup games in the West Indies, Karoho encourages his teammates to simply go out and play well. That is the same talk he gives himself.
‘Yes, I’m ready for the World Cup. I just want to go there and play well and one day become a Barramundis player, just like Nosaina.’
‘I want to experience playing other international teams. I look forward mostly to playing against Pakistan.’
The young bowler from Pari says they have been through intense training before they left, especially the last weeks and so when he has time for himself, he spends as much time as he can resting at home.
‘We have so many trainings so when I go back home, I just relax.’ When he can, he listens to one of his current favourite songs, Nasobe – a Motu hit that’s on top of his playlist.
Karoho looks forward to being with his team on tour and is ready for the challenge ahead.